History of Nepalese Architecture

Syllabus

1. Pre-historic Period (3 hours)
   1. Study of the Gopal and Mahishpal periods with reference to Purans and Vamshavali
   2. Architecture development in the Kirat period: sites, palaces, deochhen
2. Lichchhavi Period (6 hours)
   1. Architectural development studied through sites, palaces, temples, chaityas, water spouts
   2. Planning and design concepts, form development, symbolism, ecological aspects, materials and technologies
3. Malla Period (28 hours)
   1. Malla architectural development focused on palaces, temples, house forms, streetscapes, stupas and chaityas, bahal and bahil, pati and sattal
   2. Study of planning, design, form, function and symbolism
   3. How climate, geography, technology and other factors shaped Malla era architecture
4. Shah Period and Rana Sub-period (4 hours)
   1. Shah architectural development: palaces, temples, Dharahara and other structures
   2. Rana architecture: palaces, gardens, clock towers and riverside development
   3. Planning, design idea, materials and building techniques of the period
5. Development Outside the Valley (4 hours)
   1. Historical locations including Kakrebihar, Lumbini, Tilaurakot, Gorkha, Janakpur, Makwanpur Gadhi and Ramgram
   2. Traditional Terai, hill and mountain architecture such as Tharu settlements, the Jhong cave in Chhoser, and Mustang villages

Practicals

Fifteen hours: students visit a historical site and compile inventory documents detailing the architectural features of traditional buildings, with field visits managed by the campus or college.