POKHARA UNIVERSITY

COSMOS COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND

TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
MAHALAXMISTHAN, LALITPUR

REPORT ON BAGH DURBAR

SUBMITTED BY: SUBMITTED TO:

PRITHA SHRESTHA AR. SURYA GYAWALI

200721

3RD YEAR/ 1ST SEM

Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.........................................................................................................3

ABSTRACT...............................................................................................................................4

BAGH DURBAR.......................................................................................................................5

INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................5

HISTORY...............................................................................................................................5

ARCHITECTURE.................................................................................................................6

CONSTRUCTION.................................................................................................................6

MATERIALS.........................................................................................................................7

NEO CLASSICAL ELEMENTS...........................................................................................8

CURRENT STATUS............................................................................................................10

CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................10

Figure 1 Present Bagh Durbar....................................................................................................5

Figure 2 Bagh Durbar before 1934............................................................................................5
Figure 3 Bagh durbar before 1934.............................................................................................5
Figure 4Model of Bagh Durbar..................................................................................................6
Figure 5 Model of Bagh Durbar.................................................................................................6
Figure 6 Interior and exterior walls............................................................................................7
Figure 7 Flooring........................................................................................................................8
Figure 8 Roofing........................................................................................................................8
Figure 9 Arch openings and brick tiles......................................................................................8
Figure 10 Arch openings and brick tiles....................................................................................8
Figure 11 louvered windows......................................................................................................8
Figure 12 louvered windows......................................................................................................8
Figure 13 Neo classical windows...............................................................................................8
Figure 14 metal sheets................................................................................................................9
Figure 15 metal sheets................................................................................................................9
Figure 16 decorative staircase....................................................................................................9
Figure 17 decorative staircase....................................................................................................9
Figure 18 entrance......................................................................................................................9
Figure 19 Surkhi plaster.............................................................................................................9
Figure 20 Surkhi plaster.............................................................................................................9
Figure 21 Traditional pitched roof.............................................................................................9
Figure 22 Traditional pitched roof.............................................................................................9
Figure 23 grand columns............................................................................................................9
Figure 24 grand columns............................................................................................................9
Figure 25 grand doric columns..................................................................................................9
Figure 26 grand doric columns..................................................................................................9
Figure 27 Ornamented exterior..................................................................................................9
Figure 28 Ornamented exterior..................................................................................................9
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It has been a great experience working on this project. Though the project has been solely
prepared by me to fulfill the requirements of the course, there are many who guided me
define, shape, and finalize the project.

First, I thank Cosmos College of Management and Technology and Department of

Architecture for providing such an opportunity for the students to broaden their frame of
skills. Our sincere gratitude also goes to my teacher Ar. Surya Gyawali, for his constant
guidance and support for the execution and completion of this report.

I am immensely grateful to all involved in this project as without their inspiration and
valuable suggestion it would not have been possible to develop the project within the
prescribed time.

Finally, I must acknowledge our colleagues from Department of Architecture Batch 2020 for
their help and suggestion in completing this report.
ABSTRACT
This report provides a comprehensive overview of Bagh Durbar. This abstract encapsulates
the essence of a comprehensive report delving into the history, architecture, significance, and
current status of Bagh Durbar. Constructed during the late 19th century. This report is made
for the study of neo classical elements and materials used while designing the then palaces of
rana and shah periods. Bagh durbar is one of the exemplifiable palaces from the neoclassical
architectural era . Bagh Durbar, also known as the Tiger Palace, situated in Kathmandu,
Nepal, stands as a symbol of the country's rich cultural heritage and historical significance.
Bagh Durbar represents a fusion of Nepali, Indian, and European architectural styles. It
served as the residence of Rana Prime Ministers during their autocratic rule and played a
pivotal role in shaping Nepal's political landscape. Today, Bagh Durbar continues to enchant
visitors with its intricate carvings, spacious courtyards, and lush gardens, despite facing
challenges of preservation and urbanization. Through ongoing restoration efforts and
conservation initiatives, Bagh Durbar remains a cherished heritage site, preserving Nepal's
rich legacy for future generations to appreciate and cherish.
BAGH DURBAR
INTRODUCTION
Bagh durbar is a palace built and resided
by Thapa Regime in Kathmandu, the
capital of Nepal. The palace complex is
located west of the Dharahara and
Tudikhel. The palace is located
(27°41’34.58” N, 85°19’28.04” E) in the
Figure 1 Present Bagh Durbar
central Kathmandu. It incorporates an
impressive and vast array of courtyards, gardens, and buildings. Initially the palace was
owned by Amar Singh Thapa of Thapa Regime and his descendant but later was occupied by
Royals of Shah Dynasty and later by Government of Nepal.

HISTORY
According to Wikipedia, the palace complex lay
in the heart of Kathmandu, to the north of the
Bagmati River. The history of the palace is
closely linked with the history of Nepal and its
rulers.

In Royal courtier family Thapa, some lived in

Thapathali Durbar complex, and some lived
towards the west of the Sundhara in today's place of Bagh Durbar. Initially, a palace was built
by Amar Singh Thapa (Sanu) and later a new Figure 2 Bagh Durbar before 1934

palace was built and used by Bhimsen Thapa due to its proximity to the Royal Hanuman
Dhoka Palace in 1805 AD.

After the fall of Bhimsen Thapa in 1837, this

entire palace complex was seized by
Government of Nepal but was later occupied
by Prime Minister Mathabarsingh Thapa as a
descendant and member of Bagale Thapa clan.
Bag Durbar was again seized by Government

Figure 3 Bagh durbar before 1934.

of Nepal in 1845 after the murder of Mathabarsingh Thapa by his own nephew Jung Bahadur
Rana.

After nationalization of Bag Durbar, this

property was given to Royal Prince Upendra Bir
Bikram Shah in 1854. However, he was kept
under house arrest for Treason. Upon his death,
in 1896 BS, this palace was inherited by his son
Bhupetindra Bikram Shah and again to
Bhupitendra's son Mohan Bikram.
Figure 4Model of Bagh Durbar

As Mohan Bikram was RamRaj (Zamindar of Ram Nagar estate), he started living in
Ramnagar, India. Thus, his property was
used by his stepbrother Chandra Bikram
Shah. Both Mohan Bikram and Chandra
Bikram were the Son-In-Laws of Prime
Minister Juddha Shamsher JBR, so their
property was eventually captured by
Juddha and his son Hari Shamsher.
Figure 5 Model of Bagh Durbar

ARCHITECTURE
The architectural splendour of Bagh Durbar mesmerizes visitors with its intricate carvings,
ornate facades, and spacious courtyards. The palace complex comprises several buildings,
including the main palace, guest quarters, administrative offices, and lush gardens. The fusion
of Nepali, Indian, and European architectural styles add to its allure, making it a masterpiece
of craftsmanship and design.

CONSTRUCTION
The original construction of Bagh Durbar is believed to have been done in 1805 by then
prime minister Bhimsen Thapa who was replacing a small house constructed by his father.
The original construction covered an area of 61049 sq.m; however, present day Bagh Durbaar
is now limited to 2933 sq.m. The building was renovated by Bir Shamsher in 1885 and was
reconstructed after the 1934 earthquake, which destroyed the monument. Present day Bagh
durbar which is being used as the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office, was constructed after
the 1934 earthquake, and was slightly altered from the Greco-Roman style by Juddha
Shamsher and his son Hari Shamsher.

The building is situated in the plain terrain of central Kathmandu. it is a load bearing masonry
building. The building is a three storeyed Greco-Roman construction; however, there are only
two storeys in some locations with higher storey heights. the vertical configuration is
generally regular, and the plan configuration has some projections. The building has a
rectangular combination of components with a central courtyard. The floorplans depict
massive wall thickness and geometrically irregular constructions at several locations of the
building. The total plinth area of the building is 8564 sq.m. The wall thickness varies from
850mm to 900mm on the ground floor, 800mm on the first floor, 750mm on the second floor
whereas the west extension of the building has a wall thickness of 650 mm. Several interior
walls are made with timber and aluminium partitions which were added later; thus the
present-day form of Bagh durbar is not the same as the one constructed in 1935.

MATERIALS
FOUNDATION

The foundation was provided up to depth of 3 meters with soling of brick bats. At the plinth
level, 100 mm thickness surkhi used as damp proofing. The foundation of the building
comprises stepped bricks walls.

WALLS

The walls were constructed as brick masonry

and mud mortar. Surkhi plaster provided to
exterior walls and mud mortar was provided
in interior walls. Cement plaster was.

Figure 6 Interior and exterior walls

FLOOR

The floors were constructed with timer joists

and a jack arch with a steel I-beam in the
 original construction. Use of brick tiles was also seen. Use of stones for flooring was also
seen.

. ROOF

The roof of the building was provided with

corrugated iron sheets and timber trusses were
provided to support the roof. The ceiling of the
building has decorative metal sheets with
cornices in the halls. Some rooms also have
timber false ceiling.
Figure 8 Roofing

NEO CLASSICAL ELEMENTS

Figure 9 louvered windows Figure 11 Arch openings and brick tiles

Figure 13 Neo classical windows

Figure 14 Traditional pitched roof

Figure 16 Surkhi plaster

Figure 23 Ornamented exterior

Figure 25 grand doric columns

Figure 27 grand columns

Figure 18 metal sheets
Figure 20 decorative staircase
Figure 22 entrance
CURRENT STATUS
In recent years, Bagh Durbar has undergone restoration efforts to preserve its historical
legacy and cultural heritage. Various initiatives have been undertaken to protect the palace
from structural decay, natural disasters, and urban encroachment. Despite facing challenges
such as funding constraints and bureaucratic hurdles, ongoing conservation projects aim to
safeguard Bagh Durbar for future generations to cherish and appreciate.

CONCLUSION
Bagh durbar is a palace owned by Thapa regime that totally portrays the beauty of then neo
classical palaces. it was completely designed using all the necessary neo classical elements,
the traditional material and construction technology. However, after the several earthquakes
hits the renovations took place and there have been changes made in use of materials and
design in certain places. Today the palace functions as an office for the metropolitan police
and is in a condition to be demolished due to the huge damages caused by the earthquake.
Bagh Durbar stands as a poignant reminder of Nepal's rich past, embodying the resilience,
creativity, and spirit of its people. As a custodian of history and tradition, this iconic palace
continues to captivate the imagination of locals and tourists alike, beckoning them to unravel
its secrets and marvel at its timeless beauty. Through concerted efforts in preservation and
promotion, Bagh Durbar will undoubtedly remain a cherished treasure, preserving the legacy
of Nepal for posterity.