Dharahara | World History

Introduction

The impression of Dharahara of Kathmandu in our mind is same as Eiffel Tower of Paris. Dharahara situated in the center of Kathmandu city is also known as Bhimsen Tower, established in 1825 AD by Nepal's first Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa. This tower has historical and cultural significance. This report is based on the research that is carried out on this historical monument.

Objective:

The specific objectives of the research are as follows:-

1) To identify the historical facts of the monument.

2) To observe and present the structure of the monument.

3) To evaluate the present situation of the monument.

Methods of the study:

Information are collected from both primary and secondary sources. The related books, newspaper, magazines, etc were reviewed as the secondary sources of information.

Primary information are collected through the following techniques:

a) Interview: Information about different aspects of the monument are collected through interview with resource persons like cultural experts and other concern persons of the monument.

b) Observation: Information about the structure of the monument are collected through observation of the monument and it's sorrounding.

Findings:

Dharahara which lies besides sundhara was built by Bhimsen Thapa in the memory of Queen Lalit Tripura Sundari Devi. Meanwhile, some cultural experts say that it was built by Thapa after winning a war over British to register this historical account.

Bipendra Maharjan, a cultural expert says: Dharahara was 11 storey then and was used by government to announce events, festivals and important messages by blowing trumpets. The present nine-storey Dharahara, was re-built by Prime Minister Juddha Sumsher. The present nine-storey Dharahara, was re-built by Prime Minister Juddha Sumsher in 1936 after it was destroyed by the great Bihar Earthquake of 1934.

The 203 feet and nine-storey monuments stands tall just with the strength of Vajra Surki(brick dust), China(lime), Mass(black lentil) and Chaku(caramel). While the body of Dharahara is built in Mugal style, the walls are in European style and there is a Shivaling on the top floor. Thus, it is a unique structure incorporating features from Muslim, Hindu and Christian religions.

Today, nine-storey tower is sorrounded in five ropani land- the area includes garden and a cafeteria. After you enter the gate, you will have to climb 25 steps that circulates the base of this monument and climb 213 steps again to reach the top. Then in every nine steps, there is a huge circular window that aids to air circulation. The seventh floor has a balcony, which offers bird's view of the valley.

Anil Chitrakar, a cultural historian says the tower and it's adjacent was not pleasant to visit as it used to be an open toilet until 2005. It was not open for public. Today it is open for public by paying certain amount. It has been set a good example of the partnership between private and government organization.

Conclusion and suggestions:

The monument shows socio- economic and geo - political aspect of 18th and 19th century of Nepal. It's architecture helps on learning and understanding our history. This monument turned into a famous tourist destination. However, it is necessary to maintain balance between the strength of monument and number of people climbing there. In many countries like China and India, public are only allowed to take the photographs of certain monuments for their preservation. Thus, the commercialization of historical monuments like Dharahara by opening to public is not a solution for it's preservation.

-Found in rumbles of dharahara