Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is the site of palaces of the Malla and Shah kings, rulers of the city. The palaces built as quadrangles hide peaceful courtyards and temples. The present day name for the square is Hanuman Dhoka (or gate), a name derived from the statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, on one side of the square. Royal palaces have been built at this from as early as the Licchavi period in the third century. When Prithvi Narayan Shah invaded the Kathmandu Valley in 1769, he too chose Kathmandu Durbar Square for his palace. Subsequent Shah kings continued to rule from the square until 1896 when they moved to the Narayan Hiti Palace. The square is often used nowadays for political rallies and mass public meetings.

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