Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu Valley comprises the three ancient
cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, which were once independent states
ruled by the Malla kings from the 12th to the 18th
centuries. The three cities house seven UNESCO World Heritage shrines which are
together listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Culture). The valley is also
home to hundreds of other exquisite monuments, sculptures, artistic temples and
magnificent art – reminders of the golden era in Nepal’s architecture.
Legend has it that the valley was was once a
primordial lake ringed by verdant mountains. In this pristine lake lived
giant serpents until one fine day, saint Manjushree, the Bodhisatva, raised a
mighty sword and in one fell swoop, cut open the side of a mountain at a place
now known as Chobar. The voluminous waters of the lake gushed out, leaving
behind a fertile valley capable of supporting large urban settlements over the
millennia. The Gopala and Kirati dynasties were the earliest rulers here
followed by the Licchavi (300-879 A.D.), under whom flourished trade and
crafts.
But the valley’s remarkable cities with their
ornate palaces, the superbly crafted pagodas and the monumental stupas are
testimony of the artistic genius of the Newar craftsmen, the original
inhabitants of the valley, whose skills were championed by the Malla kings and
appreciated even by the Mongol rulers of 18th century China.
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