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Ayuguthi Sattal (1993--) |
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Background
The
Ayuguthi Sattal, an 18th century two-story pilgrims’ resthouse (Newari: sattah)
defining the northern perimeter of Patan Darbar Square, has been the focus
of Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust’s efforts in collaboration with
His Majesty’s Government’s Department of Archaeology since 1991. This
pilgrim’s resthouse stands near the Trust’s headquarters in Patan
Darbar Square in near ruins. It was under negligent private ownership till
the Nepal Supreme Court took a ground-breaking decision to nationalize it
in 1996, a decision upheld by the Nepalese Supreme Court in 1998. The
successful outcome of this legal battle, the first time the government has
taken a building by eminent domain based on its cultural and historic
value, is a landmark victory for architectural preservation. Sadly
however, much of the historic building was lost to monsoon rains and the
inability to carry out protective measures during the prolonged legal
battle. The
reconstruction is the first international conservation project to rely
totally on the historic building methods, materials, and crafts of Nepal.
No modern materials will be introduced and the rebuilding will be a
showcase of historic techniques, providing local craftsmen with the
opportunity to refine and reproduce historic building skills, a key
project component. The case of the Ayuguthi Sattal, an important precedent for the region, sends a message to the public that the Government of Nepal will act to protect architectural heritage. |
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