Very little is known about this period in the history of Nepal. The Kirats ruled for about 1000 years and were ruled by a total of 28 kings during that time. The first and best remembered king was Yalambar. Legend credits him with meeting Indra, the lord of heaven, who ventured into the Valley in human guise. He had the dubious honor of being slain in the epic battle of the Mahabharata, in which gods and mortals fought alongside each other.

Another remarkable event during this period is the coming of Gautam Buddha in the time of the seventh king. The Buddha supposedly spent time in Patan, where he elevated the blacksmith caste to goldsmiths and bestowed upon them the name of his own clan, Sakya.

The great emperor of India, Ashoka, was also a visitor to Kathmandu in this period. As a follower of Buddhism, Ashoka visited Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and erected stupas in Kathmandu. His daughter married a local prince and further spread the religion. As the Kirat dynasty came to an end in the valley, parts still remained in the eastern mountains where they are considered to be

the forefathers of today�s Rai and Limbu castes.

History of NEPAL • The metropolitan city is located in the

northwestern part of Kathmandu Valley. • The city covers an area of The average

elevation is above sea level. The city is bounded by the Lalitpur Sub-metropolitan City to the south, Kirtipur Municipality to the southwest, Madyapur Thimi Municipality to the east, and different Village Development Committees of Kathmandu to the north, the west, and the northeast.

• However, the urban agglomerate of Kathmandu-Patan-Kirtipur-Thimi-Bhaktapur covers the entire valley and extends beyond the valley to satellite towns of Banepa, Panauti, and Dhulikhel in

the east.

Geography

Climate

• Five major climatic regions are found in Nepal. Of these, Kathmandu Valley is in the Warm Temperate Zone (elevation ranging from ), where the climate is fairly temperate, atypical for the region.

• the city with lower elevations have a mild humid subtropical climate, while portions of the city with higher elevations generally have a subtropical highland climate.

• Kathmandu Valley, which is representative of its valley's climate, the average summer temperature varies from . The average winter temperature is .

religions

The cultural and

religious life of the

people was highly

developed under the

Kiratas, The main religion

of nepal was

Hinduism.

they worshipped

Lord Shiva, serpents,

trees, stones etc. The

images of Kiratewar

Mahadev and

Birupakshya show the

standard of architecture

of the Kiratas and

Lichchavi.

Buddhism

It flourished under

the Kiratas & Lichchavi. The stupas, pagodas, and

temples were all built on

the model of Buddhist art.

Main periods of nepal

Kirat Period (800 B.C.-300 A.D.)

Lichhavi and Thakuri Period (300-1200 A.D.)

Malla Period (1200-1769 A.D.)

Shah Period (1769- present)

Architectural character

The ancient trade route between India and Tibet that passed through Kathmandu enabled a fusion of artistic and architectural traditions from other cultures to be amalgamated with local art and architecture.

The monuments of Kathmandu City have been influenced over the centuries by Hindu and Buddhist religious practices.

Durbar squares of Hanuman Dhoka, Patan and Bhaktapur, Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and Changunarayan, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Boudhanath.

Kumari Ghar

palace in the center of the Kathmandu city

the Durbar square

where a Royal Kumari selected from several Kumaris resides. Kumari, or Kumari Devi,

the tradition of worshipping young pre-pubescent girls as manifestations of the divine female energy or devi in South Asian countries.

Kasthamandap

a three-storied temple enshrining an image of Gorakhnath.

It was built in the 16th century in pagoda style. The name of Kathmandu is a derivative of the word Kasthamandap.

It was built under the reign of King Laxmi Narsingha Malla.

Kasthamandap stands at the intersection of two ancient trade routes linking India and Tibet at Maru square.

It was originally built as a rest house for travelers.

Pashupatinath temple

The Pashupatinath Temple is a famous 5th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Pashupati).

Located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu,

Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu.

Pashupatinath temple

The Pashupatinath Temple is a famous 5th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Pashupati).

Located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu,

Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu.

.

Boudhanath

(also written Bouddhanath, Bodhnath,

Baudhanath or the Khāsa Chaitya), is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, along with Swayambhu.

It is a very popular tourist site.

Boudhanath is known as Khāsti by

Newars and as Bauddha or Bodhnāth by speakers of Nepali.

Located about from the center and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, the stupa's massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal

During the rule of the Kiratas, Nepal made

considerable progress in the field of art and

architecture, trade and commerce. The Kiratis

were not only good warriors but also good

administrators. Men and women were treated

equally. Criminals were given severe punishment.

For the administration of justice, law-courts

were established at several places-Kuther,

Shuli, Lingual, Mapchok etc.

Trade and commerce flourished under the Kiratas. Nepal had trade relations with Tibet, China and India.

The exports of Nepal mainly consisted of: o wool, o woollen goods, o wood and herbs.

the Kirat rule is very significant one being the longest period that extended from pre-historic to historic period.

In ancient Hindu Scriptures, Nepal is referred as the "Kirat Desh" or "the Land of Kirats".

KIRAT PERIOD

Temple of Taleju

The Goddess Taleju was considered to be the royal goddess of the Malla Kings. Therefore at least one temple of the Taleju was built in each Malla Kingdom.

The temple of Taleju in Kathmandu lies on the northern side of the palace with private access directly from the palace.

This thirty-five meters high temple is the most significant feature of the Kathmandu Palace Complex.

Yalambar laid the foundation of the Kirat dynasty that lasted for about 1225 years.

he Kirats revere him as God King these days.In the chronicle of Banasawali

the Kirat rule existed from about 1500 BC to 300 BC. During this long period altogether 29 Kirat Kings ruled over the country.

The twenty-nine Kings were:

Siddhartha Guatama,

a prince of the Sakya clan, was

born in the Lumbini area of Nepal. He would

later become the Buddha.

Buddha or "Enlightened One”

the founder of Buddhism, one of the great religions of the world. Many miracles are said to have herald his birth.

1.Yalambar 2.Pari 3. 3.Skandhar 4.Balamba 5.Hriti 6.Humati 7.Jitedasti 8.Galinja 9.Oysgja 10.Suyarma

11.Papa 12.Bunka 13.Swawnand 14.Sthunko 15.Jinghri 16.nane 17.luka 18.Thor 19.Thoko 20.Verma

21.Guja 22.Pushkar 23.Keshu 24.Suja 25.Sansa 26.Gunam 27.Khimbu 28.Patuka 29.Gasti

the Indian Emperor Ashok had his inspections engraved on rocks and a stone-pillar. The pillar known as Ahok-pillar still stands.

he had built four stupas in four directions and one in the centre of Patan. These monuments speak of the historical fact of Ashok's visit to the valley.

the 28th Kirat King Patuka had built a royal palace called "Patuka" there for him. The 'Patuka' palace is no more to be seen now except its ruins in the form of mound.

Patuka had changed Shankhamul into a beautiful town.

Ahok-pillar stupah of ashok

The last King of the Kirat dynasty was Gasti. He proved to be a weak ruler and was overthrown by the Sombanshi ruler Nimisha. It brought to the end of the powerful Kirat dynasty that had lasted for about 1225 years

The Lichchavi Period

Mana Deva

Mana Deva was the most famous king among the Lichchhavi rulers.

He erected an image of Tribikram Narayan at Lazimpat. He built a famous royal palace that was called 'Mangriha' at Gokarna from where the administration of the country was conducted

Mana Deva also introduced Nepalese coins for the first time, known as “Mananka”

He also built the shrine of Changunarayan, and renovated the Chakra Mahavihar.

He is considered to be the first king of Nepal having historical authenticity.

Regarded as the golden age of Nepal.

The post Lichchavi period is considered as the dark age.

The Lichchavis has genius for the reconstruction of whole of the country. With them the nation entered a new phase of prosperity in art and culture, painting, architecture and sculpture flourished highly and realized a new height of development.

When Siddhartha realized the misery of the world, he left his palace, his father, his wife and his children, and wandered for seven years seeking the truth. He reached spiritual enlightenment while sitting under a Bo-tree. He spent the remainder of his life teaching the people who gathered about him.

Royal palace

“mangriha”

Nepalese coins

“mananka” the shrine of Changu

narayan

Shiva Deva

From the very beginning of his rule, he placed Amshuverma in charge of the entire administration of the country.

Shiva Deva I was impressed by Amshuverma's heroism and administrative ability.

Amshuverma

During the reign of Shivadeva, Amshuverma was the de-facto ruler. At the death of Shivadeva in 605 A.D

he became the sole sovereign and adopted the title of king.

He belonged to the Thakuri clan and thus he established the Thakuri dynasty in Nepal.

King Shiva Deva used to say that Amshuverma was a man of universal fame and he always destroyed his enemies by his heroic nature.

He built 'Kailashkut Bhawan' at Devapattan and transferred the seat of government from Mangriha to Kailashkut. He also minted coins in his name.

Nepal had trade relations with India, Tibet and China and it became the thoroughfare of India's trade with China and vice versa.

Hieun-Tseng

Hiun-Tseng was a Buddhist monk of China. In about 630 A.D. he visited India via Tashkent to study Buddhism.

He stayed in India for 14 Hieun-Tseng years and visited Varanasi, Gaya, Kushinagar Kapilvastu and Lumbini. Though he did not visit Kathmandu Valley,

Successor of Amsuverma

After the death of Amshuverma, Usay Dev I, son of Shivadeva, ascended the throne. He was dethroned by his younger brother, Dhurba Dev.

He went to Tibet and took shelter under Srong Tsang Gampo. Jisnu Gupta, chief of the Avir dynasty, helped Dhruba Dev to acquire the throne.

Kailashkut Bhavan was the adminitrative centre of the country.

Jisnu Gupta became the de-facto ruler. He minted coins in his name as Amshuverma had done, and declared himself the king of Nepal.

Narendra Deva

Narendra Dev was the son of Uday Dev II. Uday Dev had to take shelter under the Tibetan King Srong-Tsang-Gompo. Narendra Dev, with Tibetan aid took revenge against the enemy of his father and restored his ancestral throne by defeating Bishnu Gupta.

He was a wise and good ruler. He always wished to see his people happy and prosperous.

They used utensils of copper. They wore long and loose garments covering the whole body.

They worshipped Panchayan i.e., five Gods- Ganesh, Shiva, Bishnu, the Sun God and Goddess Durga.

the rule of Narendra Dev proved to be much advanced in all fields, particularly in art and architecture. He died in 683 A.D.

Jaya Deva II

After Shivadeva II, Jaya Deva II ascended the throne. He married Rajyavati, the daughter of King Harsha Dev of Koshal. He was a learned man and a great poet.

Tibet made an unsuccessful attempt to invade Nepal, but was defeated at the hands of the Nepalese.

Tibetan king was killed in the confrontation. Jaya Deva II ruled in Nepal till 729 A.D.

Aramudi

Aramudi was also known as Baradeva. He made Lalitpatan (Patan) his capital, He was a brave and clever king.

According to Kalhan's 'Rajtarangini' King Vanayaditya Vinayaditya was a powerful king of Kashmir from 770 A.D. to 800 A.D.

He conquered many principalities of India and then advanced to occupy Nepal in 782 A.D.

Earliest surviving record from the Licchavis. Most of the Licchavi records are reports of religious donations to mainly Hindu temples and the language of the records is Sanskrit.

"Siva and Parvati Set" ca. 5th-6th century

stone

male figure, standing ca. 1st-3rd century

C.E

Malla era, Period of Nepal’s history when the

Kathmandu Valley was ruled by the Malla dynasty (10th–18th century).

The Malla ruler Jaya Sthiti (r. c. 1382–95)

introduced a legal and social code strongly influenced by contemporary Hindu principles.

Malla Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of Nepal from the 12th to the 18th century.

It was during their reign that the people living in and around the Kathmandu Valley began to be called "Newars" (or Nepa: mi in Nepal Bhasa, meaning citizens of Nepal).

The Mallas were the ruling clan of the Malla Mahajanapada. They have claimed Kshatriya status themselves.

The Mallas (literally "wrestlers" in Sanskrit) had been forced out of India and

The first of the Malla kings came to power in Kathmandu Valley around 1200.

The Malla period was a golden one that stretched over 550 years, though it was peppered with fighting over the valuable trade routes to Tibet.

Malla Period

Shiva Deva II

After the death of Narendra Dev, his son Shivadeva II ruled from 684 to 705 A.D. He married Betsa Devi, the daughter of king Bhogaverma of Magadha. Due to this matrimonial relation, he maintained a very good relationship with the powerful Magadha kingdom of India.

Architecture in Kathmandu Valley during Malla Dynasty

Near the palace of the Malla dyansty rulers in Lalitpur with pillar and statue of king Yoga Narendra Malla (Lalitpur).

Royal palace and

hindu temples in

patan. (lalitpur)

Bhaktapur

Taumadhi square.

Temple of nyatapola

(bhaktapur)

Bhaktapur durbar

square

Kasthamandap

complex (kantipur)

Old royal palace in

Kathmandu (kantipur)

Basantapur palace

complex (kantipur)

Jayasthiti Malla (1354-1395)

o was the most famous of all the Malla Kings. As a great reformer, o he codified the whole structure of the Nepalese society in a strictly orthodox Hindu frame. o Jayasthiti was a builder of temples and a patron of art and literature. He was also an economic reformer and introduced a system of measuring land and houses.

Pratap Malla

o was the King of Kantipur, today’s Kathmandu. o He was an authority in religion, music, and the art of warfare. And though he was a Hindu, he tolerated other religions. o He even reconstructed the Buddhist shrine of Swayambunath. He constructed Krishna Mandir, the Shrine of Taleju, Rani Pokhari, and Guheswari temple.

Jaya Prakash Malla

o Jaya Prakash was the last King of Kantipur. Although brave and confident, he was unlucky. o He tried to save the Valley from a Gorkha attack, calling for unity among the three states around Kathmandu. But he was not heeded to. o Even calling on the army from the East India Company did not help. Fighting within his family was partly to blame.

Ranjit Malla

o Ranjit Malla was the last King of Bhaktapur. As a lover of rare and precious things, he added many courtyards to his palace. And to improve economic conditions in his Kingdom, he imported silver exporting it as coins

Shah Period

the beginning of the modern era in Kathmandu. The Battle of Kirtipur was the start of the Gorkha conquest of the Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu was adopted as the capital of the Gorkha empire, and the empire itself was dubbed Nepal. During the early part of this era, Kathmandu maintained its distinctive culture. Buildings with

characteristic Nepali architecture, such as the nine-story tower of Basantapur, were built during this era.

Bhimsen Thapa supported France against Great Britain; this led to the development of modern military structures, such as modern barracks in Kathmandu. Dharahara, the nine storied tower, was built during this era.

the panchayat system was made, under the panchayat system was:.

no political parties were allowed

human rights were denied

corruption was rampant

state money was misused

economic development did not take place

"nationalist" slogans were given, but no improvement in the day-to-day life of the people was realized

Basantapur Tower

It is on the south side of the Nassal chowk. This tower is based on a rectangular plan.

It has nine stories, a four-tiered roof and a copper pinnacle at the top.

This thirty meters high tower was built to create a pleasant pavilion and was named Basantapur Tower, meaning ‘the pleasant pavilion’.

Dharahara Tower

also called Bhimsen Tower, is a nine storey (61.88m) tall tower at the center of Sundhara

The tower has a spiral staircase containing 213 steps.

the 8th floor holds a circular balcony for observers that provides a panoramic view of the whole Kathmandu valley.

The tower has a 5.2m bronze mast on the roof.

Main Materials used:

Vajra-Surki (Brick dust),

Chuna (Lime),

Mas (Black lentil)

Chaku (Caramel)

Nasal Chowk

is a courtyard which follows the main entrance and consists of the coronation platform in the center.

Important buildings here are the private quarters of the kings, the Audience Chamber and the five storey Panch Mukhi Hanuman temple. To the southern end of Nasal Chowk is the nine storey Basantapur Tower,

adorned with erotic carvings on its facade and offers fantastic views of the palace, square and the Old Town from the top.

TECHNIOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES 938 AURORA BLDV. CUBAO QUEZON CITY

AR333A “Nepalese ARCHITECTURE”

ASSIGNMENT # 7

RAVENA HARIETTE A. AR31FC1

ARCH. LANCE DOLORES II September 30, 2014

Significance of the Study

This significance of this research is to discuss the following

information about Nepalese Architecture, It’s history, it’s dynasties

who ruled that era, and the religion that influenced nepal’s

architecture and it’s deve,opement of it’s government and civilization

It’s to be able to recognize and appreciate it’s unique, detailed and

one of a kind designs and ornaments specially it’s arts. To be able to

learn and develop the different techniques in terms in construction in

preserving and rebuilding one of the most amazing architecture in

ancient history and also To be able to apply it on designing and

planning future buildings that are to be erected in the near future.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

TITLE: PAGE

History of NEPAL……………………………….………….……………………..…..…….…1

religions………………………………….……………..……………………………….…….…..2 Kasthamandap……...…….…….……..…………………..……………….……..…………..3

KIRAT PERIOD…………………………….……….……………………………..…..…………..4 Siddhartha Guatama, ………..……………………….…………………….….……….…5

The Lichchavi Period …………………………..…..………………………………………6

Malla Period……………………………………………………………………………………7 Architecture in Kathmandu Valley during Malla

Dynasty…………………….………………………………………………………………………8

Basantapur Tower.….………………………………………………………………………9

Bibliography……..…….……………………………………………………………………...10

Bibliography

www.webpages.uidaho.edu/arch499/nonwest/nepal/Temples/Kathmandu www.trotmate.com/countries/nepal/cities/kathmandu

www.wikipedia.com/mallaera