The principle form of Buddhist architecture are Pagodas. They are tower-like structures that house religious meaning. Over the centuries, pagodas have maintained a vital role in keeping Buddhism alive throughout Asia. Pagodas are also known as stupas.
Stupas are Buddhist monuments that often contain relics.
The first of these date back to 700 B.C. in northeast Asia. There, enormous mounds of earth once marked the place of burial mounds of royalty. Each mound contained a wooden mast rising up from its center. These masts held umbrellas that symbolized royalty and authority. Pagodas get their roots from these pre-Buddhist Indian stupas.