Excavation, research works of historical Uku Mahal begin

DARCHULA: Excavation along with the research works of historical Uku Mahal located at Malikarjun Rural Municipality-7 in the district of Darchula have been initiated from the officials of the Department of Archeology.

The team of the Department reached the site at Uku for the excavations and study of the debris there.

The team of the Department of Archeology organized a programme marking the beginning of their jobs. The rural municipality chairman, Hira Singh Dhami, also attended the formal beginning of the event.

Officials of Department Hari Bhusal and Rakesh Pariyar and Officer of Lumbini Development Trust Himal Kumar Upreti started their jobs of excavation and study of the Uku Mahal, which carries religious and cultural importance in the district.

The stones in the debris of the building there are inscribed and the attractive idols too have been found there, the locals said.

Some research and excavations were done last year too and the team is scheduled to stay there for a month, Bhusal shared.

The rocks available near the building site, temple, houses and other areas have been collected and the stone inscriptions are being shifted to the safe site, according to Bhusal.

All sorts of archives would be kept safe and the research would be advanced, it is said.

Likewise, the officials have asked not to take any video and photos in the site without a prior permission from the Department.

The local government and local people have expressed their hope for the preservation of their heritage since the Department has taken a lead for the excavation and research works of the Uku Mahal.

The locals and knowledgeable persons shared that the Uku Mahal was built as the capital city of King Katyuri in the ancient time and it is believed that King Rajbar Bharati Pal built the palace in the site before 12th century.