Kasthamandap: Microcosm of Kathmandu’s Living Culture and Storied History

Fig. 5: Detail of a pata commemorating a renovation of Swayambhu, showing Yangal. The painter commissioned to capture the renovation of Swayambhu stupa in 1565 CE chose to represent the southern half of Kathmandu (Yangal) exclusively with a representation of Kasthamandap, speaking to the continuing importance of the sattal in the 16th century. The presence of locals in the upper floors of the building attests to the use of the sattal as a public place. See: Slusser, Mary Shepherd. “On a Sixteenth-Century Pictorial Pilgrim’s Guide from Nepal”. Archives of Asian Art 38 (1985): 6-36.

Photo: Mary Slusser.