Bhaktapur
Three hundred years ago, the Kathmandu Valley was divided into three distinct kingdoms — Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur – with a total territory of less than 200 square miles. They were all affluent, well-governed, and culturally sophisticated. Each had great land for agriculture, abundant natural water, native clay for brickmaking, and rough surrounding hills to keep intruders at bay. It was the ideal setting for civilization to flourish.
Years: 1970-1972 Bhaktapur, The top of the photo is toward the west, and it was taken from an airplane. The Araniko Highway runs across the upper left part of the photograph. On its way to Banepa and Dhulikhel, it passed through Bhaktapur. It’s possible that the larger pond in the upper right is where the Kathmandu-Bhaktapur buses came to a halt.It’s possible that the larger pond in the upper right is where the Kathmandu-Bhaktapur buses came to a halt. The 5-story Nyatapola Temple is located in the lower center. The main plaza with the Malla palace is the long square at the lower right with the huge building. The Hanumante River is the name of the river.
Bhaktapur was very well-liked. It has one main street, which was until recently the commerce route from Kathmandu to Tibet. It is built on high ground running from east to west. Smaller lanes lead down to the river and the townspeople’s numerous agricultural smallholdings.
In 1768/9, the city declined after national unification. It has just recently regained some of its former prosperity over the last four decades. It is presently at a pivotal juncture in its history, and visitors may witness it. Almost everyone now has access to education, the streets are clean, and the sewerage system is efficient. Many traditional crafts have been revived, and ancient buildings have been restored, best for tourism.
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c 300-900 |
The time of the ancient Lichchavi. After a period of development, there is a period of confusion and decline. |
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1147-1156 |
Ananda Dev is supposed to have laid out the city of Bhaktapur, which includes a palace, temples, and 12,000 homes. |
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c 1200 |
In the Kathmandu Valley, the Malla kingdom was created, ultimately dividing into Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. |
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1382-1395 |
The intricate Newari caste structure is codified in Jayasthiti Malla. |
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1453 |
Yaksha Malla relocates the royal palace to its current location. The Malla kings continue to beautify Bhaktapur over the following 300 years. |
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1696-1722 |
King Bhupatindra Malla constructs the 55 Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, and other structures. |
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1768/69 |
Prithvi Narayan Shah’s Gorkha army defeats the Mallas. The Shah kings brought Nepal together. |
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1849-1950 |
The Rana family rules Nepal. Bhaktapur has become a forgotten backwater. |
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1934 |
Many structures are destroyed by a massive earthquake (8.4 on the Richter scale). |
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1950 |
The Ranas have been deposed. Shah’s dynasty Restoration |
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1974-86 |
Bhaktapur Development Project. |
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2008 |
Nepal becomes a republic. |