The Semi-weekly leader., 1921-08-06

ing diversity of form, derived from
many ces-Egyptian, as shown In
the typical form Of the windows and
doorways finely adapted to local tra-
ditions; Persian, Babylonian, 1ndo-
Aryan, and even HISTORIAN In some Of
the designs.
The inhabitants of Nepal are collec-
lively known as "Dwellers in the
Hills" and are divided into innumer-
able castles. The Gurkhas are now tha
dominant race. Among the Gurkhas
there are 21 castles and In addition to
these, there are among the Newars, or
conquered people, Al castles and sub
castles.
The most striking buildings Of Ne
pals comparatively modern capital,
Khatmandu, are, perhaps, those com
posing the Durbar palace, with Its
many quadrangles and pagOda-shaped
roofs, full Of chambers and courts
with small communicating doors cas-
lily closed, which enable the inhabi-
tants to defend themselves In case Of
political disturbances, which are not
infreQuent. Some of the windows ara
very fine and there are some striking
bits of wood carving.
Patan, the Old Capital.
Patan was the old Newar capital,
where Buddhism was the accepted re-
ligion of the country before the in
vasion of the Gurkhas. Although the
largest town In Nepal, 1t is a quiet,
sleepy place. much Of 1t falling into
ruins but still most picturesque. II
stands in the center of the beautiful
valley, against background Of green
mountains and snowy peaks-a net
work Of narrow, twisting little streets
packed full Of shrines, temples, and
pagodas, many Of them deserted and
falling into ruins, but still with ex-
quisite bits Of carving and wonderful
doorways Of all shapes and sizes and
wonderful designs.
Many of Patan's buildings are dec
Grated with sheets Of embossed copper
gilt, and everywhere the shrines are
guarded by pairs Of fearsome animals
of enormous size. Carved stone pill
lars are surmounted by animals, birds,
or fish modelled in metal; bells Of all
sizes are everywhere, and huge lotus
thrones in bronze hold bronze Thun-
der-BOlts or Dorgis.
The art Of the Nepalese, or, properly
speaking, the Newars, is worthy OF
special consideration. 1t was the Ne
wars who brought art to it's highest
state of perfection, and their influence
has extended through these hills into
Sikkim, Bhutan, and Tibet. Indian
influence has penetrated from the
south with the advance of Buddhism
and has spread through the hills, along
the Brahmaputra valley, to Lhasa, the
capital Of Tibet. On the other hand,
Chinese influence Is also strong and
there has been intercourse with that
country for many centuries.
Beautiful Wood Carving.
Nepalese wood carving is extraordi-
narily beautiful and ornate. Every
scrap of wood Is carved In some man
ner; the struts upholding the caves Of
shrines represent satyrs and dragons,
while windows and doors are exam
pies Of the most elaborate and minute
workmanship Of every conceivable de-
sign. The verandas and overhanging
balconies are highly ornamented and
the work on some of the pillars Id very
bold and striking.
In weaving, the natives are de-
acient, the only cloth made be-
ing coarse cotton Of no artistic value.
The feudal system. which has pre-
vailed among these hills for many
years, is ina measure responsible for
much Of the artistic work Of the ma
tives, for it enables a man to put his
whole energy into his work. He has
no care about food or housing; 1t Is
to his masters and his own advantage
to produce the most artistic work DOS
sible.
Nepal maintains a well-drilled and
efficient army Of about $4,000 infantry
and $500 artillery, with about 100
serviceable and $50 unserviceable
guns. The Maharajah is not permits
ted to have any intercourse with Eu-
ropeans, and should the British resi-.
dent or any official have occasion to
interview him 1t is always in the pres
ence OF some Nepalese oiilciaI.