Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c42.2

c42.2

THE historical development of the building art in Burma falls into three periods, the first of which may be referred to as the "Early Phase," beginning from approximately the 2nd century A.D. and continuing until the 8th or 9th century. This was followed by a period when the architecture of the country assumed such a character and impressiveness that it becomes entitled to the designation of the "Classical Phase," and which flourished from the 9th to the 13th centuries. From the ending of this phase to the present day the country has reverted to a more intimate form of architectural expression, akin to a folk art, executed chiefly in wood in a very distinctive style, and which may be suitably defined as the "Pagoda" period