BHAKTAPUR CHRONICLE AND MILESTONE (IN A.D)
“Historical Milestones of Bhaktapur: A Chronological Journey Through Time”
4th-5th Century: Bhaktapur was part of the Lichhavi kingdom, during which the Changu Narayan Temple was believed to be constructed, marking the start of its authentic history in 5th century.
6th-7th Century: Continued cultural and architectural prosperity and became a hub for trade and craftsmanship, attracting merchants and artisans.
8th-11th Century: The rise of buddhism and hinduism led to the construction of monasteries and temples, attracting scholars and practitioners from diverse regions.
12th Century: King Anand Dev founded Bhaktapur.
13th Century: Ari Malla, the first Malla King, established Bhaktapur as the capital of Nepal Mandal.
1233: Due to famine and starvation, one-third of the population of Bhaktapur had died.
1256: Major earthquake caused extensive destruction and the death of King Abhaya Malla.
14th Century: The Goddess Taleju Bhawani was established in Bhaktapur by Deval Devi of the Karnat dynasty during Rudra Malla’s time. The Gopal Rajvamsawali was written during Jayasthithi Malla’s reign.
15th Century: Bhaktapur Durbar Square, with its exquisite Newari architecture, was constructed during the reign of Yakshya Malla. Siddha Pokhari, a historic pond, was also built during this time.
1427: Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square features the Palace of 55 Windows, renowned for its intricate woodcarving. The Dattatreya Temple, initially a single-story structure, was also built during this year.
1451: King Yaksha Malla built four Char Dham temples to offer spiritual merit for pilgrims unable to travel to Uttaranchal, India.
1470: Yaksheswor Temple, a replica of the Pashupatinath Temple, was constructed by Yaksha Malla.
1482: The division of the Malla Kingdom by King Yaksha Malla’s sons made Bhaktapur an independent kingdom, boosting its political significance.
16th Century: Bhaktapur became renowned for its excellence in arts and craftsmanship, particularly in pottery, woodcarving, and metalwork.
17th Century: During the reigns of Jagajyoti Malla, Jagatprakash Malla, and Jitamitra Malla, Bhaktapur flourished culturally and architecturally.
1629/30: Nhu Pukhu (Rani Pukhu) constructed by Jagajyoti Malla.
1677: The Rajkulo, a significant irrigation canal, was commissioned in Bhaktapur by King Jitamitra Malla
1679: Thanthu Durbar was established, during a period of Jitamitra Malla.
1696: Vatsala Durga Temple was originally built by King Jitamitra Malla and later reconstructed by King Bhupatindra Malla.
1698: King Bhupatindra Malla built a palace named Malatichwok, locally known as Simhadhwoka Layaku due to the presence of a pair of stone lions.
1702: King Bhupatindra Malla completed to build the Nyatapola Temple in Bhaktapur, a masterpiece of Newari architecture.
1717: The Bhairavnath temple, a beautiful part of Taumadi Square, was initially constructed in the early 17th century by Jaga Jyoti Malla and later rebuilt by King Bhupatindra Malla.
1737: King Ranjit Malla constructed a big bell for the Taleju Bhawani Temple.
1754: King Ranjit Malla completed Bhaktapur’s 55-Window Palace, initially renovated by his father, King Bhupatindra Malla.
1757: King Ranjit Malla built the Golden Gate, locally known as ‘Lu Dhwaka,’ which serves as the entrance to the Fifty Window Palace.
1769: Bhaktapur was annexed by Prithvi Narayan Shah during his campaign to unite Nepal and started being called Bhadgaon.
1816: The rise of the Rana regime affected Bhaktapur.
1930: The name Bhadgaon was used until the 1930s when Juddha Sumsher Rana called it the “City of Devotees”.
1934: A major earthquake damaged Bhaktapur’s historical structures, but many were restored, preserving the city’s architectural heritage.
1960: The Government of Nepal established the National Art Gallery, inaugurated by the first elected PM, B.P. Koirala.
1979: Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changu Narayan Temple are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
1992: Bhaktapur Municipality has banned vehicles in Durbar Square.
1997: Bhaktapur Municipality organized a five-day festival to preserve and promote the city’s heritage, the largest of its kind ever held in Nepal.
1999: First academic institute (Khwopa Higher Secondary College) established by Bhaktapur Municipality.
2014: Bhaktapur became one of Nepal’s most visited tourist destinations.
2015: Bhaktapur was severely affected by a devastating earthquake.
2020: The reconstruction of Vatsala Durga Temple in Bhaktapur Durbar Square was completed in February by Bhaktapur Municipality.
2021: Bhaktapur Municipality completed the reconstruction of 108 out of over 120 monuments destroyed after the earthquake, showcasing significant restoration efforts.
2023: Bhaktapur emerged as a shining example among 753 local governments.
2024: Bhaktapur Municipality recognized as the 3rd cleanest municipality by the Ministry of Urban Development.
Prepared By : Urmila Jadhari