Bahal, Nepal
Baha is a type of courtyard found amongst Newar communities in Nepal. It is the most dominant type of courtyard in Newari Architecture. Baha is a term for Buddhist Monastery and derives its name from a Sanskrit word Bihara, meaning joy or enchantment and thus is a
place of religious bliss.
Characteristics
The characteristics of a Baha are:-- A square or rectangular space bounded by buildings in all sides
- Surrounding buildings built on a raised platform called Falcha
- Ground paved with brick or stone
- Generally centrally placed Chaitya
- Often presence of a well
- The building opposite to the main entrance generally houses a Guthi with idols of deities in the ground floor