NAME: ANUSHKA KHATRI

ROLL.NO: 076/B.ARCH/01

SUBJECT: DESIGN THEORY 2

DATE: 2080/02/16
DHARAHARA
Dharahara, also known as Bhimsen Tower or
Darahara Tower, is a historic tower located in
Kathmandu, Nepal. It was a nine-story tall tower that
served as an iconic landmark and a popular tourist
attraction in the city.

The original Dharahara Tower was built in 1832 by

the Prime Minister of Nepal, Bhimsen Thapa, during
the reign of King Ranjit Malla. It was constructed as
a military watchtower and a place for panoramic
views of the Kathmandu Valley. The tower stood at
a height of around 61 meters (200 feet) and was
constructed primarily with brick and wood.
“DHARAHARA IN 1910”

Tragically, the tower was severely damaged during

the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal on April
25, 2015. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.8,
caused widespread destruction in the region,
including significant damage to numerous historical
and cultural sites in Kathmandu.

After the earthquake, efforts were made to assess the

damage and restore the tower. The Nepalese
government, along with support from international
organizations and donors, initiated the reconstruction
process. The reconstruction aimed to restore the
tower to its original design and make it structurally
resilient to future earthquakes.
“REMAINS OF DHARAHARA
AFTER 2015 EARTHQUAKE”
PERSONAL POV

• Dharahara is the historical link between the past and the present. After
constant destruction and construction again and again it seems to have
slowly and steadily lost its purpose and identity.

• The fact that people were allowed inside dharahara before 2015 earthquake
has its pro’s and cons. Pro being “public get to experience the historical
essence in dharahara and also admire the panaromic view of Kathmandu
valley from the top”. On the contrary, because it was a real old monument its
strength was not so good and was evident. Because of which a lot of people
were inside dharahara when it collapsed. Its just my hypothesis that if people
were not allowed inside the monument then the quantity of people that died
or got injured that day would have be magnificently lower.

• On the positive side, the reconstruction of Dharahara could be seen as a

symbol of resilience and recovery from the devastating earthquake of 2015.
It demonstrates the determination of the Nepalese people to rebuild and
restore their cultural landmarks, showcasing their ability to overcome
adversity.

• Dharahara was the popular tourist attraction and had contributed in country’s
tourism. The reconstruction campaign has an opportunity to create an
environment around Dharahara that reflects our culture, history, and identity.
Thus, attracting more and more tourists like never before.

• According the news, the new dharahara will be functional, will cater the
need of growing population, will be aesthetic and will be stronger than ever
before.

THE UNDER CONSTRUCTION GARDEN THE REMAINS OF OLD DHARAHARA NEW DHARAHARA
WITHIN THE VICINITY OF
DHARAHARA
• Dharahara should resemble the aesthetics and appearance of the old
one rather than the old construction methods. A conglomeration of old
architecture and new construction methods is the way to go. Because
what’s the point of following the old construction pattern in the name
of “it will loose its authenticity” if we have to construct it again and
again after it get destroyed each time.