Architecture Immortalises Relationship

"Architecture is not about math or zoning; it’s about visceral emotions." Marc Kushner. Architecture doesn’t only create the attraction; it also leaves an impression on the people. Architecture unites us rather than divides us. It connects us more than it separates us.It adds to the relationship between the people and the country rather than subtracting from it. Therefore, it is also a sacred medium for establishing keen relationships with other countries and people. If so, how does architecture keep the relationship alive and vibrant between Nepal and China? What factors would make it possible?

 Historical Background

The relationship between China and Nepal is very long and memorable. Though the relationship arose from trade, it is clear that architecture has contributed to the two countries' profound and significant relationship. Both countries have their own histories of architectural styles and building designs. But it got a chance to flourish, and exchange from one to another would become possible through the concept of 3T, which means: Trade, trend of sending religious envoys (messengers) and tradition of cross-country marriage practices

Thus, the given factors have played a crucial role in extending and enlarging the relationship through the aesthetic value of the architecture. 

China's Architectural Structures

Pavilions

Pavilions are buildings that are used for artistic purposes. They consist of a platform of stone and a grid of wooden pillars. The meeting of pillars and beams is fixed with brackets, which support the structure and allow for overhanging roofs. In Chinese culture, it symbolises hope for a bright future.

Pagoda Style

A pagoda, with its multiple storeys, was frequently erected in Buddhist temple complexes to house a religious statue.They were made of brick, stone, or wood. Most of them were formed to have a religious function related to Buddhism. It symbolises a path to heightened awareness and perception.

Nepalese Architecture and Construction

Pagoda Style

The unique characteristic of this style is that it is multi-storied, mainly constructed with bricks and clay, with wooden columns to support the structure. The space on the floor decreases. We can see a slanting roof on each floor. On top, the structure usually has a golden pinnacle. The main entrance is beautifully carved with different subjects.

Stupa or Chaitya Style

Chaitya is a place of prayer or worship, while a stupa is a funeral monument. It consists of a hemispherical dome at the base. Above this dome is the rectangular object painted with eyes and a nose, along with the third eye (eye of consciousness or enlightenment), and then an umbrella-like disc around the central single pillar, and on top of that is the pinnacle. Prayer wheels are installed near the dome, which encircles the chaitya.

From the research, it is found that Nepali architecture is influenced by religion from the very beginning, whereas Chinese architecture is influenced by history. Chinese architecture uses wood as a major material, whereas Nepali architecture heavily uses wood, mud, and stone as major materials. Despite these differences, the Nepali and Chinese architectures are highly interconnected and interrelated.

Nepali architecture is a unique blend of both India and China, which reflects influence from these cultural strongholds. The pagoda architectural tradition figures prominently among Hindu temples, whereas the Tibetan tradition of Buddhist architecture and the stupa feature prominently in Buddhist temples. As well, the famous sculptor and painter Araniko went to China along with eighty artists at the invitation of Chinese Emperor Kublai Khan to build the white stupa at the Miaoying temple in Beijing and the golden stupa in Tibet.

 Moreover, Buddhism serves as a common factor uniting Nepalese and Chinese cultures. For instance, the Nepal-China Society is building a monastery and research centre on Buddhism, and the Lumbini Buddhist University of Nepal has cooperation with Chinese institutions. China has also built the Zhonghuo Chinese Buddhist temple in Lumbini, introducing Han Buddhist temple architecture to the Nepalese people.

Therefore, architecture is the representation of society or a country because it reflects the existing values, norms, cultures, and traditions of a particular group or a nation. So, the beauty is in the architecture that connects people's hearts and minds.

 The pagoda style and the chaitya or stupa style, which are constructed in Nepal and China, look alike. Mostly, the Chinese pagoda got influence from Nepal, and the Nepali chaita or stupa got influence from China. As well, China has also been supporting the construction of different architectural buildings in a modern way. So, the geography connects the people and the country physically, but the architecture links them mentally and spiritually. The relationship established on the basis of architecture is pure, immortal, and everlasting.

 (Dhakal is a research fellow at the Institute of Hermeneutics of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies)