In close proximity of one another, the three ancient cities – Kathmandu (earlier, Kantipur), Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur), and Patan (Lalitpur) – in the Himalayan Hindu kingdom Nepal, are unique. Each one is an amazing repository of exotic architecture and sculptures as well as varied charming artefacts. Glimpsing these cities, a visitor would in all likelihood, infer the Kathmandu valley as an exciting, veritable, living, open-air museum of mesmerising art-heritage.
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The very name Kathmandu, derived from the Sanskrit word Kasthamandapam, refers to the wooden structures in the form of pagodas temples) over the beautiful valley. While it is not exactly known when the first civilisation flourished in this region, the cultural roots evidently date back several thousand years. Popular belief holds that Gautama Buddha— born in 624 B.C. at Lumbini, then in India—visited the valley, along with his disciple Ananda, to preach Buddhism. Over the centuries, the evolving culture gradually harmonised and bonded the two prevalent faiths, Buddhism and Hinduism, in a unique way. Though the only Hindu kingdom of the world, even today Buddhism is followed here by many and has an important place in the Nepalese way of life. The people themselves belong to multi-ethnic groups; their individual cultures and traditions are blended into a unified, holistic heritage, as revealed in the vibrant art and architecture of the region.
The medieval period saw the development of a highly refined civilisation in the valley, which left indelible impressions on its architecture. It is best known for its characteristic style of town planning, the placement of monuments and palaces, and their decorative shapes. As in other regions, topography, climate and habitat have influenced the styles here. The highly urban brick and wood architecture, a style native to Nepal, reached its zenith during the rule of the Malla Kings, between the 13th and 18th centuries A.D. These homogeneous brick-built habitations of the Newars—the major community of Nepalese population—were ideal for their times when ethnic conflicts and invasions were common, and people had to live close to one another, within the protective walls of the city.
The multi-tiered pagoda style roofs commonly seen are attributed to the influence of Arniko, the 13th century architect who came here from Tibet. However, much of the grandeur of the city of Bhaktapur, with its discernable ibetan influence, is owed to the great creative flair of King Bhupatindra Malla. In A.D. 1708 he built, along with several other important monuments, the superb temple Nyatapola, a five storeyed grand structure decorated with a row of magnificent stone sculptures on the stairs. Nyatapola is considered the tallest as well as the best specimen of all pagoda style architectures in Nepal. The imposing hemispherical shrines of Boudhnath, and Swayambhunath in the outskirts of Kathmandu bear great resemblance to the architectural concept of the magnificent Stupas of Sanchi built in the 3rd century B.C. Similarly, the Sun Dhoka or the Golden Gate in Bhaktapur displays a fine harmony of Tibetan, Chinese and Nepal's own Newari styles of art and craftsmanship.
It is believed that even today, one can find about 3,500 ornate temples as well as a million smaller shrines in the valley.
