Heritage sites destroyed by the Nepal earthquake

Feature

oi-Pallavi

Kathmandu, April 25: The recent earthquake measuring to 7.9 in the Richter scale that rattled Nepal badly has not destroyed houses and people's lives alone. Some of the most important and ancient heritage sites are also gone.

[Read: In Pics: Two major earthquakes rock Nepal, massive damage reported]

Dharahara tower: Also known as the Bhimsen Tower, this is a 9 storey tower. Built in 1832 A.D, the tower was built by the then Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa, on the instruction of Queen Lalit Tripura Sundari.

One of the most important heritage buildings here, this was also a venue for important events like the coronation of the king. With a spiral staircase, there is a obeserving deck on the 8th floor which overlooks the Kathmandu valley. The tower was destroyed twice earlier during two separate earthquakes in 1834 and in 1934.

[Read: Nepal earthquake triggers avalanches in Mount Everest]

The top of the tower has a Shiva Lingam, which is visited by local religious visitors

Being a weekend, the place is reported to have been crowded and recent reports suggest that close to 50 people are trapped under the debris.

Durbar Square: A plaza in front of the old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom, it was a part of the three Durbar or royal palaces, all of them being UNESCO World Heritage sites.

It is known for its unique architecture by the Newar artists. It is said that the royal palace was originally located at Dattaraya square and was later moved to the Durbar square location.

[Read: Earthquake: Monitoring situation, says Mamata]

The square held the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. It consists of temples, idols, open courts, water fountains and more. It has collapsed in today's earthquake.

[Read: Earthquake effect: Metro services suspended in Kolkata, Delhi]

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