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Pagoda
HISTORY & CULTURESbeginner
Definition
A multi-tiered tower of East Asian origin used as a Buddhist temple or monument. The pagoda evolved from the Indian stupa, transforming as it spread through China, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Each tier has its own projecting roof, creating a distinctive silhouette. Most pagodas are built in stone, brick, or timber.
Example
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China (652 AD) is a seven-storey Buddhist tower built to house sacred scriptures brought from India — a landmark of Tang dynasty architecture that still stands.