
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
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- Q1Which famous temple complex in Cambodia was built by King Jayavarman II and is known for its impressive architecture?BorobudurShwe Dagon PagodaLara JonggrangAngkor Wat30s
- Q2What characteristic feature is commonly found in Burmese stupas, such as the Shwe Dagon Pagoda?A flat roof with large windowsA circular base with a thatched topA pyramidal structure with no openingsA bell-shaped base topped by a dome and pointed spire30s
- Q3Which dynasty in Java is known for constructing monumental stonecut temples, including Borobudur?Ayutthaya kingdomShailendra dynastyChakri dynastyMing dynasty30s
- Q4What type of materials were ideally used for constructing temples in Southeast Asia?MetalPlasticStoneWood30s
- Q5Which architectural feature is a common characteristic of many monastic buildings in Myanmar and Thailand?Repeated enlargement and rebuildingSingle-story structuresFlat roofsStone fortresses30s
- Q6What is the main purpose of the large terraced plinths found in many Southeast Asian temples?To elevate shrines and create a sacred spaceTo provide seating for visitorsTo display artworkTo store water30s
- Q7Which site in Myanmar is known for having many brick and stucco Buddhist temples and stupas built between 1056 and 1287?Luang PrabangBorobudurThe city of PaganAngkor Thom30s
- Q8What architectural style is characterized by gilt paint and colored glass, particularly in Bali?RenaissanceGothicBaroqueModified Hinduism30s
- Q9What was the significant urban planning feature of the Angkor site in Cambodia under King Jayavarman II?SkyscrapersA grid of reservoirs and canalsCircular plazasUnderground tunnels30s
- Q10Which temple in Indonesia is known for being a major Buddhist structure with multiple levels and stupas?BorobudurLara JonggrangShwe Dagon PagodaAngkor Wat30s