ARCHITECTURE

Evidence of the eminence of Nepalese architecture have withstood the ravages of the elements over ages. The work of master architects can be seen to this day in the form of residential homes, even private houses and cottages, public places, religious shrines and temples as well as handicrafts of all kinds.

One reason for the pristine nature of Nepal’s architecture staying intact through history could be political history of the country, in the nature it fended off colonialism.

The influence of neighbouring India and China with which Nepal has maintained intimate contacts throughout its history too is reflected in the mixed and compounded culture evident in the structures that dot the landscape. Yet, in-spite of such influences and mingling of cultures, the Nepalese style of construction of stupas or pagodas evolved into an original style of its own in the third century. This peculiarly Nepalese style later spread over and extended to India, China and other countries of South and South-east Asia.

Nepalese styled single or double roofed houses, ancient Hindu temples, multiple roofed and pagoda styled Buddhist temples are mostly enriched with detailed works of art in the forms of stone or wooden carvings, typical doors and windows, decorated interiors and painted panels, all of which stand distinctively to exhibit the originality of Nepalese arts and architecture to this day.