Kathmandu University
Department of Music
A Short Introduction
The KU
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The Newar culture flourished during the late Malla dynasty from the 15th century up to the 18th century. The Malla kings of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur were devoted patrons of the arts and competed with one another in the beautification and cultural achievements of their kingdoms. Many of these Malla kings excelled as musicians, dancers, poets and town planners. Dramatic changes can be seen not only among the Newar but also among all ethnic groups of Nepal - even in areas far from the Kathmandu Valley. What Nepalese perceive as 'the loss of our culture' happens at a rapid pace and goes along with the ravaging of the natural environment, an alarming population growth, unbalanced distribution of resources, rampant exploitation and corruption, political instability and a growing desperation and readiness to solve problems not through compromise but with violence. Current change devastates Nepal like a wild river. This must be controlled and channelled into a less destructive course. Preservation of culture and environment is a precondition for sustainable development. In this context, the academic discipline of ethnomusicology could play an important part.
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