Nepalese Architecture

Ref.: 283
Área temática: 04 Abstracts donde los autores no han indicado el área temática.
Fecha de recepción: 30/11/2008

AUTORES (* Autor principal)

RAJ RAWAT, Bharat * (Nepal) - National Museum of Nepal

ABSTRACT

Nepal although a Hindu country it is dwelt by people of different religions. After the Hindus, Buddhists are the second largest group in this country. Other groups are in minority. In the ancient Nepalese architect the influence of Hindu philosophy ass well as Buddhist philosophy can be widely seen. Thus the ancient Nepalese architect can be classified into the following categories.
1. Hindu Architecture- The best example of Hindu Architecture in Nepal is different Hindu temples and Mathas (Monastery). The temples and Mathas (Monastery).
2. The Shikhar style temple has been built using stone and mud mortar or lime Surkhi mortar (Bajra Mortar) or terracotta (brick) and Bajra mortar. In this style of architecture there are three or four stairs of plinth level on which the temple is erected. Even the figures and statue of god and goddess are of terracotta. In this case also the Gajurs may be of gold-gilded metals or of terracotta. In case of brick temple of Shikharas style the doors and beams are generally of wooden members, the Carness is also of wooden members. Thus it can be concluded that the Shikharas style of temple present in Nepal are erred using stone, wood, terracotta and bricks. The joining materials are mud Mortar or Bajra Mortar. Multi-roofed temple also called as Nepalese style temple is very common in Nepal. They are generally one- storied, three-storied and five stored. Four storied temple are very rare in Nepal and there are only two temples of four-storied. These temples have been erected on one, four and five types of plinth. The walls of such temples are of brick and the windows and doors are of wooded members. The stout, pillars and menthes are all of wooden members. The roofs are covered by wooden beams and planks. After planking, it is covered by soil and tiles. In some case instead of using soil and tiles after planking with wooden members, copper-sheets of suitable size have been used. These copper sheets are gilded with gold in some cases. It includes Stupas, charity and Bihar. Stupas are pagoda style of Buddhist temples. They are dome-shaped in style and generally made of brick and plastered with Bajra mortar and generally white washed with lime from above. In Nepal secular architecture consists of ancient palace, Sattal and pâtés. Ancient palaces have been built by different rulers at different times. Sattal and Patis have been built by different rules at different times while palaces were built for kings, Sattal and pâtés were built for those who did not have permanent home so that they could come and could get temporary shelter. Generally Patis are single storied, stalls are generally 2 storied. Palaces are generally 2 storied or 3 storied. Palaces have been built from all four sides whereas Patis and stalls have been built from one side only. Whether it is palaces, Sattal or patio the material used for their construction are similar.The brick is very shining from the front side. The process of construction of the palaces is also similar to Sattal but the wooden gate, windows, wooden Carness are very artistic and the palaces have been built from all four sides. Thus a courtyard is always there. It includes Dhunge Dhara (stone tape) and ancient wells. These were built by local people or some rulers for the continuous supply of water. Since during roof covering mud and tiles have been used in palaces, Patis and stalls. Since large quantities of wooden members have been used hence insect like termites can easily damage the wooden members thus helping to collapse the structure. In case of stone and terracotta temples salt formation is another problem. The metal portions of the metal (copper shit) have been corroded due to atmospheric pollutants. During conservation of these monuments which is carried out by the department of archaeology, a thorough investigation of the problem is first of all carried out and a proper documentation is made and then necessary steps are taken. For the removal of plants different herbicible are used and after killing the plants it is taken out and then necessary repair work is done. From the control of the insect for wooden members suitable insecticides are applied but those wooden members who are badly damaged by insects attack then a replacement is done. Salts from stone and terracotta temple are taken by paper pulp method continuously checking the presence of salt by 5% silver nitrate solution.

BIBLIOGRAFÍA