Title

Newar architecture style

Rare
4.5/5(Based on 2 heritage sites)
DescriptionCharacterized by tiered roofs, intricate wood carvings, and pagoda-style structures, this style from the Kathmandu Valley significantly influenced Tibetan architecture.
Also Known As
Tibetan Buddhist architecture
Religious
Han Chinese
Indian
Nepali influences
Indian Buddhist architecture
Kashmiri Wooden Architecture
Gandharan architectural influences
Gupta period temple architecture
Early Pala period architectural style
Newar architecture of Nepal
Elements of Chinese Tang Dynasty architecture
Tibetan Buddhist monastic architecture
Steep sloping roofs
bright colors.
Nagara Architecture
Buddhist Stupa Architecture
Chorten Architecture (Tibetan)
Champa Architecture (influenced by South Indian styles)
Vestiges of Pala Dynasty influences (Eastern India)
Elements of Newar architecture (Nepal)
Traces of Gupta period artistic influences
Tags
Kathmandu Valley
Pagoda
Wood carving
Religious architecture
Nepal
Brickwork
Nepali architecture
Style ID
INHF-STY-3150298908-08:13:53:03:06:19:NAS
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/newar-architecture-style
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/newar-architecture-style
Total Sites2
Primary Sites0
CreatedNovember 19, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 29, 2025

External References

Regions

Regions
Nepal
Sikkim
West Bengal

Historical Context

Time Periods
12th Century CE onwards
13th century CE
14th century CE
15th century CE
16th century CE
17th century CE
18th century CE
19th century CE
20th century CE
Dynasties
Malla Dynasty

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts
Hindu Temples
Buddhist Monasteries
Residential Buildings
Associated Deities
Various Hindu Deities
Buddha
Bodhisattvas
Various Hindu deities
Avalokiteśvara

Architectural Details

Primary Materials
Brick
Wood
Stone
Terracotta
Architectural Features
Tiered roofs
Pagoda style
Intricate wood carvings
Toranas
Struts
Pagoda-style roofs
Gable windows
Tympanums
Courtyards

Keywords

Keywords
Kathmandu Valley
Pagoda
Wood carving
Religious architecture
Nepal
Brickwork
Nepali architecture

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Nepalese Pagoda: Origin and DevelopmentArticleDetails on the evolution of the pagoda style in Nepal
Traditional Newar ArchitectureBookDetailed study of Newar architectural elements.

Heritage Sites (2)

Site NameStatusConfidence
Jokhang Temple Lhasa
Secondary
100%
Tashiding Monastery West Sikkim
Secondary
100%

See Also

Related Materials

Brick
Wood
Stone
Terracotta

Related Features

Tiered roofs
Pagoda style
Intricate wood carvings
Toranas
Struts
Pagoda-style roofs
Gable windows
Tympanums
Courtyards

How to Identify Newar architecture style

  1. Look for characteristic features: Tiered roofs, Pagoda style, Intricate wood carvings.
  2. Verify geographic location: Newar architecture style architecture is typically found in Nepal and Sikkim.
  3. Examine construction materials: Newar architecture style typically uses Brick and Wood.
  4. Consider historical context: This style dates from 12th Century CE onwards.
  5. Compare with documented examples: 2 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Frequently Asked Questions