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Accounts of the architecture of Nepal as also of her art have hitherto formed sections of general travelogues or isolated chapters in volumes devoted largely to Indian art and architecture. Among the writers of the latter are many scholars who have never visited this secluded and little known country and, therefore, have remained unaware of the possibilities of the subject being treated in its own importance. The present volume is thus the first attempt at studying the architecture of Nepal comprehensively.

Both religious and secular architecture Form the subject matter of the dissertation. Chapter One has been devoted to outlining a general background with particular emphasis on the geographical, ethnical, historical and religious aspects of the country. In the section concerning the historical background, the period of the Lichchhavis, it will be noticed, has been discussed at greater length based on original epigraphical sources as it is both a lesser known as well as a controversial period of Nepalese history. The stupas are exclusively associated with Buddhism.