Ancient structures uncovered below Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Ancient structures uncovered below Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Ancient structures dating back to early historic and Malla era were discovered during excavations of historic monuments destroyed during the massive earthquake within the Bhaktapur Durbar Square premises.
The finds excavated at the Bhaktapur Durbar Square were made public on Monday. The excavations itself started on Nov 7 with support from the UNESCO with collaboration with Department of Archeology, Bhaktapur municipality, National Art Museum, Durham University, British archeological experts and structural experts. A big building was found within the surface in front of the buff stone Vatshala Devi temple which was razed by the quake.
During the excavation it was revealed that the foundation of the Vatshala temple had weakened following the great earthquake of 1934 and that the temple was rebuilt on the same weak foundation causing it to collapse during the April 25 earthquake this year, said Archeological Department Director General Bhesh Narayan Dahal.
The excavation team is now using ‘Ground Penetrating Radar’ to carve out the map of the underground structure and materials for its safety.
Archeologist and former director general of the Archeological Department, Kosh Prasad Acharya said the excavation had also helped them to relate to the development phases of the Durbar Square area, cultural chronology, foundation of the structure, its history and frame.
During the search, Lichchavi era manuscript, statue, remnants of the structures, materials used to cover the earthenware pots, ancient bricks, stones, coin dating back to 1968, bangles used by women, locket, old form of tiles and coal were uncovered. The team also collected samples of geo-archeological finds.
The UNESCO will take the materials found during the excavation for examination to find the absolute date and other information.
On the occasion, Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP) Chairman Narayanman Bijukche called for making the excavation a subject of research and investigation.
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