ANIKO

Also known as Arniko, Aniko Balbahu is one of the greatest artists of Neapl of all times. In the 13th century, at the request of Emperor Kublai Khan of China, a delegation of 80 skilled artists was sent by the then king of Nepal, Jaya Bhim Dev to supervise the construction of a golden stupa in Lhasa, Tibet. Aniko, a young, talented artist, led the team of architects. He went to Lhasa in 1260 A.D. and on reaching there, he immediately set himself to the task, which he accomplished with remarkable success. Later, he went to China and stood in presence of Kublai Khan to whom he impressed by his witty conversation. Knowing him as an architect of distinction, Kublai Khan asked him to repair a copper statue of a Sung Emperor. Aniko accomplished it with such perfection that Chinese artists were astonished. His works of art, with their unchallenged perfection, led him to become the chief architect in the court of the Emperor. In course of time he was given various titles and high honours for his achievements. White Pagoda (Pai Ta Sze) in Peking, other pieces of art works made by Aniko and Nepalese architectural styles were later adopted elsewhere in China all of which still stand fixed for ever to mark closer ties between Nepal and China.