A team from the Department of Archaeology (DoA) has conducted a study on the ancient durbars built by the then Bajhangi Kings in Bajhang district.

The team studied the remaining historic artefacts of Jaya Prithvi Nagar Durbar in Mellek; Byasikot Durbar in Chhabis Pathibhera Rural Municipality; Hatisar Durbar and Bhopur Durbar in Jaya Prithvi Municipality.

DoA officer Prakash Khadka and architect Shraddha Adhikari studied the historic and archaeological significance of these durbars.

“All of the durbars carry immense historic and archaeological significance in the district,” Khadka said. “But most of the artefacts have either been lost or decayed over time. These durbars are neglected by the authorities,” said Khadka. He added that these centuries old durbars and the architectures are in need of immediate repair.

The DoA team has been working on renovating and preserving Jaya Prithvi Nagar Durbar in Mellek.

The department will prepare a design and estimate the cost of the renovation project.

“We plan to develop the durbar into an academy and a tourist destination,” said Akkal Bahadur Dhami, chairman of the Chhabis Pathibhera Rural Municipality.

“We have allocated Rs 4 million for the excavation and study of the ruins,” said Dhami.