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ABOUT NEPAL
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OUTSIDE NEPAL
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THE FAME OF ARNIKO
In the 13th Century, Arniko, a Newar architect and master craftsman of Bhaktapur, was invited to build a stupa in Tibet at the request of Kublai Khan. Word had reached the ears of the Mongol emperor about Arniko's prowess as a master builder. Soon, after the initial assignment, Arniko was conscripted into the Court of China as "The Controller of Imperial Manufacture."
Other Newari craftsmen were also invited to Tibet and China. On their return, they brought back a new style, which was a fusion of their original newari style combined with Tibetan (Chinese) art. An example of this style is seen in the Golden Gate of Bhaktapur, which was built in 1754. It has Tibetan and Chinese motifs inlaid among the periodic designs.
COMMUNES OF CLAY
Bricks were the main components used in construction. The Newari builders had devised a method of strengthening regular-fired bricks by mixing oil to the clay. Called Chikau Uppa (or Telia Eet in Nepali) meaning "oiled brick," this novel technique brought about stronger and longer-lasting constructions. Houses, temples, street and courtyards were all constructed with this brick.
Besides the three principle cities, other settlements grew around the Kathmandu Valley. Fortresses were set up at strategic points to serve as defense outposts which also provided protection to the farming community spread all across the Valley. Others grew up along the flourishing trade routes. Wary of attack by bandits and foreign invaders, people built their houses in close clusters, often on higher ground and high walls further fortified these.
PAUBHA -NEWARI PAINTINGS
From the 11th century, religious manuscripts were being embellished with paintings. Buddhism inspired the earliest of these. Drawn on palm leaf strips, these simple ink sketches were accented with basic natural colors. After the 15th century, paper began to replace the leaf.
The Newars also had a miniature form of painting till the 14th century that was distantly related to the Indian Pahari School. Thereafter, that from gave way to scrolls painting. Like the craftsmen, Newar painters had also been invited to Tibet to paint murals and scrolls in the monasteries. Tibet was then a prosperous trading country. Traders travelling the Silk Route brought in merchandise from other kingdoms and this provided an opportunity for the artists from Kathmandu to study the arts of the other parts of Asia. As a result, they were able to incorporate their own and other styles into the traditional Tibetan art and evolves a whole new genre. When the Newar artists returned back to their Kingdoms once more, they used their knowledge to create splendid works of art in Kathmandu valley.
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