10 Facts About Araniko

Aniko, Anige or Araniko was one of the key figures in the arts of Nepal and the Yuan dynasty of China, and the artistic exchanges in these areas.

Araniko was born in Kathmandu Valley during the reign of Abhaya Malla.

Araniko is known for building the White Stupa at the Miaoying Temple in Beijing.

Araniko led a team of 80 artists to China proper and Tibet to make a number of pagoda-style buildings.

Araniko was born in 1245 in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, when it was ruled by King Abhaya Malla.

However, it is known that Araniko lived in Kathmandu Valley during the reign of Jayabhimadeva, the successor of Abhaya Malla.

Araniko intended to recruit one hundred artists, but Jayabhimadeva, the king of Nepal at the time, was able to hand over only eighty.

Araniko's most renowned architecture is the White Stupa of Miaoying Temple in Beijing, which was the largest structure at that time.

Araniko was named Director of All Artisan Classes in 1273 and trained many Chinese craftsmen in the Sakya style.

Araniko ordered palace officials to take care of the family, and reward the family twenty-five thousand taels of silver.