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We don’t know how Malla-era Ranipokhari looked like: Department of Archaeology

A sketch of Ranipokhari made by a Prussian artist in 1845. Source: Kailash, Volume 7, Number 1, 1979, pp 35-50

Kathmandu, February 6

Weeks after it was agreed that the historic Ranipokhari, destroyed in the 2015 earthquake, would be reconstructed in its original Malla-era model, the Department of Archaeology says it does not have any document that would give information about the pond’s original design.

After the Kathmandu Metropolitan City asked for the original design to begin the reconstruction process, the Department says it does not have it.

Earlier, an experts’ panel led by the Department’s former Director General Bishnu Raj Karki had recommended that the original shape and style be maintained during the reconstruction.

Hinting that the Department is not ready to fully accept the recommendation, an official at the Department says, “We cannot build the entire pond and the temple at its centre in the Malla-era design on the basis of a single picture. We do not know its measurements and foundation stone.”

Citing the unavailability of sufficient information, three representatives of the Department in the panel have not signed the panel’s report yet.

Ranipokhari was constructed by Pratap Malla. It had collapsed in 1934 earthquake and then Prime Minister, Juddha Shamsher Rana, had reconstructed it in a new style.

 

 

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