Manimukunda Sen's palace to be developed into museum

By Our Correspondent,Butwal, Aug. 28: The historical palace of Sen king Manimukunda Sen built in 1518 at Manimukunda Sen Garden (Fulbari) of Butwal is now in ruins, with only parts of it standing now.

There have been complaints that the concerned authorities have not properly preserved the palace, which holds significant historical importance. 

Historical records mention that king Manimukunda Sen of Palpa came to Butwal's Fulbari in the 15th century to escape the cold of Palpa and built a palace in the flower garden there. 

But it was left without any measures to preserve it. But now its reconstruction has been planned with Rs. 30 million, allocated by the federal government. The ancient palace will be developed into a museum.

 A few days ago, the Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Chet Narayan Acharya, visited the Fulbari area and reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to investing in its development.

Madhav Nepal, Chairman of Manimukunda Sen Garden, said that just last week, there was a discussion between Bhaskar Gyawali, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Archaeology, engineers, and the Manimukunda Sen Garden Conservation Committee regarding the palace’s reconstruction.

In 1996, then Butwal Municipality developed a park in memory of king Manimukunda Sen of the Sen Dynasty, aiming to preserve the historical and archaeological heritage with its ancient background and military achievements, including victories over the British, while also developing the area as a tourist attraction.

Approximately half a kilometer east of the Manimukunda Sen Palace lies a fort called Jitgadhi from which British were defeated during Anglo-Nepal War.  

Historical records note that Colonel Ujir Singh Thapa, leading the Nepali side during the war, moved from Nuwakot to Jitgadhi via a tunnel connecting the palace to the fort, taking command through the Manimukunda Sen Palace.