SETTING

The Sundari-Chok was built in 1647 by the Malla king Siddhinarasimha as a residential addition to the existing palace. It was constructed at the south side of the already existing structure, occupying the space that had held a Buddhist monastary which was relocated to another location near the Durbar Square. Schlusser (p. 200) writes that the area the Sundari-Chok occupies has also been referred to as hatapatra or hatapatala, or marketplace ruin, and that there are references to an important stone that once occupied the site. The name Sundari-chok is really more of a descriptive term than a name proper; chok being the term for the central sunken courtyard of the Newari quadrangle and sundari- (from sundhara , "golden fountain") referring to the bronze fountain spout found in the courtyard (Schlusser page 156).

The Sundari-chok itself is a three story quadrangle of typical Newari style. It is entered from the west through an elaboratally carved entry way between large stone statues of Hanuman and Ganesha. After stepping up and over the threshold through the heavy, bronze covered doors, one enters a small alcove about twenty-seven feet wide and nine deep. A row of four columns of eight inch beams, all carved, creates three entryways into the courtyard of the quadrangle. The courtyard itself is paved with large flat stones, and lies several feet below the circumambulating walk, of the same material, that files past the other doorways and alcoves that line the walls. The quadrangle walls are basically symmetrical. The north, west, and east walls possess a columned recessed alcove, and a single door on either side. The south wall has three doors, the alcove being replaced by a heavy door similiar to that through which one enters. Between the doors and alcoves there are recessed images; wooden carvings of Vedic and Buddhist deities.

The western alcove is the only which contains a door or passageway. The other lower level doors lead to other portions of the building, but were not accessible. The only other door that apparently leads directly to another section of the palace is the northernmost one on the eastern wall. It passed through and out into the royal gardens which are located to the rear of the palace.

The three levels of the quadrangle exhibit the overhanging windows on the upper story and the carved buttresses characteristic of Newari architecture. In the case of the Sundari-chok, however, every available space that could be carved, has been. Some of the most beautiful carved windows, struts, pillars, and doorways in Nepal are to be found here. They depict elements of Tantric philosophy, deities, animals, dragons, nobles hunting and other secular scenes. Many are painted, or once were; although the building itself is in excellent repair, many of the wood carvings are a bit weather-worn.