Ghanta Ghar (Kathmandu)

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Ghanta Ghar
घन्टाघर
Ghanta Ghar 2018.jpg
Ghanta Ghar in January 2018
Ghanta Ghar (Kathmandu) is located in Nepal
Ghanta Ghar (Kathmandu)
Location in Kathmandu, Nepal
General information
StatusRebuilt after 1990 BS Earthquake
LocationKathmandu, Nepal
Coordinates27°42′27″N 85°18′53″E / 27.7074742°N 85.3147146°E / 27.7074742; 85.3147146Coordinates: 27°42′27″N 85°18′53″E / 27.7074742°N 85.3147146°E / 27.7074742; 85.3147146
Design and construction
Architect(s)Bir Shumsher

The Ghanta Ghar (घन्टाघर), situated in the capital city of Kathmandu, is the oldest clock tower of Nepal. It lies in front of Rani Pokhari and near Trichandra College. It was built by Rana Prime Minister Bir Shumsher. The original clock tower was designed after Big Ben of London, as Western influence crept into Nepalese architecture during the Rana era. The GhantaGhar that stands today was rebuilt after the 1990 BS earthquake, standing on the site of the original after the old tower was destroyed by the earthquake.

Etymology

The name Ghanta Ghar is made up of two Nepali words, "Ghanta" and "Ghar", which mean "Hour" and "House" in English respectively.

Ghanta Ghar in its original style of architecture in the mid 1920s

References