Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c42.13

c42.13

A study of this phase of Burmese architecture is simplified by the fact that all the examples are confined within a circumscribed area, and also that they resolve themselves almost entirely into two classes of structure consisting of (a) Stupas and (b) Temples. There are however two exceptions to this classification as a prominent building there, the Mahabodhi, is in imitation of the original Budh Gaya in Bihar, India, and another edifice, erected for the particular occasion by which it is designated and known as the Ordination Hall, both of which date from the thirteenth century. Of all the other buildings at Pagan, whatever their function, these are as completely expressive of the building art in Burma during the early mediaeval period as the Gothic cathedrals are typical of the same age in England And, in much the same manner as the architectural ideals of the cathedrals were partially derived from external source, so there is little doubt that the basic design of the stupas and temples of Middle Burma originally came from Buddhist India So much so that it has been authoritatively affirmed that the workmen who constructed these buildings were artisans actually brought from Bihar and Bengal for this specific purpose¹ On the other hand such a view leaves out two important modifying factors, namely in the first instance the un-Indian appearance of these buildings as a whole and their definitely Burmese treatment, while, secondly, it does not take into account the marked aesthetic temperament of the Burmese people themselves which, if anything, is even more pronounced than that possessed by those from whom they are presumed to have drawn their inspiration. In short the buildings at Pagan may be most nearly defined as fundamentally of Indian extraction but designed and adapted to conform to Burmese conceptions.