Art Enchants Tourists

Recently, news of Nepali artefacts being auctioned and displayed abroad without legitimacy surfaced in major media outlets. This isn’t a new occurrence as time and time again, news of Nepali artefacts being traded clandestinely and illegitimately emerges. Nepali art is unique, significant and culturally enriching. When one visits temples and monuments in Nepal, one can find age-old traditional art that reflects history. As a nation, Nepal is known throughout the world for its traditional temples, sites and monuments. As such, it is a fact that art holds an important place in a nation’s cultural, social and traditional history. The more cultural heritages and their artefacts are promoted, the more they add to the national identity. 

And national identity is tied to the identity of the citizens of the nation as well. People take pride in their nation and even fight for its freedom, liberation and sovereignty. Nepal thankfully has always stayed sovereign even as it remains a poor, underdeveloped nation. However, what it lacks in economic sphere, it compensates in rich, mesmerising and enthralling art and architecture. An example is Kathmandu valley with its magnificent art and architecture. If one is to stroll leisurely along the Durbar Squares, one is transported back to the past. 

The temples in pagoda style are characterised by multi-tiered roofs, ornate metal works and detailed wood carvings. Newari architecture is especially prevalent in palaces, temples and courtyards of Kathmandu valley’s Durbar Squares. They showcase traditional structures and forms of art such as intricate metal works and wood crafts. It is intriguing how ancient art of Nepal has been so creatively crafted. It makes one profoundly admire the artists and artisans who were the creators of such masterpieces.

The influences of centuries-old Licchavi and Malla dynasty in the art and architecture of Kathmandu valley is quite evident even today, thanks to the residents and government who have actively sought their preservation. Unsurprisingly, denizens of Kathmandu take pride in their local culture and art even as concrete buildings threaten the existence of traditional art and architecture. While Kathmandu might be the centre of Licchavi and Malla influences, scattered across the nation are important sites of ancient temples and monuments. One can recall here Lumbini which is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. 

Lumbini houses ancient monuments such as stupas and relics of Buddhist traditions. Then there are countless temples and religious shrines throughout the nation which have weathered time and space across centuries and tell stories of ancient Nepal. It is especially evident on the statues which can range from metal, stone or even wood works. Often, they showcase Hindu Gods and Goddesses in various forms. They not only have a cultural importance but also represent ancient Hindu practices and scriptures religiously and symbolically. Apart from Hindu influences, Buddhist influences are seen in Lumbini, Sywambhunath and Boudha Stupa. 

When Nepal opened up to tourism a century ago, it garnered a fascination with international tourists. But it also led to robbery and illegal trading of its ancient art such as statues. It is quite disgraceful that such artefacts of Nepal are traded, auctioned and showcased illegally for monetary values. This calls for stricter protection and security of artefacts that are of historical, cultural, traditional and religious significance to Nepal.