At the south-east corner of the Nasal chowk is and doorway through which one can pass into Basantaur chowk. During the time of King Prithivi Naryan Shah, the Shah kings moved from the old quarters, formely occupied by the Malla Kings, into the central countyard Palace. While the woodcarving in the central courtyard are an especially outstanding feature, the whole building is of equal historic value to the Nepalese.
The nine-storey Palace of Prithivi Naryan Shan, called the Basantapur Tower, is on the south-west of the quadrangle. The tower is on the south-east corner is known as the Lalitpur Tower. Bhaktpur Tower is on the north-east corner, whilw Kirtipur Tower is on the north-west.
Lalitpur Tower two storeys above the roofs the quadrangle. The view from the windows of these tower is marvellous, and when lavish gardens were laid out directly below, as they once were,its charm must have been even more enhanced. Bhaktapur Tower also rises two storeys above the general level of the quadrangle. It too looked out over the gardens,but a more special attraction lies in its unobstructed view of the great Temple of Taleju that lies directly to the north. The Kirtipur Tower has its own special fascination. The copper roof of this tower is of most usual design and complexity and is unpatalleled in Nepalese architecture. From where the inspiration for the design was derived is as unknown as the names of the artisans who contrived it, but it design provided a perfect counterpoint to the towers that lie beyond it. Matching the Lalitur and Kirtipur Towers in height, the Kirtipur Tower offers a clear view into the courtyard of Nasal chowk and also across the roofs to Degutaleju temple and Jagannath temple in the Hanuman Dhoka area.
The Basantapur Palace is a work of art in its own right, known for its finely carved roof struts, excellent windows, and the poetry of roof rising upon roof.
0 comments:
Post a Comment