Equestrian statues of Rana rulers falling apart

KATHMANDU, Aug 27: Everyday, many people visit Tundikhel, the open ground located at the heart of Kathmandu city, to relax, exercise and play. But the multitude that visits Tundikhel and those who pass by it barely notice the statues of different high profile figures of the Rana regime kept at the four corners of Tundikhel.



Unfortunately, even those who happen to notice these faded and broken statutes and are curious to find out about them would be disappointed because the plaque bearing the details about the statues are so badly damaged that it is impossible to read the text inscribed on then. [break]



During the reign of Ranas, the statues were kept at different locations like Shahid Gate, Sundhara, Ratna Park-Bagbazar intersection, Ranipokhari, in front of Bishal Bazaar, near the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel, among others. But, in the course of a road expansion campaign in 1960, the statues were shifted to Tundikhel and the Nepal Army ground. While shifting the statues, the knife attached to the statue of the founder of Rana regime Jung Bahadur Rana got broken, which has not been repaired till today.



The statues mainly belong to Rana prime ministers and other prominent figures of the Rana period like prime ministers Ranodip Singh Kunwar, Bir Shamsher, Chandra Shumsher, Judhha Shamsher and Commander in Chief Dhir Shamsher.



“These statues are important link to the history of Ranas. The plaques affixed to them contain many details,” says Shyam Sundar Rajbanshi, an official of Department of Archeology (DoA), who has prepared a report on the statues of Capital city.



The Ranas had commissioned London sculptors to build the statues that were shipped from there. But today none of them are in good condition. Apart from the knife, the crown on Jung Bahadur Rana´s statue is also broken but the concerned authority has not repaired it. Likewise the crown of the Prime Minister Ranodip Singh Kunwar is also broken. Similarly, the plaques of almost all the statues have been damaged.



“In all the statues of Rana figures are seen riding horses as if they are heading for a war. There are many such statues in different places, but the equestrian statues are found only in Tundhikhel and Nepal Army ground,” says Rajbanshi.

According to Rajbanshi, ten years ago, when they submitted the study report about the statues of the capital city to the DoA, then DoA at least took an initiative to paint all the statues. But he is unaware if any other steps have been taken to preserve them after that.



Although the statues were once seen as adding to the beauty of the capital city, no efforts are being taken as they fall apart in want of care. The concerned authorities such as DoA, Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Nepal Army (NA) point at each other when asked who is responsible for maintining the statues.

Even though many statues are situated at Army ground, the NA is not ready to take the responsibility of the statues. They say nor there is any written regulation that obligates them to maintain the statues, neither the government has ordered them to do so.



“Though their maintenance is not our responsibility, we still take care of the statues,” says Rabindra Khatri, Lieutenant colonel at Directorate of Public Relations of NA.

According to Khatri, DoA is the responsible agency for the maintenance of statues so it should work for the preservation and maintenance of all the statues.

While the NA has pointed the DoA as a concerned authority, the DoA is waiting for the report about the condition of the statues which are located inside the army ground before carrying out any maintenance work.



“We admit that the statues are our responsibility but we just want information from the Nepal Army, where the statues are located, and from Kathmandu Metropolitan City, as it takes the responsibility of Khullamanch,” says Ram Bahadur Kunwar, spokesperson of Department of Archeology (DoA).



According to Kunwar, it is the responsibility of the caretakers of the Tundikhel and Army around to at least inform about the condition of the things inside their territory.

While the DoA shifted the ball in the court of the NA and the KMC, the KMC simply refused to take any responsibility for the statues. The KMC argued that Tundikhel and Army ground both are taken care of by the NA, so the KMC is not responsible for anything.



“Though we are not responsible, we carry out cleanliness program around the statues and also paint the bar, which is for the protection of the statues,” says Dhanapati Sapkota, chief of KMC Implementation.

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