National 4 (Spotlight Weekly)

'Art And Culture Flourish Where There Is Peace And Prosperity'

— Dr. SAFALYA AMATYA

Dr. SAFALYA AMATYA, a well-known archeologist, has written several books on the cultural and historical aspects of Nepal. A former director-general of the Department of Archeology, Dr. Amatya has won a number of national and international awards for his contributions to the preservation and promotion of history and culture. Dr. Amatya spoke to KESHAB POUDEL on various historical and archeological facets of Nepal. Excerpts:

You have been involved for a long time in the archeological study of Nepal. How would you explain the Nepalese identity in view of the available historical and cultural artifacts?

In terms of archeological evidence, the identity of Nepal is as old as all other ancient civilizations. We have found many evidences from the pre-historic period such as the jaw of Ramapithecus in Butwal. We have found many fossils along the Shiwalik range and in Janakpur. This shows that this country has existed from the pre-historic period.

Kathmandu valley has a long history of evolution. How do you define its social character? Is it aggressive or adoptive?

The evolution of the social system in Kathmandu valley has been based on cooperation, friendship and amity. After the death of Gautam Buddha, his followers in northern India were assaulted. Many fled into Kathmandu valley because of atrocities committed against them by Ajat Satru. They showed adaptive and accommodative characteristics in the new land. Whoever came to Kathmandu valley easily assimilated with the local culture. Like the Shakyas, the Licchivis, Biji, Thakuris, Mallas and the Shahs adapted to Kathmandu valley's culture and tradition. The valley has always been adaptive and tolerant.

What are the symbols that show such harmony?

From custom to religion and festivals to monuments, the valley's milieu has been the product of the harmony of various communities and rulers. It evolved through passing, accepting and accommodating new ones. The valley's culture has a unique capacity for assimilation and has been enriched by the traits brought in by new settlers - Licchivis, Mallas, Koli, Shakyas, Senpal and Thakuris. Since the people of Kathmandu inherited religion and culture from outside, they gave them new shapes. Legend says the Bungodyo Rato-Machindranath was brought from Assam (India) and Mahankal Bhairav from Tibet. Although there is no evidence to prove the claim, this is the concept people having passing to their children over the generations.

How many shrines does the valley have where Hindus and Buddhist worship together?

We have many such shrines and temples. Be it Rato Machindranath, Swayambhunath or other Buddhist shrines, Hindus respect them with equal devotion. The Buddhists, too, have always welcomed Hindu devotees. This culture of harmony has existed in Kathmandu for many centuries. There are many temples synchronizing Buddhism and Hinduism. Hindus and Buddhists share many festivals. This is a tribute to the tolerance of the people.

How about public attitudes?

Artistes created these images, but one has to appreciate the attitude of the people who ordered them to do so. Some see Buddha and Narayan in similar way as Shiva and Narayan. The various rituals also allow the people of different castes and strata to come closer. "Untouchables" serve as priests of Devipiths in the valley, such as Bhadrakali, Indrayeni, Chamunda and Balkumari, which are full of worshippers from higher castes. This is how the people have assimilated.

How do you see the situation now?

Some elements are trying to destroy the centuries-old harmony between the people, which is not a good trend. Harmony is central to certain important rituals and festivals. In pulling the chariot of Rato Macchindranath, Hindus and Buddhists have to work in unison. Some narrow-minded Brahmin and Buddhist priests have been trying to disrupt this feeling of togetherness.

When did Nepal start seeing the flourishing of culture, religion and heritage sites?

According to new findings, the period of the Thakuris, who ruled Kathmandu from 9th to 14th century between the fall of the Licchivis and reign of Mallas, was when art, culture and religion prospered in Nepal. Under the 500-year rule of the Thakuris, the country passed without any major accident or incident. Many festivals, including the Devi dances, originated in this period. It took many centuries for the Licchivis to settle the country. The Mallas, too, had faced internal rifts and disturbances. Had the Mallas remained united, King Prithvi Narayan Shah would not have won the war. Although there is very little evidence of the Thakuri period, the available evidence suggests that the period was the golden age in terms of development of culture and religion. Art and culture develop where there is peace and prosperity.

Why, then, is this illustrious past ignored today?

Unfortunately, we don't have too many people who know and remember the past. Nationalism is not just about the country, population or music. It is the pride of individuals. If we understand historical pride, then the people will realize their true importance. In a country where few leaders read their history and culture, how can they take pride in their identity? If the leaders knew about the country's legacy, no one would be standing helplessly today as students go on destroying educational institutions. We must be proud that our country existed for centuries at the corner of Himalayas maintaining its own identity.

How do you assess the past 200 years?

If you consider the history of the past 200 years, you cannot find anyone who tried to develop and protect ancient monuments and culture. There has been a tendency among rulers to consolidate their power. The trend of Bhimsen Thapa's and Jung Bahadur's time is dominant in today's politics. Just like Bhimsen Thapa and Jung Bahadur promoted their families and relatives, today's leaders have a very narrow outlook. If we had a leader who understood the history and culture of Nepal, the country would have been in a very different situation today. If you don't know the evolution of the country, society and culture, how can you assess society as a whole? You need to understand the entire history of country - social history, cultural history and economic history.

How do you see the emerging culture of violence in Kathmandu valley?

As far as the existing culture of intolerance and violence is concerned, it is imported from outside. It is not the culture of Nepal. From the east to west, various ethnic groups have their own traditions and culture, but nobody has violent characteristics. The present anarchy and violence have been inspired by outsiders and it is not permanent.

Do you think this will change soon?

Once all groups come together, they will automatically assimilate. The culture and religion of Kathmandu valley teach the virtues of tolerance and acceptance. The history of Nepal shows that our very identity is rooted in harmony and assimilation of other cultures and religions. This sense of adoption prevails throughout the country. Our society has the capability to cope with every situation. It has seen many ups and downs.

When there have always been conflicts between ideas, how could two great religions - Hinduism and Buddhism - assimilate in Nepal?

The attitude and mental makeup of the rulers and political leaders determined the process of assimilation of different ideas. In Kathmandu valley, the Kings were always accommodative and never discriminated against the citizens on grounds of religion and culture. From the very beginning, we have seen kings who treated all the religions and culture equally. Whether in the period of Licchivis, Mallas, Khas, Sen and Pal Kings, they respected the diversity. The cold climatic nature may have helped to develop this adoptive attitude. There has been no record of conflict on the basis of religion and culture. There might have some disputes, as such disputes are natural.

Nepal is sandwiched between two major civilizations and powers - India and China. Do you see the dominance of any particular country's religion and culture?

Geographical position has influenced the culture and religions of particular areas. In certain parts of Nepal, including plains and mid-hills, Indian culture and religions are dominant. The people living in the northern mountain areas have greater social, religious, cultural and commercial interaction with Tibet. Geographically, Nepal is divided into two different zones linking two great Asian civilizations. Their influence on Nepalese culture and religions has existed for centuries and will continue to do so.

What about Kathmandu valley?

There is assimilation of Mongoloid and Aryan culture. The residents of Kathmandu valley are divided among different castes. The residents of Kathmandu became known in terms of sub-groups only after the arrival of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. The tragedy was that after the death of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, there were many minor kings for many more years. In his Dibyaupadesh, King Prithvi Narayan Shah said many things about the governance of Nepal. He clearly spelled out the need to protect and promote the culture of Kathmandu. Although Prithvi Narayan Shah visualized many things, he spent most of his time consolidating his position. Under the minor kings, the Kazis, including Thapa, Basnet and Pandeys, who came along with Prithvi Narayan Shah, were selfish. Putting minors on the throne, these bhardars launched massive witch-hunt of the old bhardars of the Mallas. Their property was confiscated and their houses were destroyed by the bhardars of Gorkha. The bhardars of Prithvi Narayan Shah tried to project their own identity by punishing the old bhardars. During the Rana period, there was greater discrimination. All the kings who ruled the Kathmandu valley earlier were assimilated in the valley and there were no disparities.

You were the director-general of Department of Archeology when UNESCO declared some Nepalese areas as world heritage sites. What is the situation now?

Seven archeological sites in Kathmandu valley and Lumbini are regarded as world heritage sites. These include the three durbar squares of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur, two Hindu temples - Changu Narayan and Pashupatinath - and two Boudha stupas - Swaymabhu and Boudha Nath. Frankly speaking, we have been unable to fulfill our responsibilities. Heritage sites include the entire surrounding areas, including private houses. But our policy makers and common people continue to believe that heritage sites consist merely of temples and sculpture. If Hanumandhoka Palace is declared as a world heritage site, it means the entire surrounding area must be preserved. The government has maintained the temples, houses and other areas under its control, but private house owners have rejected preservation proposals. We have been unable to maintain the architecture of private houses in those areas. This is why UNESCO has threatened to revoke the recognition. While I was director-general at the Department of Archeology, I tried to dismantle a house built in violation of the building codes. The local people organized a mass rally opposing the move. This is our level of awareness.

How many historically important sites are there in Kathmandu?

Since there are an enormous number of such sites in the valley, it is not easy to count them. Kathmandu valley is the only place in the world with such a heavy concentration of arts and artifacts. Along with big palaces and houses, we have a number of temples of gods and goddess, ponds and wells. I have traveled in many villages on the outskirts of Kathmandu and found many historical facts. There are many villages like Bode, Thimi, Nakdesh, Satungal, Panga, Nala, Balambu, Sanagau, Thaiba, Sunakothi and Pharping. One can see ponds, water spout, huts, temples and open spaces and stages. There are stages in every nook and corner of the city.

How much effort have we made to preserve them?

Frankly speaking, Kathmandu valley itself is a city of monuments. The old houses, many of which were dismantled, had also temples and monuments. Almost all the houses in Kathmandu have religious sites. Although most are destroyed, we still have a large number of artifacts. Thanks to the awareness generated by the media, a growing number of people are realizing the need for preservation.

Are there any new excavation projects under way besides those in Devpatan and Handigaun?

Excavations are still taking place. Handigaun, Dhumbarahi, Patan Durbar Square Batuko and Pashupati areas are some of the sites. But the excavation close to the Satya Narayan Temple in Handigaun is still regarded the best. The Italians have found so many things to prove that the Handigaun was inhabited 1 or 2 centuries before the birth of Christ. Handigaun, Maligaun and Gyaneshwor areas were historically important places. Pratap Malla brought Kalbhairav and Budanilkantha Narayan to Hanuman Dhoka Palace from Gyaneswor.

Nepal is known as country of festivals. How many festivals do people generally celebrate in a year?

There are almost 365 festivals in Nepal. There is hardly a day that goes without a festival. In Bhaktapur, people celebrate festivals everyday. The Terai has similar practices. The Maithali community celebrates at least two or three festivals a month. They are culturally sensitive. One of the peculiar characteristics of Nepalese is to enjoy the festivals. Our forefathers were so wise that they had left the rice planting period from June and mid-July without major festivals. The cycle of festivals start from Ghantakarna in mid-July and ends with Sithi, the largest cycle with all the major festivals. But there are various small cycles of festivals that start from the second week of April and end in May. These festivals are celebrated on the outskirts of the main town.

What do we need to do to preserve this rich legacy?

This is a country of numerous religions, a rich culture and people of different ethnic groups. Nepal's history lies in its culture and ancient history embedded in Kathmandu valley. Being the oldest country in the region, Nepal has its own identity. However, we hardly take pride in this heritage. If people do not know about their history, they cannot be proud of who they are. We need to make more and more people aware of our unique culture and religion. The present anarchy reflects our failure. In a society with such a long history of harmony, people will soon discard such trends once they become more aware of the past.