A few days back, I noticed a calendar at my friend's that got my attention. It had in it a few precious photographs of Kathmandu, the beautiful capital of Nepal, taken before a century. Who, in Nepal, can resist looking at how Kathmandu looked a hundred years ago? A far cry from the pollution and over-crowded streets of today! Here's my treat for them.
Let's start with the easiest one. Try to identify the first image. You are right. The Ranipokhari and the Durbar high school ! Things haven't changed much there except for the broad coal-tarred road and railings, isn't it?
The second image? Yes, looks easy but wondering if it is Tundikhel, the parade ground, right? You got it. But isn't that amazing? The dusty road has now turned to one of the busiest roads of the central Kathmandu. The Martyr's gate and areas around is crowded with vehicles (thanks to the surprisingly growing number of vehicles that ply on the roads of this city). The army's headquarters have come up there. But look at the image ! Who could have imagined, it will be what it is today!
The third image is a shocking one. The Ghantaghar! My goodness, except for the monument itself, nothing around seems familiar, does it? You can not even see the first college of Nepal yet, the Tri-Chandra college, since it was established only in 1918 A.D.
Look at the fourth image. Its the Dharahara, years before the historic earthquake shook its base some 70 years ago. What you are looking at is the untouched Dharahara, void the paintings and fixings of today. This information could thrill any Kathmanduite for sure.
The fifth and the sixth images are of the Swayambhu, the most popular Buddhist monastery of the city, and perhaps of the country as well. There's a pouplar legend about this monastery. As the legend goes, Swayambhu, a manifestation of the Adhi Buddha, the primordial Buddha, was a brilliant flame emanating from a lotus flower that rested in the midst of the lake Nagarad. From atop distant Mandapgiri (now Nagarkot), Majushree gazed at this wondrous sight and decided to worship this flame more closely. By going to the lowest hill in the southern part of the valley and slicing a portion of it with his Sword Of Wisdom, he drained the lake, thus creating the Chobhar Gorge (which till today drains the rivers of the Kathmandu Valley). The valley with its fertile soil appeared, and Manjushree proceeded on his mission to worship the Swayambhu, which had rested upon the small hillock of present-day Swayambhu (meaning "the self-existent"). (Description of the legend extracted from : www.baronboutique.com)
Look at the seventh and eighth images. The two popular durbar squares! They are full of temples and many ancient architecture, still preserved. The Kathmandu durbar square, also popularly known as the Hanumandhoka now has the central jail (a funny and worth a thought utilization of an ancient venue!). I don't see much difference in these two images, just that it has some modern shade in terms of tiles and maintenance now.
And the last image was the most shocking one (to me!). Can you guess where are you looking at in this image? No? Yes? No? Confused? The NewRoad ! The busiest, most congested street of the city! It is the venue that everyone longs to be, be it for shopping or business or even just a visit. people go there for evening walks, across it to Hanumandhoka. Gadget and fashion lovers peek into the busy shops and plazas. And it becomes a must visit when festivals come up and the road is lightened up to attract the city. I would call it the second gem of the city (considering Thamel to be the first, just a thought!). And in this image, it lies as a quiet street, perhaps unaware of the essence that it holds for the valley in the future!
How did you like it Kathmanduites? I loved it too much. I cherish to have established a mini-museum for you here (laughing)! And please forgive me on the copyrights of the images. I was so excited to share them with you that I gave a damn to the copyright law! Oops, I see the lawmakers behind me!
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