Myanmar architecture

The architecture of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), in Southeast Asia, includes various architectural styles which reflect the influence of neighboring and Western nations and modernization throughout its history. The most prominent buildings in the country include Buddhist pagodas, stupas and temples, British colonial buildings, and as well as modern renovations and structures. The traditional architecture of the country is primarily used for worship, pilgrimages, storing sacred Buddhist relics, political activism and for tourism.

During the Pyu period, the architecture generally favored stupas built in cylindrical form with four toranas often with a hti (umbrella) on top. Much of Myanmar architecture is tied to ancient Indian culture and can be first traced to the country's earliest known inhabitants. The Mon and Pyu people were the first two influential groups who migrated into Myanmar and the first Indo-Chinese to practice Theravada Buddhism.Beikthano, one of the first centers of the Pyu, contained various foundations suggesting urban centers that include a monastery and various stupa-like structures. These Pyu-style stupas are the first Indian-like foundations in Myanmar, having been built from 200 BC to 100 CE and sometimes served as burial places. Early stupas, as well as other temples and pagodas throughout history, are topped with htis (Burmese for 'umbrella') and finials or spires which represent Theravada Buddhist transcendence.

By the 9th century, the Bamar people had established a kingdom centered at Bagan (Pagan). In the 11th century, King Anawrahta unified the Irrawaddy Valley and its periphery, and founded the Pagan Empire (Bagan Empire). By the mid-12th century, Bagan with over 10,000 of Myanmar's red brick stupas and pagodas had become an established center for Buddhist architecture. During this time the Pyu-style stupas were transformed into monuments that favored an alms bowl or gourd-shaped domes, unbaked brick, tapered and rising roofs, Buddha niches, polylobed arches, and ornamental doorways which show influence from India's Pala Empire and its monuments.Stucco work was also a widely used skill within Bagan, especially with the Mon people. Prominent stucco features within Bagan structures include garlands, flames or rays of sun, peacock tail-feathers and mythical creatures.

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