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Narayanhiti Palace: A Glimpse into Nepal’s Royal Past

Narayanhiti Palace is more than just a historical building; it holds stories of Nepal’s royal past, political changes, family traditions, and events that shaped the nation. Its history goes back to the early days of the Narayanhiti area, passing through the Rana period and eventually becoming the principal residence of the Shah royal family. Over the years, the palace witnessed the rise and fall of powerful rulers, changes in its architecture, and some of the most significant moments in Nepal’s history, including the tragic Royal Massacre of 2001. With the end of the monarchy in 2008, the palace began a new chapter as a public museum, allowing people to explore the rooms, belongings, and spaces that were once part of royal life. Through this collection,we bring together the history of Narayanhiti Palace, from its origins and transformations to the events that took place within its walls.

Curated by Pragati Baral
The Palace Earlier Narayanhiti Palace

The Palace Earlier Narayanhiti Palace

1921-1948

The Palace Earlier Narayanhiti Palace

The Palace Earlier Narayanhiti Palace

1921-1948

Photo by Doug Hall

Photo by Doug Hall

1969

Photo by Jerry Young

Photo by Jerry Young

1972

Photo by Mike Gill and Barbara Butterworth

Photo by Mike Gill and Barbara Butterworth

1975

Palace facing South Earlier Narayanhiti Palace

Palace facing South Earlier Narayanhiti Palace

1921-1948

Photo by Rich Pfau

Photo by Rich Pfau

1975

Photo by Jerry Young

Photo by Jerry Young

1972

Kathmandu #26 Palace 1995

Kathmandu #26 Palace 1995

1995

Photo by Virgil Miedema

Photo by Virgil Miedema

1967-1969

High Officials in the palace

High Officials in the palace

Late 1800s-Early 1950s

The inside of a palace

The inside of a palace

Late 1800s-Early 1950s

Photo by Rich Pfau

Photo by Rich Pfau

1975

King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev

King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev

Late 1800s-Early 1950s

King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah

King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah

Late 1800s-Early 1950s

King Prithvi Bir Bikram Shah and Maharani

King Prithvi Bir Bikram Shah and Maharani

1877-1950

Painting of King Surendra Bir Bikram Shah

Painting of King Surendra Bir Bikram Shah

Late 1800s-Early 1950s

King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah in his coronation robe

King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah in his coronation robe

Late 1800s-Early 1950s

Kathmandu #27 Royal Palace 1995

Kathmandu #27 Royal Palace 1995

1995

image(15)

image(15)

King Prithvi Narayan Shah (left)

King Prithvi Narayan Shah (left)

Late 1800s-Early 1950s