Architecture in Nepal

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Accounts of the architecture of Nepal as also of her art have hitherto formed sections of general travelogues or isolated chapters in volumes devoted largely to Indian art and architecture. Among the writers of the latter are many scholars who have never visited this secluded and little known country and, therefore, have remained unaware of the possibilities of the subject being treated in its own importance. The present volume is thus the first attempt at studying the architecture of Nepal comprehensively.

Both religious and secular architecture Form the subject matter of the dissertation. Chapter One has been devoted to outlining a general background with particular emphasis on the geographical, ethnical, historical and religious aspects of the country. In the section concerning the historical background, the period of the Lichchhavis, it will be noticed, has been discussed at greater length based on original epigraphical sources as it is both a lesser known as well as a controversial period of Nepalese history. The stupas are exclusively associated with Buddhism.

It has been generally said that Hepal is a microcosm of an India that has long since been a part of history. Although both Nepal and India are distinct national entities, it is an indubitable fact that similar influences have shaped their life and culture over milleniums. While India began changing with the arrival of Islam, Nepal was until recently frozen in an atmosphere that must have prevailed in India on the eve of Muslim conquest. In general Patan, Bhatgaon and Kirtipur still maintain that atmosphere, but the most ostensible evidence survives in the architecture of the country.

Before entering into the subject, however, it would be worthwhile to define our scope and take stock of our general limitations. The greater part of the country is still in- accessible to the ordinary traveller and the difficulties involved in a journey across the mountains are insurmountable. The scope of this work is thus limited geographically to the principal valley in the country, namely the valley drained by the River Bagmati. But, despite its comparatively small area, historically this valley remains the country's most important cultural crucible where the various elements have intermingled over milleniums to create her distinctive civilization.