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Southeast Asian architecture, buildings of Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Most of Southeast Asia’s great temples were built by the 13th century. The Indian royal temple, which dominated Southeast Asian culture, typically stood on a terraced plinth, upon which towered shrines could multiply. Construction was ideally of stone but could be brick sculpted with stucco. Exteriors displayed carved rhythmic moldings and figures. In about 770 the Javanese Shailendra dynasty began its series of superb stonecut monuments, culminating in the huge Mahayana Buddhist Borobudur and the Hindu Lara Jonggrang (c. 900–930). About 800 the Cambodian king Jayavarman II built a brick mountain for a temple group. This plan was furthered when foundations were laid for Angkor, a scheme based on a grid of reservoirs and canals. Successive kings built more temple mountains there, culminating in Angkor Wat. Among Southeast Asia’s most impressive sites is the city of Pagan in Myanmar, with many brick and stucco Buddhist temples and stupas built 1056–1287. Burmese stupas (e.g., Shwe Dagon Pagoda) typically have a spreading, bell-shaped base topped by a dome and pointed spire. The many monasteries of Myanmar and Thailand, like those of Laos and Vietnam, have been repeatedly enlarged and rebuilt. The architecture of the modified Hinduism of Bali is vigorously fantastical, with gilt paint and coloured glass.

Quiz by Elmer Lumague

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10 questions
Show answers
  • Q1
    Which famous temple complex in Cambodia was built by King Jayavarman II and is known for its impressive architecture?
    Borobudur
    Shwe Dagon Pagoda
    Lara Jonggrang
    Angkor Wat
    30s
  • Q2
    What characteristic feature is commonly found in Burmese stupas, such as the Shwe Dagon Pagoda?
    A flat roof with large windows
    A circular base with a thatched top
    A pyramidal structure with no openings
    A bell-shaped base topped by a dome and pointed spire
    30s
  • Q3
    Which dynasty in Java is known for constructing monumental stonecut temples, including Borobudur?
    Ayutthaya kingdom
    Shailendra dynasty
    Chakri dynasty
    Ming dynasty
    30s
  • Q4
    What type of materials were ideally used for constructing temples in Southeast Asia?
    Metal
    Plastic
    Stone
    Wood
    30s
  • Q5
    Which architectural feature is a common characteristic of many monastic buildings in Myanmar and Thailand?
    Repeated enlargement and rebuilding
    Single-story structures
    Flat roofs
    Stone fortresses
    30s
  • Q6
    What is the main purpose of the large terraced plinths found in many Southeast Asian temples?
    To elevate shrines and create a sacred space
    To provide seating for visitors
    To display artwork
    To store water
    30s
  • Q7
    Which site in Myanmar is known for having many brick and stucco Buddhist temples and stupas built between 1056 and 1287?
    Luang Prabang
    Borobudur
    The city of Pagan
    Angkor Thom
    30s
  • Q8
    What architectural style is characterized by gilt paint and colored glass, particularly in Bali?
    Renaissance
    Gothic
    Baroque
    Modified Hinduism
    30s
  • Q9
    What was the significant urban planning feature of the Angkor site in Cambodia under King Jayavarman II?
    Skyscrapers
    A grid of reservoirs and canals
    Circular plazas
    Underground tunnels
    30s
  • Q10
    Which temple in Indonesia is known for being a major Buddhist structure with multiple levels and stupas?
    Borobudur
    Lara Jonggrang
    Shwe Dagon Pagoda
    Angkor Wat
    30s

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