The Narayanhiti Palace (also known as Narayanhiti Durbar) is a historical royal palace located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It was the official residence and the primary workplace of the monarchs of Nepal until the monarchy was abolished in 2008. Here’s an overview of the palace and its significance:
1. Etymology
- The name “Narayanhiti” is derived from two words: Narayana, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu, and Hiti, which means “water spout” in Nepali. A sacred water spout named Narayanhiti is located in the palace area.
2. Historical Background
- The palace was originally constructed in the 18th century, but the current structure was built in the 1960s by King Mahendra, who wanted a more modern residence.
- It was designed by the American architect Benjamin Polk in a blend of traditional Nepali architecture and modern design.
3. Architecture
- The palace is known for its grandeur, with its traditional pagoda-style influences combined with contemporary elements.
- It covers an area of approximately 38 acres and has 52 rooms, each named after different districts of Nepal.
- The main hall, known as the Kaski Baithak, was used for state functions and to welcome foreign dignitaries.
4. Royal Tragedy
- Narayanhiti Palace is infamous for the 2001 Nepalese royal massacre, where King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya, and several members of the royal family were assassinated under mysterious circumstances. Crown Prince Dipendra, the alleged perpetrator, also died. The event remains one of the darkest chapters in Nepal’s history.
5. After the Monarchy
- In 2008, after Nepal was declared a federal democratic republic, King Gyanendra vacated the palace. The palace was then converted into a public museum.
- The Narayanhiti Palace Museum opened in 2009, allowing visitors to explore parts of the palace, including the throne room, banquet hall, and the royal bedrooms.
6. Current Status
- The palace museum displays artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia of Nepal’s royal history, including royal crowns, thrones, and gifts from foreign dignitaries.
- It has become a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Nepal’s transition from a monarchy to a republic.
7. Cultural and Political Significance
- Narayanhiti stands as a symbol of Nepal’s monarchy era and its political transformation.
- It serves as a reminder of the country’s rich history, traditions, and the tumultuous events that shaped modern Nepal.
Visiting the Narayanhiti Palace Museum offers a glimpse into Nepal’s royal legacy and an opportunity to reflect on the country’s path toward democracy.
Narayanhiti Palace Museum is established on the backdrop of the beginning of The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. Ten years of people’s war and nineteen days of people’s movement played decisive role for the major political shift in the country. In line with the political changes, Narayanhiti Royal Palace was converted into a public museum and was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on 15 June, 2008. The exhibition of the museum was officially thrown open to the general public after its inauguration by Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” on 26 February, 2009.
The Gold State Coach
The Gold State Coach on display here was gifted by British Queen Elizabeth II to King Mahendra Shah during her first state visit to Nepal in 1961. The royal coach was used for the first time on the occasion of King Birendra Shah’s coronation on February 24, 1975.
The Royal Crown “Sripech“
The royal Crown, a symb0l of power & unity was used by the morarchs of Nepal for hundreds of years. The crown is made up of 730 diamonds & access of 2000 pearls.
Shree Sadan
Shree sadan, a private residence of the late king Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev is one of the most visited exibition sites of the museum. It was first opened to the public on 22nd of November, 2020 by Honorable Minister Yogesh Kumar Bhattarai.
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