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Architecture of Nepal
Nepali architecture or Nepalese architecture is a unique blend of artistic and practical considerations. Situated between the trade routes of India, Tibet and China, Nepali architecture reflects influences from these cultural strongholds. The pagoda architectural tradition figures prominently among Hindu temples in the country. In contrast, Buddhist temples reflect the Tibetan tradition of Buddhist architecture and the stupa features prominently. Mugal, summit and dome styles also have great scope in Nepal. Whilst significant influence for Nepal's architecture comes from India, there is also a distinct influence from the Newar people.
Nepal has a variety of distinctive architectural features which are represented in residential, religious and public buildings. Much of Nepal’s architectural history is aligned with the dynasties that ruled at a particular time. Global industrialisation, which occurred between the 18th and 19th centuries, transformed most of the world’s construction. However, Nepal followed a different architectural trajectory.
Some accounts of Nepalese history are told through myth, the earliest of which can be dated back to 1558. One myth describes the architectural development of Kathmandu: There was a lake in Kathmandu and originally, people lived on the higher areas surrounding it. One day a ‘lotus-borne’ fire began on the lake’s surface and Bodhisattva Manjushri (an individual on the path to enlightenment) used his sword to disperse the water from the lake. From this point onwards, people descended into the valley and built their residences there. It is believed that these structures still remain and that this mythical site is now modern-day Kathmandu.
One of the earliest recorded dynasties to hold power in Nepal was the Licchavi kingdom which ruled between the 5th and 7th centuries. During this time, temples such as the Shaiva of Pashupati at Deopatan, the Vaishnav temple of Changu Narayan and the Buddhist stupa of Swayambhu were erected. From the period of Licchavi rule, no buildings remain but there are many surviving sculptures.
From 1786 onwards, Nepal entered its ‘modern era’. In the 18th century, important buildings that remain today were erected such as the Kasthamandap. In 1816, the Shah kingdom ruled and the country's architecture was heavily influenced by the Newar style. During the Shah reign, various temples, fountains and other important buildings were constructed.
From 1846 to 1951 the Rana dynasty ruled, which saw both art and architecture of Nepal become heavily influenced by popular architectural trends in Europe. Significant tax revenue from this period went towards building stucco palaces. Prominent mansions in Kathmandu were adorned with marble tables, bronze figurines and chandeliers. Some of the buildings commissioned during this period have now been converted into hotels and government buildings. Also during the Rana dynasty (in 1848) luxurious palaces were commissioned, some of which remain to this day. Another notable architectural development during this time was the construction of the three Newar pagoda temples.
Between the end of the Rana dynasty and the restoration of democracy in 1990, Nepal’s architecture became significantly more modern. In 1955, the Tribhuvan International Airport was opened and in 1969 there was an official city plan prepared for Kathmandu. In addition, large scale roads were built to create a connection between Nepal and the outside world, and massive concrete structures were built throughout the country.
The architectural ensemble of Nepal is a motley assembly of the following general structures. Each type is unique and distinctive in character and utility. However, most structures share some common techniques and styles:
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Architecture of Nepal
Nepali architecture or Nepalese architecture is a unique blend of artistic and practical considerations. Situated between the trade routes of India, Tibet and China, Nepali architecture reflects influences from these cultural strongholds. The pagoda architectural tradition figures prominently among Hindu temples in the country. In contrast, Buddhist temples reflect the Tibetan tradition of Buddhist architecture and the stupa features prominently. Mugal, summit and dome styles also have great scope in Nepal. Whilst significant influence for Nepal's architecture comes from India, there is also a distinct influence from the Newar people.
Nepal has a variety of distinctive architectural features which are represented in residential, religious and public buildings. Much of Nepal’s architectural history is aligned with the dynasties that ruled at a particular time. Global industrialisation, which occurred between the 18th and 19th centuries, transformed most of the world’s construction. However, Nepal followed a different architectural trajectory.
Some accounts of Nepalese history are told through myth, the earliest of which can be dated back to 1558. One myth describes the architectural development of Kathmandu: There was a lake in Kathmandu and originally, people lived on the higher areas surrounding it. One day a ‘lotus-borne’ fire began on the lake’s surface and Bodhisattva Manjushri (an individual on the path to enlightenment) used his sword to disperse the water from the lake. From this point onwards, people descended into the valley and built their residences there. It is believed that these structures still remain and that this mythical site is now modern-day Kathmandu.
One of the earliest recorded dynasties to hold power in Nepal was the Licchavi kingdom which ruled between the 5th and 7th centuries. During this time, temples such as the Shaiva of Pashupati at Deopatan, the Vaishnav temple of Changu Narayan and the Buddhist stupa of Swayambhu were erected. From the period of Licchavi rule, no buildings remain but there are many surviving sculptures.
From 1786 onwards, Nepal entered its ‘modern era’. In the 18th century, important buildings that remain today were erected such as the Kasthamandap. In 1816, the Shah kingdom ruled and the country's architecture was heavily influenced by the Newar style. During the Shah reign, various temples, fountains and other important buildings were constructed.
From 1846 to 1951 the Rana dynasty ruled, which saw both art and architecture of Nepal become heavily influenced by popular architectural trends in Europe. Significant tax revenue from this period went towards building stucco palaces. Prominent mansions in Kathmandu were adorned with marble tables, bronze figurines and chandeliers. Some of the buildings commissioned during this period have now been converted into hotels and government buildings. Also during the Rana dynasty (in 1848) luxurious palaces were commissioned, some of which remain to this day. Another notable architectural development during this time was the construction of the three Newar pagoda temples.
Between the end of the Rana dynasty and the restoration of democracy in 1990, Nepal’s architecture became significantly more modern. In 1955, the Tribhuvan International Airport was opened and in 1969 there was an official city plan prepared for Kathmandu. In addition, large scale roads were built to create a connection between Nepal and the outside world, and massive concrete structures were built throughout the country.
The architectural ensemble of Nepal is a motley assembly of the following general structures. Each type is unique and distinctive in character and utility. However, most structures share some common techniques and styles: