Ghantaghar: The first clock tower of Nepal

History of time keeping in Nepal

Ghantaghar is one of the most noticeable landmarks in all of Kathmandu. Although similar towers have been constructed in other parts of Nepal, the most popular one has been the one behind Rani Pokhari. Before Ghantaghar was made, the residents of Kathmandu valley had no scientific means of knowing the time; they deduced the time by feeling their wrists and watching the sun. The Ghantaghar , literally translated as the "Bell Tower", was constructed during the reign of H.H Maharaj Bir Shumsher JBR. However, it was H.H Maharaj Dev Shumsher JBR who gave him that idea. During the 13- year long reign of Bir Shumsher, various developmental works were completed, including the Bir Dhara, Medical Dispensaries, Bir Library. He constructed magnificient durbars, including the Seto Durbar ( The White Palace ), Fohara Durbar ( The Palace of Fountains ), Lal Durbar ( The Red Palace), etc. Later, H.H. Maharaj Dev Shumsher JBR started the system of notifying people of 12 am by blasting a cannon. Later, the Ghantaghar was used to notify people of the curfew that used to be implemented every night from 9 pm to 5 am. The system of blowing cannons to notify of the time was abolished in 2046 BS.

H.H. Maharaj Bir Shumsher JBR

The Making of Ghantaghar

Kathmandu, at that time was an abode of artistic palaces. Bir Shumsher himself constructed several palaces. He had ordered four huge wall clocks from Great Britain, to adorn the palace of his four sons. But, the order came to Nepal as four clocks joined as one. This caused much problem to Bir Shumsher. His brother (the then- Jangi Laath) Chandra Shumsher suggested they would return the shipment back to England, but his other brother (the then- Mukhtiyar ) Dev Shumsher suggested to make a clock tower, which would ensure that Bir Shumsher would do an act of social service to the people. So, the 4-in-1 clock was relocated to a tower constructed specially for that purpose.

The Original Ghantaghar

Present Day Ghantaghar

The original bell tower constructed by Bir Shumsher was destroyed during the 1990 BS earthquake. It was rebuilt and one of its largest bells was taken to a temple for its safety. The Ghantaghar was again rebuilt during the reign of His Majesty the King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah . The Ghantaghar still stands today, reminding the Kathmandu residents of their proud history.

Present day Ghantaghar

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