**Kirati Civilization: Historical Palaces, Forts, and Sacred Sites**
The Kirati civilization, with its rich history is marked by numerous historical palaces, forts, and sacred power centers (Mang) that hold immense cultural and spiritual significance. However, many of these historical and cultural sites have faced encroachment and neglect over time.
Kirat Civilization
**The Kirati Civilization: The Foundation of Nepal's Ancient History**
Historical records indicates that the Kirati people were the pioneers of human civilization in ancient Nepal. The history of Nepal officially begins with the ancient Kirati human civilization and their historical contributions. Therefore, the ancient Kirati civilization and history are as old as Nepali civilization and history itself.
**Development of Human Civilization in Ancient Nepal**
During the Kirati period in ancient Nepal, the Kirati people established a well-developed civilization. Their contributions include:
1. **Governance System:** The Kirati people introduced structured governance and administrative systems.
2. **Judicial System:** They developed a fair and functional judicial system.
3. **Food and Dietary Practices:** They established unique dietary and culinary traditions.
4. **Agricultural Practices:** They pioneered advanced agricultural techniques.
5. **Medicinal and Healing Methods:** They developed traditional medicinal practices and treatments.
6. **Tools and Equipment:** They created innovative tools and equipment for daily use.
7. **Cultural and Philosophical Traditions:** They laid the foundation for Nepal's cultural and philosophical heritage.
**Historical Significance**
Historians recognize that the Kirati civilization served as the gateway to Nepal's civilization, history, governance, dietary practices, agricultural systems, medicinal methods, tools, culture, and philosophy. Their contributions form the bedrock of Nepal's identity and heritage.
However, the historical facts that prove the Kirat people were the ones who initiated the development of human civilization in ancient Nepal are the remnants of Kirat-era historical sites, palaces, forts, various historical settlements, and urban ruins, as well as Buddhist stupas, architectural sculptures, Kirat-era technology, handmade weapons, and tools. These ancient Kirat civilization relics are now on the verge of disappearance, worn out, and dilapidated.
If these Kirat-era historical evidence, forts, palaces, and remnants of various Kirat-era historical sites disappear, the facts that the Kirat civilization existed in ancient Nepal and that the Kirat people ruled Nepal for 32 generations will also disappear.
There are national and international standards and criteria to identify ancient human civilizations worldwide. Therefore, just mentioning that the Kirat civilization existed in ancient Nepal in some historical texts is not enough to establish its identity nationally and internationally.
To establish the fact that the Kirat civilization existed in this ancient land of Nepal, it is essential to provide evidence that meets the criteria for human civilization, including specific standards.
National and international anthropologists, sociologists, and genetic scientists must conduct research and provide evidence to prove that the Kirat civilization existed in ancient Nepal.
Invasion of Kirati King Patuk's Court
More importantly, archaeologists need to conduct archaeological excavations to discover Kirat-era cities, settlements, agricultural systems, tools, weapons, forts, palaces, architectural sculptures, and various ruins. Additionally, DNA scientists need to verify through DNA reports the skeletal remains and bones of the deceased from that civilization.
This is necessary to establish that the vast Kirat civilization, similar to the Mesopotamian civilization, Indus Valley civilization, and Chinese civilization, developed in the Himalayan region of ancient Nepal, which is one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
However, the Nepalese state has not conducted any research, excavation, or exploration to establish this fact. Instead, the ruling classes, who came from outside and took control of Nepal, have been trying to erase this glorious Kirat history, which is the oldest civilization in this Nepali land.
After that, the Kirat people ruled for 27 generations. According to Daniel Wright, the Kirat people ruled for 29 generations, and according to the Gopal dynasty, they ruled for 32 generations. Although historians disagree on the names, reigns, and numbers of Kirat kings, there is a consensus that at least 27 Kirat kings ruled Nepal for 1,630 years, and at most 33 kings ruled for 2,672 years.
During the reign of the last Kirat kings in Nepal, the Licchavi kingdoms were established in the southern plains of Nepal, specifically in the Vaisali region (present-day northern Bihar). The Licchavi people were subjected to 16 years of continuous attacks by the powerful Magadha kingdom under King Ajatashatru.
Eventually, around 500 BCE, the Licchavi republics were destroyed, and some skilled Licchavi warriors escaped and entered Nepal. According to the Gopal dynasty, the Somavanshi Rajput Licchavis initially attacked the Kirat king's court from the west. Daniel Wright's account states that the 28th Kirat king, Patuk, abandoned his Gokarna court and established a new court at Shankhamul, where he ruled for a long time.
The remains of King Patuk's court at Shankhamul were later reduced to a mere mound, which the local Newars referred to as "Patukko Don" in the Nepal language, and the surrounding area was named "Patuk Tol." This confirms that Patuk Hang's court was indeed located there. After Patuk's demise, his successor, Gasti Hang, ruled, but he too faced a brutal attack by the Licchavis.
The Licchavi invasion of the Kirat kingdoms was so intense and bloody that the site of the final battle was renamed "Yupagra" in the local language. As a result, the Kirat kings suffered a crushing defeat in the Kathmandu Valley and were forced to flee eastward. This final battle is believed to have taken place between 75 CE and 100 CE.
A stone inscription discovered in Maligaon, Kathmandu, mentions King Jayavarman, the descendant of the Licchavis who attacked the Kirat kingdoms, and is dated to 185 CE, which confirms that the battle took place between 75 CE and 100 CE.
Many historians believe that Kirat King Patuk relocated his capital from Gokarna to a location called Yal/Yal (named after Nepal's first king, Yalamber Hang), about a four-hour walk south, across the Bagmati River, to protect himself from the invading Licchavis from present-day northern Bihar, India. This location is now known as Patuk Tol, in Ward 18 of Lalitpur, and still exists today.
The historic site of Patuk's court is now surrounded by urbanization, and the remaining area of about one ropani is in a state of neglect, used as a dumping ground for waste and human excrement. Unfortunately, neither archaeological excavations nor conservation efforts have been undertaken to preserve this historic site.
Furthermore, another historic site, Chyas, located about a 10-minute walk east of Shankhamulghat, is also believed to have been a security fortress for the Kirat kings. However, this site has also been encroached upon by private homes, a dozen temples, and Hindu shrines. According to historical records, the Licchavis launched a brutal attack on the Kirat kingdom during the reign of King Gasti Hang, who succeeded King Patuk.¹
Chyasal (Eight Hundred) - A memorial stone for 800 Kirat warriors.
Or, in a more descriptive tone:
The Chyasal Memorial - A historic stone monument dedicated to the memory of 800 brave Kirat warriors who laid down their lives in battle.
**The Kirati Civilization and Its Historical Significance**
The term **Yupgram** (युपग्राम) has a deep historical and cultural meaning. The word **Yup** refers to the sacrificial post or pillar used in rituals to tie animals for offerings, symbolizing victory or a sacred pillar. The word **Gram** means village. The name **Yupgram** was given to this area, replacing the ancient Kirati name **Yal** or **Yale**, derived from King Yalambar Hang. The reason behind this name change is linked to a brutal attack by the Lichchavis on the Kirati people near the palace of King Patuk. This massacre, where many Kirati people were killed, led to the area being named **Yupgram**, meaning "the village where humans were sacrificed" or "the village of bloodshed." This name was likely coined by the Lichchavis in Sanskrit to commemorate their victory.
**The Palace of King Patuk**
Nepali cultural scholar Dhuswan Sayami has written about the ruins near **Kwabahal** or **Kwathbahal** (administrative centers), which locals still believe to be the remnants of King Patuk's palace.
**Archaeological Significance**
Ancient coins and artifacts were discovered in this area, but mysteriously, they all disappeared. If proper archaeological excavation and research are conducted, this site could reveal a Kirati civilization akin to the Sindhu-Ghati (Indus Valley) civilization, enriching Nepal's cultural heritage and pride.
**Connection to the Indus Valley Civilization**
The mention of the Sindhu-Ghati civilization brings to mind the ancient civilizations of the Indian subcontinent, such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Interestingly, the term **Mohenjo-Daro** in the Kirati language translates to **Ma+Hang+Jod+Daro**, meaning "the fortress-palace of the queen." This suggests that the name Mohenjo-Daro may have originated from the Kirati language.
**Excavations and Findings**
The excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro (1921–1922 CE) revealed remnants of the Copper Age, proving the existence of a mixed civilization of Kirati, Dravidian, and other indigenous tribes long before the arrival of the Aryans in the Indian subcontinent. The excavation uncovered bones of four racial types:
1. Proto-Australoid
2. Mediterranean
3. Mongoloid
4. Alpinoid
Among these, the Mongoloid bones provide evidence of Kirati ancestry.
**Cultural and Genetic Evidence**
The excavation also revealed Kirati ritual jewelry (**Wachuinari** or **Simala**), bones of cows, oxen, and pigs consumed by the Kirati people, and DNA reports from skeletons found in Rakhi Garhi, India, dating back nearly 4,500 years. The absence of the Aryan DNA marker **R1A1** and the presence of the indigenous DNA marker **I4411** further confirm the presence of Kirati people in the region.
The writer of the above lines, Dhuswan Sayami, along with other supporters of Kirati history and culture, has expressed a strong desire for the archaeological excavation and exploration of the area surrounding the palace of Kirati King Patuk. Unfortunately, this has not been possible to date. This is an extremely unfortunate and disheartening situation.
**The Neglect of Kirati King Patuk's Palace Site**
The area surrounding the palace of Kirati King Patuk, which holds immense archaeological and historical significance, has not been excavated or transformed into an archaeological exhibition site akin to the Indus Valley Civilization. Unfortunately, no visionary leader has emerged to establish this ancient Kirati civilization as a proud archaeological landmark in Nepal.
Since the Kirati era, the subsequent Hindu-Brahmin rulers of Nepal have systematically worked to erase, destroy, and obliterate Kirati civilization, history, and culture. They consider it a pious religious duty to eliminate any trace of Kirati heritage.
**Current Status of the Site**
The glorious history of Nepal includes the ancient Kirati civilization and the palace of King Patuk. However, the site of King Patuk's palace (a mound of earth) is no longer recognized as an archaeological site or public property. Instead, the land where King Patuk's palace once stood has been privatized and is now the joint property of five families.
**Land Ownership Details**
According to recent information, the mound, located in Ward No. 18 of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, has been sold in portions, with 12 annas and 3 paisa of the land already sold. The land ownership documents (parcha) for this archaeological site were issued without proper verification or evidence of possession (Thumko). The Lalitpur District Land Revenue Office formally granted the land ownership to a joint family of five, including Gangadevi Raj Bhandari, in 2048 BS (1991 CE).
Hindu-Brahmin-dominated state has systematically worked to destroy the archaeological evidence of Nepal's most ancient and glorious Kirati civilization and history. The historical Kirati-era palace of King Patuk has been criminally encroached upon, with non-Kirati communities building private houses all around it. This has led to the erasure of a proud and ancient chapter of Nepal's history.
**Efforts to Preserve King Patuk's Palace**
To protect and preserve the palace of King Patuk, a joint meeting of four Kirati organizations formed a committee to conduct research and present recommendations. The committee's study revealed that the land records from 2021 BS showed the area of the palace as "Thumko" (unverified land), but later, due to a boundary dispute with a neighbor, the name "Patuko Do" appeared in the final court decision. However, the land ownership documents (parcha) were found to have been irregularly issued by the Lalitpur Land Revenue Office.
As per the committee's recommendations, the first step was to collect donations and purchase the land in the name of the four Kirati organizations. A joint team from these organizations initiated negotiations with the landowners. However, the high price of 36 lakh rupees led to the abandonment of the purchase plan.
The second option was to cancel the private registration of the land and convert it into public property. However, this effort was thwarted as the Department of Archaeology passed the responsibility to the Department of Land Reforms and Management, which, in turn, redirected the matter back to the Lalitpur Land Revenue Office. As a result, the mound believed to be the palace of King Patuk remains neglected and in a dilapidated state.
**The Glorious Kirati Civilization**
Thousands of years ago, the ancestors of the Kirati people initiated the development of human civilization on the soil of ancient Nepal. They left behind a glorious Kirati history and culture. However, the descendants of these proud Kirati ancestors, who today proudly identify as Kirati, have failed to protect and preserve their heritage.
**Lack of Visionary Leadership**
No visionary Kirati leader has emerged to protect and preserve the historical sites and ruins of the Kirati civilization. In Nepal, various Kirati organizations, such as Kirat Rai Yayokkha, Kirat Yakthung Chumlung, Sunuwar Sewa Samaj, Kirat Yakha Chumma, Adivasi Kirat Mahasangh, Kirat Kulung Sangh, Kirat Rai Chamling Khambatim, and Kirat Rai Bantawa Khim, have been established.
**Misplaced Priorities**
These organizations have collected millions of rupees in donations and constructed lavish buildings in cities like Kathmandu, Dharan, and Itahari. However, they have failed to understand the importance of preserving ancient Kirati historical sites, palaces, forts, and ruins. While they compete to build grand offices and purchase luxury items, the historical evidence of the Kirati civilization is disappearing right before their eyes.
cultural and historical heritage. The neglect of such sites is a loss not only for the Kirati community but also for Nepal's national history.
KiratiChhap
At the Kirati-era site known as **Kirati Chhap**, only a signboard with the words "Kirati Chhap" remains today. Despite its historical significance, neither Kirati organizations nor any Kirati individuals have taken the initiative to protect, preserve, or promote this site by constructing Kirati-style structures or monuments.
It is disheartening that no visionary Kirati leader has emerged to safeguard such a proud and historically significant site. The failure to preserve this part of Kirati heritage reflects a broader neglect of the community's cultural and historical legacy.
In Nepal's Ramechhap District, Area No. 2, within Sunapati Rural Municipality, there are ancient Kirati-era stone Buddhist chaityas (stupas) located on a hill.
The local elderly people worship these stone chaityas, referring to them as **Kirati Chaityas**. However, there is no concrete evidence to determine their exact age or origin.
Similarly, in various locations across Ramechhap and Dolakha districts, remnants of ancient Kirati settlements, cities, and ruins have been found in the hills and forests. These historical sites and ruins are evidence of the Kirati civilization's presence in the region.
While the preservation of such Kirati-era historical evidence and ruins is crucial, most Kirati people remain unaware of their existence and significance.
HatuwaGadi Palace
**Encroachment on the Ruins of Hatuvagarhi Palace in Bhojpur**
The ruins of **Hatuvagarhi Palace**, the historical palace of the then Majh Kirat's Hatua Kingdom, located southwest of Ghodetar Bazaar in Bhojpur, have been encroached upon by the state. During the People's War in Nepal, the Nepalese Army occupied the Hatuvagarhi Palace area and established a camp on Mangsir 1, 2062 BS (mid-November 2005).
Despite this encroachment, no efforts have been made to remove the army camp, conduct archaeological excavations, or preserve and promote the site as a historical Kirati-era palace.
**The Mundum of the Kirati People Under Threat of Hinduization**
**The Mundum Power Center: Khuwalung**
In the **Mundum** of the Kirati community, including the Rai, Limbu, Yakha, Sunuwar, and all other Kirati groups, the **Khuwalung** power center holds significant importance. This sacred site, **Khuwalung**, is located at the confluence of the **Arun**, **Tamor**, and **Dudhkoshi** rivers, forming the **Triveni** in the border areas of Bhojpur, Udayapur, and Dhankuta districts.
The **Lung** (stone structure) of Khuwalung becomes visible during the months of Chaitra and Baisakh (March-May) when the river water levels recede. According to Kirati Mundum, it is believed that after the Kirati ancestors arrived at Khuwalung, the Mundum gates were closed, and from there, the Kirati brothers dispersed, following different rivers.
**The Cultural Leaders of the Kirati Community and Their Rituals**
The cultural leaders of the Kirati community, such as **Nachhung**, **Mangpa**, **Nakcho**, **Nagire**, **Kubi**, **Pasing**, **Home**, **Mavi**, **Jwamcho**, **Dowa**, **Pasing**, and **Fedang**, along with the **Bijua** and **Devari** priests, perform rituals by chanting the **Mundum**. During these rituals, they invoke various spiritual powers and symbols, starting from the plains and moving through the Saptakoshi region until they reach the sacred **Khuwalung** power center.
**Khuwalung: The Sacred Power Center of Kirati Mundum**
**Khuwalung** is a significant power center in the Kirati Mundhum tradition, holding immense cultural and spiritual importance. However, due to its divine significance, there have been attempts to Hinduize this sacred site.
In 2075 BS (2018 CE), a Hindu encroacher built a stone wall in the Khuwalung area and attempted to Hinduize the site by declaring it as the temple of **Shri Kaushika Mata**. Similarly, other small stone structures were erected and named after Hindu deities like **Ganesh**, **Vishnu**, and **Durga**, further attempting to Hinduize the Kirati Mundum site of Khuwalung.
**The Need for Preservation**
Despite its cultural and spiritual significance, the Kirati community has not been able to adequately protect and promote Khuwalung as a cultural and Mundhum power center. It is essential for the Kirati people to construct Mundum-inspired structures, such as statues of **Yamangkhim** or **Yawabuk**, or other Kirati cultural symbols, to preserve and honor this sacred site.
**Salpa Silichung: A Kirati Mundum Site Under Hinduization**
**Holesung: Now Called Halesi Dham Mahadev, Under Hinduization**
**Neglect of Kirati Historical Sites and Cultural Heritage**
Historical palaces and forts, such as **Kotgarhi**, along with other Kirati-era structures, are in a state of neglect and on the verge of disappearing. Taking advantage of this situation, the state has continuously encroached upon and destroyed Kirati historical evidence. In some cases, these sites are being erased under the influence of Hinduization.
It is deeply saddening that the state has failed to protect and promote the glorious history of the Kirati civilization. Even more disheartening is the fact that Kirati organizations and individuals, who proudly identify as descendants of the Kirati ancestors, have also neglected the preservation of these historical and cultural sites, palaces, forts, and ruins. It seems as though the proud Kirati ancestors, who built this glorious history, would be ashamed of their descendants for failing to protect their legacy.
**Misplaced Priorities of Kirati Organizations**
Kirati organizations and linguistic associations have collected millions of rupees in donations and constructed towering, often unnecessary buildings in cities like Kathmandu, Dharan, and Itahari. They compete to build grand structures and purchase luxury items, while ignoring the urgent need to preserve and promote Kirati historical and cultural sites.
**The Need for Prioritization**
Instead of focusing on constructing buildings in urban areas, Kirati organizations must prioritize the preservation and promotion of historical evidence, such as Kirati-era forts, palaces, ruins, and cultural sites. However, these organizations seem more occupied with organizing conferences, meetings, and cultural programs, often inviting artists and performers from abroad, rather than addressing the critical task of protecting their heritage.
**The Neglect of Kirati King Patuk's Palace**
The palace of King Patuk, one of Nepal's most ancient Kirati-era historical sites, has now become the private property of the Bhandari family. Does this not pain us Kirati people even a little? Have we, the descendants of those who created such a glorious history, kicked aside the legacy of our ancestors? Have we become like living corpses, indifferent to the proud history built by our great Kirati forebears?
Instead of investing millions in constructing office buildings and purchasing luxury items, why didn’t we prioritize purchasing the historical site of King Patuk's palace? Is building organizational offices in Kathmandu, Dharan, and Itahari more important than preserving the legacy of our glorious Kirati king? Can’t the numerous Kirati organizations and thousands of Kirati people across the country and abroad collect even one rupee each to save King Patuk's palace from becoming private property?
Why have we, the descendants of those who built such a proud history thousands of years ago, become so indifferent? Why are we silently watching as our glorious history is erased, showing such incompetence? Have none of us, the descendants of those great Kirati ancestors, been born to protect and preserve their legacy? These serious questions remain unanswered, looming over the Kirati community.
**The Need for Evidence-Based Preservation**
In their programs and conferences, Kirati organizations often claim the existence of an ancient Kirati civilization based on historical references. However, merely citing historical texts is not enough to prove the existence of the Kirati civilization at national and international levels. For this, anthropological and sociological research, genetic confirmation by scientists, and archaeological excavations are essential.
Historical sites, palaces, forts, ancient settlements, statues, chaityas (stupas), ruins, agricultural tools, and weapons from the Kirati era must be excavated and proven. If these ancient Kirati-era ruins, including the palace of King Patuk and other historical sites, are lost, the evidence of the Kirati civilization will disappear forever.
**The Risk of Losing Kirati Heritage**
If these historical sites are lost, the evidence that the Kirati people initiated the development of human civilization in ancient Nepal and that Kirati kings ruled for 32 generations from Yalambar to Gasti will also vanish. The glorious history of our Kirati ancestors will become unverifiable, and the ancient Kirati civilization and history will be erased from Nepal's history.
If our ancient civilization, culture, and history are lost, we too will be lost. Our identity and existence will cease to exist.
Therefore, all Kirati organizations and the Kirati community must come together to protect and preserve the glorious legacy of our ancestors. We must urgently work to conserve Kirati-era sites, the palace of King Patuk, forts, chaityas, architecture, statues, agricultural tools, weapons, and other ruins. These pieces of evidence must be preserved and promoted to ensure that our history and identity remain alive.
Mulghare Kanchha(Rajen khimbule Rai)
source :- Kiratas in Ancient India (GP Singh)
**Legacy Left by the Ancient Kirati People**
**(Ram Chandra Rai Rupabung)**
**A Discussion on the History of Kirat Yakha**
**(Durga Hang Yakha Rai)**
**DNA Report Article from Rakhigarhi**
मत मिलाऔ,एकता हौ,कमिला भै अघि बढौ,नहुने के छ र? किरातीं हौं, निडर बनौं, पूबजौं जस्तो कहाँ हौ र?
ReplyDeleteशुभ चिंतक......।