Patan Durbar Square : Prospects of Majestic Heritage

One of the most historically significant architectural landmarks, Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Kathmandu Valley, this palace complex showcases the finest example of Malla-period architecture, maintaining its traditional style with brick walls, tiered roofs and elaborate wooden carvings. Caukot Durbar is a prominent landmark in the historical journey of Patan Durbar Square. Unlike the palaces in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, which underwent modern alterations, Patan’s Caukot Durbar has retained much of its original grandeur, representing the cultural and architectural legacy of the Malla kings.

The Historical Origins of Caukot Durbar

The origins of Patan Durbar date back to the Lichchavi period when Patan was known as Yupagrama. Evidence suggests that Caukot, meaning “four-cornered fort,” was established at the northern end of the palace complex, where the Manidhara fountain still stands today. The area was once part of an earlier Kirata settlement, predating the Lichchavi era (Tiwari, 2002). The Caukot fort later became the foundation for the palace built by the Malla kings.

Read Also : Architecture of Malla Period Palaces and Basic Houses

Cultural Significance During the Malla Period

The Malla period is particularly significant in the history of Caukot Durbar. In 1597, Patan was annexed by the Kathmandu king Sivasimha Malla, who initiated the construction of various structures, including the Degutale Temple. The Malla rulers of Patan, particularly Siddhinarsimha Malla and his son Srinivasa Malla, made remarkable contributions to the palace complex between 1619 and 1684. Siddhinarsimha built the iconic Sundari Chowk and the Bhandarkhal tank and fountain to honor Taleju, the Malla dynasty’s tutelary deity (Slusser, 1982).

Sundari Chowk: The Heart of Royal Life

Sundari Chowk served as the royal residence during the Malla period. The courtyard, which is accessed through a gate flanked by statues of Ganesh and Narasimha, is centered around the famous Tusa Hiti fountain. This intricately carved water spout is believed to have inspired the design of similar fountains in Kathmandu Durbar Square, including those commissioned by Pratap Malla (Slusser, 1982). The courtyard’s walls are adorned with fine stone carvings of deities, a testament to the Newar craftsmanship that flourished under Malla rule.

Read Also : Malla Architecture of Nepal: A Historical and Urban Perspective

The Krishna Temple and Other Religious Structures

Among the most notable structures in Patan Durbar Square is the Krishna Temple, built in 1637 by Siddhinarsimha Malla. This temple is a three-story stone structure with a shikhara roof, adorned with scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana carved in bas-relief. It remains one of the most revered religious landmarks in the square. In addition to the Krishna Temple, Srinivasa Malla constructed several other important structures, including the Bhimsena Temple and the Degutale Temple, which was rebuilt after a fire (Slusser, 1982).

Impact of the 2072 Earthquake (2015)

The 2015 Gorkha earthquake (referred to as 2072 B.S. in the Nepali calendar) had a profound impact on Patan Durbar Square and Caukot Durbar. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.8, devastated many of the historic structures in the Kathmandu Valley, including parts of Patan Durbar Square. Several temples and palace buildings were heavily damaged or collapsed, necessitating immediate restoration efforts.

The earthquake caused cracks and partial collapses in many of the traditional brick and wood structures of Caukot Durbar, though the Sundari Chowk and Tusa Hiti fountain survived relatively unscathed. Following the disaster, UNESCO and the Nepal Department of Archaeology launched comprehensive restoration projects to repair the damaged structures while preserving the architectural integrity of the site. As part of the UNESCO Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site, Patan Durbar Square became a focal point for international conservation efforts (UNESCO, 2015).

Read Also : Kathmandu Durbar (Hanumandhoka): A Historical Journey from Malla Period

UNESCO World Heritage Status and Restoration Efforts

Patan Durbar Square was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 as part of the Kathmandu Valley ensemble, recognizing its cultural and architectural significance. After the 2072 earthquake, the restoration efforts have been meticulous, with attention to maintaining the traditional Newar architectural techniques. The Nepal Department of Archaeology, in partnership with UNESCO and other international organizations, has made significant progress in restoring Patan Durbar Square to its former glory, ensuring that the site continues to reflect the architectural mastery of the Malla period.

Preservation of Traditional Architecture

Despite the devastation caused by the earthquake, the commitment to preserving traditional Newar architecture remains strong. Caukot Durbar retains its brick walls, carved windows, and tiered roofs, all of which are essential characteristics of Newar craftsmanship. The palace complex’s courtyards, particularly Sundari Chowk, continue to serve as a living museum, providing insight into the architectural and cultural practices of medieval Nepal.

The architectural layout of Caukot Durbar reflects the influence of Buddhist viharas, with its nearly perfect square courtyards and lattice-covered walkways connecting the various living quarters. This design not only emphasizes the connection between Buddhist and Hindu architectural elements but also showcases the meticulous urban planning of the Malla kings (Tiwari, 2002).

Read Also : Bhaktapur Durbar Square: A Study in Architectural and Urban Planning Fabric

Cultural Legacy and Tourism

Today, Patan Durbar Square is not only a living museum of Nepalese architecture but also a thriving cultural hub. Tourists from around the world visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site to marvel at its historic temples, palaces and courtyards, which continue to host traditional festivals, dances, and ceremonies that have been celebrated for centuries. The palace complex, particularly Sundari Chowk and Tusa Hiti, remains a focal point for understanding the rich Newar culture that shaped the Kathmandu Valley.

Conclusion

The Caukot Durbar stands as a symbol of Patan’s rich cultural history and architectural brilliance. Despite the challenges posed by the 2015 earthquake, efforts to preserve and restore the palace have been successful, ensuring that this heritage site continues to captivate and educate visitors. Its preservation, both as part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site and through local efforts, ensures that the traditional Newar architecture and the Malla legacy will continue to be appreciated for generations to come. The Caukot Durbar and Patan Durbar Square are enduring reminders of the cultural fusion and artistic mastery that define Nepal’s heritage.

References

Slusser, M. S. (1982). Nepal Mandala: A Cultural Study of the Kathmandu Valley. Princeton University Press.

Tiwari, S. R. (2002). The Brick and the Bull: An Account of Handigaun, the Ancient Capital of Nepal. Himal Books.

UNESCO. (2015). Post-Earthquake Response in the Kathmandu Valley. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/1290

UNESCO. (n.d.). Kathmandu Valley. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/121