NEPAL

NEPAL
ARCHITECTURE
RAJ NANDINI
230barch060
TABLE OF CONTENTS
01 - DIVING INTO NEPAL
02- TRADITIONAL NEPALESE ARCHITECTURE
03-MALLA PERIOD ARCHITECTURE
04-NEWA ARCHITECTURE
05-RANA PERIOD
06- MODERN ARCHITECTURE

TRADITIONAL
ARCHITECTURE
1) PAGODA STYLE: pagoda style have been
around since the 3rd century BCE, during the
time of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautam. The
earliest pagodas were known as stupas, which
were hemispherical structures built to house
sacred objects, often those of the Buddha or
his disciples. As Buddhism spread to other
Asian countries, the shape of the pagoda
changed according to pre-existing cultural
norms .
This style was` originally introduced from
China through Tibet but has evolved uniquely
in Nepal. The tiered pagoda structure,
characterized by multi-roofed levels that
diminish in size ascendingly, is most famously
represented by the Nyatapola Temple in
Bhaktapur.
2) STUPA STYLE : The stupa (“stupa” is Sanskrit for 3) SHIKHARA STYLE : The Shikhara style of
heap) is an important form of Buddhist architecture, temple architecture was developed by the Guptas
though it predates Buddhism. It is generally in the 6th century and was later adopted by the
considered to be a sepulchral monument—a place of Lichhavi dynasty. Shikhara temples are often
burial or a receptacle for religious objects. At its made of brick and have a square cell with a
simplest, a stupa is a dirt burial mound faced with tapering tower that symbolizes mountains and
stone. The stupas were constructed here from 3rd caves. The temples are usually built on a stepped
century BC until 8th or 9th century AD through the platform with molded courses to protect them
Mauryan, Sunga, Kushana and Gupta periods. Stupas from dampness and make them look more
erected at Lumbini Sacred Garden are of different respectable. The exteriors of Shikhara style
types, designs and styles, primarily having square,
temples are often decorated with intricate and
rectangular and circular bases.
highly elaborated artworks.
`
MALLA PERIOD
ARCHITECTURE
The rulers of the Malla period (c. 1201–1779 CE) patronized both Buddhist and Hindu beliefs and
traditions, which led to both forms of religious iconography flourishing in art and sculpture..
During the Malla dynasty from the 12th to the 18th century, Nepalese architecture flourished
with the construction of many palaces, courtyards (bahals or chowks), and temples, reflecting
the prosperity and artistic achievements of that era. The palaces in the Durbar Squares of
Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur exemplify the intricate wood carvings and brickwork of the
period
NEWAR ARCHITECTURE
Newari architecture is the traditional style of architecture of the
Newars, the original inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. It is a
result of thousands of years of development and is characterized by the
use of wood and brick. Newari architecture includes the pagoda, stupa,
shikhara, and chaitya styles. The valley's trademark is the multiple-
roofed pagoda, which may have originated in this area and spread to
India, China, Indo-china, and Japan.
Unique to the Kathmandu Valley, this style incorporates beautifully

carved wooden windows and doors, and brick buildings with tiled roofs.
The residential buildings typically feature a rectangular courtyard
(chowk) that houses a water spout (hiti) and is surrounded by multiple
stories of living spaces.
Bahal and Bihar: These are monastic courtyards which often include
a main shrine and are surrounded by residential quarters for monks.
RANA ARCHITECTURE
The Rana dynasty ruled Nepal from 1846 to 1951, during which time the
country's architecture was heavily influenced by European trends. Rana
architecture is characterized by the use of Victorian and European
architectural elements, such as white plaster, neo-classical, Baroque, or
industrial style, columns of different orders, and large French windows.
Here are some notable buildings from the Rana period:

Narayan Hiti Durbar
Built in 1847 by Jung Bahadur Rana in neo-classical style, this building
was remodeled and made larger in 1889. It served as the Shah Kings'
royal palace until the monarchy was overthrown in the 1990s.
Singha Durbar palace
Built in 1908 by the Rana Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher JBR, this
building served as the royal palace of the Rana dynasty
MODERN ARCHITECTURE
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. Modern architectural
practices in Nepal blend traditional styles with new
technologies and materials. Earthquake resistance has
become a significant focus in contemporary building
designs, particularly after the 2015 earthquake.
Nepal’s architecture not only showcases the country's

rich history and cultural diversity but also demonstrates
the adaptability of its architectural traditions to
contemporary needs and influences.
THANK YOU
source : BOOK NEPAL : NOSTALGIA ND MODERNITY
VIDEO SOURCE(S) : https://youtu.be/gCRNEJxDJKM?si=LnlSywejsXL95YHP
https://youtu.be/89s6vHB6_Gw?si=1vfjYFHrbW08TMQY
https://youtu.be/F5ZjzCbPooA?si=GF3Qrhg1wOnZrKss

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02- TRADITIONAL NEPALESE ARCHITECTURE

03-MALLA PERIOD ARCHITECTURE

06- MODERN ARCHITECTURE

Unique to the Kathmandu Valley, this style incorporates beautifully

Here are some notable buildings from the Rana period:

Nepal’s architecture not only showcases the country's

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