Exploring the places of historical significance is always interesting as every place has its unique story which connects to today’s world in the ways one could have never imagined. Always interested in exploring new places, hearing new stories and recording them in the internet, I joined the heritage walk of Bhaktapur Durbar Square conducted by my club: Rotaract Club of Kathmandu. I was well aware of the facilitator Mr. Sambid Bilas Pant as I had been a part of previous heritage walk led by him where he revealed very interesting yet unprecedented stories through different heritages at Kathmandu Durbar Square. One should definitely follow him if they are interested in unique yet unexplored heritages of Nepal. You can find his page by clicking here.
In that walk, I came to know across a place called “Sakotha” near the Durbar square area which is considered to be the first Library of Nepal. Only a small fraction of the library is still in existence which is considered to be the entrance to the Library. Currently, the place is a private property where a family resides. One can still see a very old yet beautifully carved lintel above the door at the entrance. If looked carefully, once can see the carving of three gods: seemingly, Saraswati, Ganesh and Lakshmi at the center of carving who are considered to be the god of Knowledge, wisdom and wealth respectively.
The newari word “Sakotha” is said to have been derived from the name “safukuthi” translating to word Library. But this has been a topic of debate with local people suggesting different stories for the origin of its name. It is believed that around 10,000 handwritten manuscripts were present in this private royal library featuring manuscripts on dharma, lifestyle and other teachings. The place is believed to have been huge since its remains have been found in the premises of adjacent Vidhyarthi Niketan School, around 60 meters north-west from the remains of Sakotha entrance. Recently in 2023, two ancient stone structures were found in the school premises when dug for the construction of underground water tank. Those structures are believed to have been similar to that of Lichhavi era when a huge Tripura Palace used to exist in Sukuldhoka: just east of Sakotha. The stone structures were found to have been lined with telia bricks on top which were believed to have been from Malla era. Thus, Sakotha is believed to have been existing from Lichhavi era (1100’s) till the end of Malla period (late 1700’s)
The Library is said to have been destroyed when prithivi Narayan Shah attacked Bhaktapur as his last conquest in campaign to rule Kathmandu Valley. As the battle lasted for few days, the place is said to have been used as a tactical sheild by both the parties. Subsequently, the place was burnt down as the battle intensified. It is believed that the library burnt for two weeks before coming to a stop. Prithivi Narayan Shah never re-instated the library after the victory over Bhaktapur and thus the library lost its significance slowly disintegrating to a single ruined structure coming to this day. Fact that the libraries were not open for the public in ancient time helped this process as people did not have much to remember the place as it was of no use to them. Thus, the contents and remains of the Sakotha library is vastly unknown to this day.
Later, King Girvan Bir Bikram Shah: Great Grandson of King Prithivi Narayan Shah, built a private royal Library in Basantapur, Kathmandu. According to historians, the library featured thousand years old manuscripts from Lichhavi era which must have been the remains of Sakota library collected. The first official library of Nepal: Kaiser Library also has some thousand years old handwritten manuscripts supporting the fact that some remains of Sakotha were indeed protected and transcended to future generations.
My view on this:
The fact that the name of the place itself supports the idea of library in that area convinces me that Sakotha could be the first library of Nepal. Thousands of years old manuscripts could not have been kept safely without a systematic approach for its safeguard. The fact that, the shah dynasty: who had no connection/relation to Lichhavi or subsequent Malla dynasty got access to such thousand year old manuscripts strengthens the point that there was indeed a library where the invaders got their hands on. Additionally, looking at the archaeological evidences, I support the existence of big old budling at that place in the past whose functionality gave the name to the palce: Sakotha. Any small structures/ buidlings could not have been significant to give the place its name.
I have rarely seen any ancient buildings/palaces in Kathmandu with a door at the very end. Thus, looking at the position of remnants and position of the entrance door, I think the extent of the building was at least same towards the east as well since most of the ancient building/palaces were symmetrical about its door or at least had its door at the middle.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square area and its surrounding has been a center of Nepali history since ancient times despite the ruler and the dynasty ruling. This place has been densely populated since ages. Amidst all , this small patch of land has remained untouched since a long time (not a part of ancient water conveyance system either) signifying the presence of something similar of this exact extent existing there in past.
Conclusion
The fact that people were advanced enough to keep records and use them in future by safeguarding them depicts the intellectual level of rulers in ancient Nepal. I feel like this history should be discussed more and protected so that we can see the footsteps of our ancestors and get inspired. Now that it’s on the internet through this Blog ( through independent platform), I hope more people read it and Keep it alive.