Bahal, Nepal

Bahal (Nepal Bhasa:बहाः) is a type of courtyard found amongst Newar communities in Nepal. It is the most dominant type of courtyard in Newari Architecture. Bahal is a Buddhist Monastery and derives its name from a Sanskrit word Bihara, meaning joy or enchantment and thus is a place of religious bliss^[1]

Characteristics

The characteristics of a Bahal are:-

• A square or rectangular space bounded by buildings in all sides
• Surrounding buildings built on a raised platform called Falcha
• Ground paved with brick or stone
• Generally centrally placed Chaitya
• Often presence of a well
• The building opposite to the main entrance generally houses a Guthi with idols of deities in the ground floor

Significance

The bahals are generally constructed by a family and their descendants reside in it for generations. Hence, it is not just a unit of residence but also a unit of kinship. The Guthis of Newars have their basis on Bahals. So, they play an eneromous role in maintaining the norms of Newari society and lifestyle.

Some Bahals

• Makhan bahal
• Sabal Bahal
• Tacchya Bahal
• Te Bahal
• Mu Bahal
• Musya Bahal
• Kwa Bahal
• Itum bahal
• Jana Bahal (Machhendra bahal)
• Om Bahal
• Iku Bahal
• Nagbahal
• Tukabahal
• Okubahal
• Bhagwan Bahal Thabahil(Thamel Tole)

See also

• Newar
• Newari Architecture

References