Bhaktapur


Bhaktapur

(bŭk`təpo͝or') or

Bhadgaon

(bäd`gă'ŭn), city (1991 pop. 61,405), E Nepal, in a valley 4,553 ft (1,401 m) above sea level, surrounded by high Himalayan peaks. It is a processing center for the crops of the surrounding area; textiles and ceramics are produced. A religious center, Bhaktapur was founded in 12th cent. by King Ananda Malla as Khwopa, the capital of the Newar Malla kingdom. When the Gurkhas conquered the Nepal valley in 1768, Bhaktapur surrendered peacefully, thereby escaping their plunder. Landmarks include many ornate temples and the well-preserved palace (c.1700) built by King Bhupatindra Malla. The city is known as Nepal's "Cultural Capital" and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bhaktapur was severely damaged in the earthquakes of 1934 and 2015.

Bhaktapur

 

Bhatgaon, a city in Nepal. Situated in the Katmandu valley, 11 km east of the capital. Population about 35,000, primarily Newars. It is a commercial center of the agricultural region (barley, rice, wheat, millet, vegetables, and fruits). There is artisan and handicrafts production (including ceramic wares, near Bhaktapur).

Bhaktapur was founded in 865. Architectural monuments include the Palace of the 55 Windows on Darbar Square (former residence of kings of the Malla dynasty; constrution begun in 1427, rebuilt in 1697), with its Golden Gate (1756); a stone pillar with a bronze statue of King Bhupatindra Malla (18th century); the towered temple of Batsala Devi (16th to 18th centuries); on Taumadhi Square, the five-story Nyatapola pagoda-style temple (Bhavani; 1700-08); and the Bhairaba temple (1617-38; superstructure built in 1718). The national art gallery, with classic medieval painting and sculpture of Nepal, is located in Bhaktapur, as is a library of Sanskrit manuscripts.