Born in the Kathmandu Valley during the reign of Abhaya Malla
Araniko
Deceasedअरनिको
Also known as Aniko, Anige
Nepalese architect and artist at Kublai Khan's Yuan dynasty court; built the White Stupa in Beijing and helped originate the pagoda style
About
When Araniko was only 16, he offered to lead 80 Nepali artists to Tibet. Their job was to build a golden stupa. His skill impressed the Sakya leader Phagpa so much that Araniko was made a monk. He was then sent to serve Kublai Khan’s court in China.
There, he became a favorite architect of the court. He designed the White Stupa, which still stands today at Beijing’s Miaoying Temple. He also helped spread the pagoda style of architecture, which began in the Kathmandu Valley, across East Asia. He stayed in China until he died. After his death, the Yuan court gave him the title Duke of Liang. Today, Nepal remembers him through the Araniko Highway. This road connects Kathmandu toward the border with Tibet.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1245
- Birthplace
- Kathmandu Valley, Nepal Mandala
- Profession
- Architect, Artist
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Deceased
- Died
- 1306
Previous roles
Controller of Imperial Manufacturing
Yuan dynasty court of Kublai Khan
Career & life timeline
- 1245
- 1260
At age 16, led 80 Nepali artists to Tibet to build a golden stupa for Kublai Khan's spiritual guru, Phagpa
- 1262
Sent to Kublai Khan's court in Dadu (present-day Beijing)
- 1271
Commissioned to build the White Stupa at what became Miaoying Temple
- 1306
Died in China at around age 61, honoured with a state funeral by Emperor Temür Khan
Achievements
Built the White Stupa at Miaoying Temple, Beijing
Given the posthumous title Duke of Liang by the Yuan court
Helped spread the Nepali pagoda style of architecture to China
Last updated: 2026-09-06