population of the ancient capitals of Patan and Bhatgaon. As carpenters, masons, metalworkers, and painters, they are ingenious and skilful, and the strikingly picturesque appearance of old Nepal is largely due to the æsthetic temperament of the Newars. In two particular branches of artistic embellishment these people excel—in the decorative treatment of their houses and palaces, and the enrichment of their temples and shrines. The streets and squares of Patan and Bhatgaon bear eloquent testimony to their success with the former, while the riot of carved wood and embossed metal on the sacred buildings in all parts of the valley is one of the most instructive features of the State. It is hardly necessary to add that this great field of artistic expression is so closely associated with the religion of the country, and so imbued with its symbolism, that to understand it some reference to the cult of those responsible for its production seems essential.
The religious history of Nepal may be best observed by a comparison with the course of religion in India. It is a story mainly of
