Shera Durbar, Dibya Upadesh And Independence

On Saturday, Prithvi Jayanti was observed organising a variety of programmes. The special day has been marked to commemorate the contributions of Nepal’s founding father Prithvi Narayan Shah, who spearheaded a prolonged campaign to unify small principalities into modern Nepali nation state in 1825 B.S. Nepalis specially appreciate his vision of statecraft, economic nationalism, cultural tolerance, neutral yet proactive foreign policy and robust defence system embedded in his famous Dibya Updesh (Noble Counsel). However, over the centuries, his far-sighted guidelines, aimed at making Nepal strong and prosperous, were not truly upheld by either his own descendants or those who championed democracy or republican set-up.

Just a couple of weeks ago, a news related to the illegal transfer of Shera Durbar land ownership came to light. An investigation has showed that the Shera Durbar, also known as Prithvi Narayan Shah’s winter palace, has been illegally registered into the name of personal secretary of a former prime minister. The investigating authorities have recommended bringing the old monument that covers around 184 ropanis of land into the government’s ownership. 

Historical associations

Abandoned and derelict now, Shera Durbar was built prior to the victory of Kathmandu Valley. It bears many other historical associations. It was a historic place from where Prithvi Narayan Shah had delivered his Dibya Updesh to his offspring and courtiers. After Nepal’s territory was expanded up to Sikkim, Prithvi Narayan Shah decided to stop his eastward campaign and focused on pushing the western frontiers. And it is believed that he was drawing a strategy to conquer baise and chaibesi rajyas from this palace. When he sensed that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak, he spent his last days in this panoramic palace, giving guidelines to his advisers, son and army commanders. 

The inherent objective behind giving sermon was that his hard-hewed kingdom would not become weak and be defeated by the advancing British Empire. Bahadur Shah, who was born in Nuwakot Durbar, frequently visited Shera Durbar, and also stayed there in course of mobilising army and resources against the Chinese forces that arrived near Dhaibung of Rasuwa during Nepal-Tibet war. Over the decades, Shera Durbar changed several hands, and finally it came into the hands of land mafias, much to the chagrin of Nepali people. During the insurgency, the Maoist guerrillas had set fire to the Durbar. And now it has been captured by one former Maoist leader.

It is pertinent to mention this Durbar as the country celebrated the 303rd birth anniversary of King Prithvi Narayan Shah and National Unity Day. The government also granted public holiday on Saturday to mark the occasion. Shera Durbar is associated with Dibya Updesh, the first original Nepali document that has well-defined the domestic and foreign policies for a newly-created state and it is equally relevant today. The attempt to erase the existence of Shera Durbar also implies the height of disregard for nation’s history, heritage and symbol.

It has been an international tradition of respecting the historical sites irrespective of individuals, ideology and nationality linked with them. For instance, the tombs of Karl Marx, his spouse and family members lie in Highgate Cemetery in North London. Marx’s burial site has been described as one of the most recognisable graves in the world. England has never been a communist nation but it has kept Marx’s tomb intact though it suffered vandalism from the miscreants. Vladimir Lenin, the founder of erstwhile Soviet Union, had not castigated Peter the Great, first emperor of Russia. Similarly, Marx did not dismiss Otto von Bismarck’s role in unifying Germany. The Communist Party of China has not dismantled the ancient palaces constructed by various dynasties that ruled China in different periods. Rather the communist China has preserved and renovated the old courts as sources of knowledge of history and attractive tourist destinations.

Had the historic monument like Shera Durbar been located in Europe or elsewhere, it would have been protected and well-maintained as respected site for the visitors. In fact, there was a widespread apathy even among the descendants of Prithvi Narayan Shah when it came to preserving the Shera Durbar from where the nation’s unifier expressed his final words of wisdom. It is indeed a revered house and source of inspiration for the patriotic Nepalis that want to see Nepal economically independent and geopolitically assertive as envisioned in Dibya Updesh. In order to impart authentic information about nation’s valiant sagas and instil a sense of patriotism in the young people, Shera Durbar serves as a site of reference.

Valuable insight

Every nation has a founding father who either liberated it from colonial power or unified it by bringing small states into the fold. But Nepal never came under the boot of colonial powers. The credit of keeping Nepal’s independence, sovereignty and territory integral goes solely to Prithvi Narayan Shah. As Nepal is located in a tricky geopolitical place, his policies and strategies offer valuable insight for ensuring self-determination and well-being of the people. His democratic approach to choose the head of government centuries ago resonates with the principles of democracy and rule of law.

After the country ushered in the federal republican set-up, some groups, driven by belligerent identity politics, tried to demonise the nation's founding father by linking him to the monarchical system and dismissing his contribution to national unification. But such a notorious activity has petered out now. Most of the political, social and cultural segments have recognised and revered Prithvi Narayan Shah. At this moment, it is the responsibility of the state to protect all courts, sites and structures related to Prithvi Narayan Shah and make all Nepalis familiar with them. Then only can there be a real tribute to the national icon.  

(The author is Deputy Executive Editor of this daily.)