Publication

Abstract : The three Himalayan countries (India, Nepal and Bhutan) have a large number of Buddhist cultural structures; of these, the monasteries are important Buddhist heritage structures. Many of these have been severely affected by the 2011 (India-Nepal) Sikkim Earthquake. The older monasteries are made in random rubble stone masonry in mud mortar, while some recent ones in reinforced concrete. Damages were sustained in both these constructions. This paper presents a summary of the damages sustained by monasteries in the state of Sikkim (India) during 2011 Sikkim Earthquake. Also, details of the possible retrofit schemes are provided to save the Buddhist heritage structures in the regions.