Kathmandu maps 509 original names in 10 wards

BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, Feb. 23: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has identified the original and ancient names of 509 locations within 10 wards of the metropolis, marking a significant step toward preserving the capital’s historical and cultural identity.

According to the Heritage and Tourism Department, the names were determined through two phases of study conducted in collaboration with the Integrated Urban Development Centre. The study confirmed 430 primary names and 79 secondary ones of historically and culturally significant settlements and sites. 

The findings were shared during the signing of an agreement to launch the third phase of research covering eight additional wards held at the metropolitan office on Sunday.

The agreement for the third phase was signed by Kumari Rai, chief of the Heritage and Tourism Department, and Rija Joshi, executive director of the Integrated Urban Development Centre, in the presence of Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol, Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain and Heritage and Tourism Committee Coordinator Ashaman Sangat. 

The new phase will study original place names in Ward Nos. 12, 13, 15, 21, 22, 23, 27 and 28.

Speaking on the occasion, Acting Mayor Dangol said that names were not merely words used for identification but carry historical, cultural and social narratives. “Every name has a story behind it -- of history, civilisation and community. Therefore, naming and restoring names should not be taken lightly,” she said. She also advised that information boards displaying ancient names should be placed carefully to avoid visual pollution and should not disturb the urban landscape.

Coordinator Sangat stressed the need to complete the installation of information boards in areas identified during the first and second phases. He emphasised that only the original and ancient names should be displayed to help restore historical identity. He also called for proper documentation of oral histories and ensuring that local communities feel ownership of the restored names.

Earlier studies were conducted in Ward Nos. 5, 6, 7, 18 and 24 during the first phase, and Ward Nos. 8, 17, 19, 20 and 25 during the second phase. The research involved identifying ancient names of religious, cultural and historically significant toles, monasteries, temples, bahals, wells, water spouts, rest houses and other heritage sites. The names were verified in consultation with local residents, cultural experts, archaeologists, linguists and historians.

Among the findings, in Ward No. 5, Handigaun, was identified by its ancient name ‘Narah,’ with 52 original place names recorded. In Ward No. 6, Boudha was found to have the ancient name ‘Khasyor/Khasthi,’ with 50 sites identified and Ward No. 7 Chabahil, historically known as ‘Chavahi,’ was identified with 71 ancient names recorded. Similarly, 36 names were documented in Ward No. 18, with 49 original sites recorded in Ward No. 24.