Thapathali Durbar
| Thapathali Durbar | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Fusion of Mughal and European styles of architecture |
| Town or city | Kathmandu |
| Country | Nepal |
| Cost | Unknown |
| Client | Nain Singh Thapa, Jung Bahadur Rana |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Brick and Mortar |
| Size | 80 ropanis |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | later additions by Ranasur Bista |
Coordinates: 27°41′28″N 85°18′57″E / 27.691111°N 85.315833°E Thapathali Durbar was a palace complex in Kathmandu, the capital of the Nepal. Thapathali means abode of the Thapas. Initially build by the Thapa family but later was occupied by Jung Bahadur Rana, as prime minister the executive head of Nepal. The palace complex, located north of the Bagmati river, was incorporated impressive and vast array of courtyards, gardens and buildings. Many palaces and buildings were built through out late 1840s to 1900, initially by Nain Singh Thapa, a member and brother of Bhimsen Thapa of aristocratic Thapa family, and later was acquired by Nain Singh Thapa's grandson Jung Bahadur Rana and further additions were made by successive Ranas continuing up to the 19th century.
History
The palace complex lied in the heart of Kathmandu city, to the north of the bagmati river.[1] The history of the palace is closely linked with the history of Nepal and its rulers.
Under Thapa
Starting with royal courtier family Thapa, who were in power until the death of last Thapa PM Mathabarsingh Thapa. In 1745 Nain Singh Thapa, father of PM Mathabarsingh Thapa was credited with initiating construction of the palace complex who build a palace complex spreading over 80 Ropanis. Bhimsen Thapa left the place Thapathali to reside at Bagh Durbar.
Under Rana
Rakshya Kumari, mother of Jung Bahadur Rana was daughter of Kaji Nain Singh Thapa, brother of PM Bhimsen Thapa. After the fall of Thapa aristocracy, Jung Bahadur Rana began to live in his grandfathers Thapathali durbar. After Bhandarkhal Parva in 1848, he was able to seized all of the immediate property of his maternal uncle PM Mathabarsingh Thapa and grandpapa PM Bhimsen Thapa. During this acquisition Jung also acquired Thapathali durbar complex.As a head of all state affairs Jung Bahadur built a new lavish palace within Thapathali complex under his royal architect Ransur Bista but later after the construction in 1855 he gave it to his son Jagat Jung.In 1886 Jagat Jung moved to Manohara Durbar and gave this palace to his son Juddhapratap Jung. In 1887 Juddhapratap Jung was murdered by cunning Shumsher Ranas, sons of Dhir Shumsher JBR. Taking this opportunity, Chandra Shumsher JBR captured this palace complex and stayed there for 18 years until 1904 . After Chandra Shumsher's death, his son Singha Shumsher JBR inherited the Thapathali Durbar Complex and named it Singha Mahal.[2]
Singha Mahal
After Chandra Shumsher's death, his son Singha Shumsher JBR inherited the Thapathali Durbar Complex and named it Singha Mahal.[2] Singha mahal is currently occupied by Nepal Rastra Bank.
Thapathali Vaidyakhana(Hospital)
After Jung Bahadur Rana's official visit to London in 1850 he established an Ayurvedic hospital in the Thapathali Durbar Complex for public.This hospital was made free for public but charged fully to Rana family members and aristocratic family members. Vaidyakhana was closed after the 1886 Army Mutiny in Nepal. Later this property was acquired by Dev Shumsher JBR.After overthrowing Dev Shumsher JBR form prime ministership along with all his properties this vaidyakhana was also inherited by his sons.[2]
Kal mochan temple
Kalmochan temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Vishnu the preserver, was a part of the Durbar complex. It was built in early 18th century outside the walls. Built in Moghul Kathmandu-Gothic architecture style and has Mughal art and Nepali art. Also known as Janga Hiranya Hemnarayan mandir. It is located at kalmochan ghat in Thapathali. It was built by Rana prime minister Jung Bahadur Rana. He named it after his two wives Hiranya Garbha and Hem whereas Narayan means god Bishnu. He built this temple to attain inner peace(mochan) as he was involved in many murders. It is believed that Jung Bahadur Rana had buried the dead bodies of people who died in Kot(Arsenal) Parva(massacre) under this temple.[3]
See also
References
- ↑ "THE HISTORIC DURBARS OF KATHMANDU". 2014-10-19. Retrieved 2015-06-05.
- 1 2 3 JBR, PurushottamShamsher (2007). Ranakalin Pramukh Atihasik Darbarharu [Chief Historical Palaces of the Rana Era] (in Nepali). Vidarthi Pustak Bhandar. ISBN 978-9994611027. Retrieved 2015.
- ↑ "A temple of dubious reputation". 2000-07-25. Retrieved 2015-06-05.