This work was a thesis for Master of Arts Degree from the Arts and Science University in Mandalay (Burma), in 1969. It deals with the evolutionary phases in the Buddhist solid shrines in Burma between the 11th and 13th centuries. Besides, it details a comparative study of the contemporary state of Buddhist architecture in Asia. Moreover, the study goes back to the burial mounds in the Vedic Period in Indian history and goes ahead to the final stage in the evolution of the solid pagodas as represented in the Shwedagon Shrine in Rangoon (Burma).
The evolutionary phase in the architecture of solid pagodas, has, unfortunately, so far received only fragmentary attention. This phase, which is of importance in the field of Burmese art, needs to be studied from different angles. The material side of the subject has received quite a consideration in this thesis. Obviously, observations on the physical side of the theme are not enough. There is, besides, the need of looking into the aesthetic and the spiritual aspects of the evolution.
The fact is that every phase forward in the architectural evolution of the solid pagodas was marked by a progressive and positive move not only in the aesthetic sense but also in the sense of the spiritual values. It was thus that the impressiveness of the structure in the physical sense became but a part of its beauty in the spiritual sense. In this way, the national psychology found its true expression in the visible objectification of the worldly and religious aspirations lurking in the Burmese mind. No wonder, that the actual life of the people is known by an admirable synthesis of the worldly and other-worldly aspirations, and the Burmese pagoda in its finalized form is truly symbolic of the natural disposition of the people, who while quite fond of worldly pleasures are not forgetful of the transcendental objective of human existence. Suchan intuitional synthesis does much credit to the people.
Certainly, present-day Pagan, eloquent of the socio-economic well-being of the people and religious zeal of the Period, abounds in sermons in stone, brick and mortar. Though in ruins, it gives the impression of a grand landscape on the banks of the majestic Irrawaddy river. Bathed in the light of the sun from above and washed by the ripples of the river on its side, Pagan was veritably a fairyland on earth. The visitor today instinctively conjures up the grand vision of its past glory, with numerous gorgeous shrines, vast monasteries, great libraries and royal apartments, full of life, religious devotion and cultural splendour.
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