Nepal: Carving of a kala or Hindu female deity, wood, Kathmandu Valley, 18th century

UNESCO has proclaimed seven sites in the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Sites— Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Bodhnath, Svayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and the Changu Narayan Temple.

Historically, the valley and adjoining areas made up a confederation known as Nepal Mandala. Until the 15th century, Bhaktapur was its capital when two other capitals, Kathmandu and Lalitpur, were established. After the annexation of the valley by the Gorkha Kingdom, and subsequent establishment of the valley as the capital of their empire, the designation of 'Nepal' was extended to every land they conquered.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

Carola van Wijk

Credit:

Pictures From History