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THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE 



VIEW OF RADHA KRISHNA TEMPLE 



Nepal architecture, while distinctive, abounds in traces of earlier civilizations, and its 

 composite sources are being studied by ethnologists (see page 251) ; but the layman might 

 guess at two recognized influences — that of Egypt in the pyramid-like outlines of such tem- 

 ples as this, and the Chinese origin of the pagoda-like examples, such as the Changu-Narain 

 (see page 25S). Tall posts, which suggest totem poles, surmounted by human or animal 

 figures, are generally to be found in the vicinity of shrines and temples. 



The modern palaces, although contain- 

 ing valuable collections of various ob- 

 jects of art, are of very little interest 

 externally, with no architectural features 

 of note. It seems a pity that they should 

 have been so built amid the surrounding 

 wealth of picturesque buildings. 



The old buildings are built of fine red 

 brick with hair joints, leaving no mortar 

 visible, and the ornamentation is generally 



of molded bricks of the same red color, 

 although sometimes a terra-cotta tone is 

 used. "Sal," which turns almost black 

 from weathering, is used for woodwork. 

 The roofs are of red corrugated tiles set 

 in mud, with elaborate, grotesque finials. 

 The combination of red brickwork, toned 

 down and weathered by age to a delight- 

 ful color, with the dark wood used for 

 the overhanging windows and doorways. 



