Page:Picturesque Nepal.djvu/127

 kneels a magnificent metal effigy of Raja Bhupatindra Mall, the greatest of the rulers of Bhatgaon. One of the finest conceptions of the Newar artist was that of erecting on a single column in front of the building, with which his name was principally associated, a statue in metal of the founder or benefactor posed in a solemn and dignified attitude, usually kneeling and with hands together as in prayer. Sometimes grouped around this individual, but all on the same pedestal, are placed smaller statues of his children, the whole being surmounted by a metal umbrella or a canopy of snakes. Many of these are to be seen in the city squares of Nepal, and probably one of the most beautiful and imposing is this of Raja Bhupatindra Mall. Crowning the graceful lotus pillar, the burnished gold figure looks down gravely on the finest building of his reign, the Durbar Hall of Bhatgaon. Immediately in front of the statue is the entrance to this edifice, a doorway of brick and embossed copper gilt, the richest piece of art work in the whole kingdom, and placed like a jewel flashing innumerable facets in the