Jumla, Mar. 15: Efforts have begun to include the Sinja Valley, the capital of the erstwhile Khasa Kingdom, and the place from where Nepali language originated, in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
To lay the groundwork for this, a team from the Department of Archaeology is currently in Sinja to conduct an in-depth study and for an observation. As part of this initiative, the DoA has also held an interactive session at Sinja Rural Municipality, in collaboration with the local government.
The seven-member team, led by the Department’s Director General, Subhagya Pradhanang, interacted with officials from Sinja Rural Municipality and nearby areas like Kanakasundari and Hima rural municipalities.
In the session, Pradhanang shared that currently Nepal’s four heritage sites are on the World Heritage List and Sinja Valley is also being considered for inclusion, with local governments playing a key role. He stressed the need to halt the destruction of ancient heritage sites in the name of modern development and praised the Department’s proactive approach.
He also mentioned that Lumbini and the Kathmandu Valley are already on the World Heritage List, with specific sites like the Pashupatinath Temple, Changu Narayan, the Bouddhanath Stupa, and the Kathmandu Valley’s Durbar Squares. The Department revealed that preparations are underway for 15 new areas in the country to be included, with Sinja and Dullu’s 22 temples of Karnali.
Director General Pradhanang further added that Nepal’s focus should be on showcasing its cultural heritage and prioritising tourism development. “While development is underway, the heritage sites must be protected from ongoing destruction, and the inclusion of Sinja on the World Heritage List is a step forward in preserving the culture, he said.
Sinja Rural Municipality Chairperson, Purna Prasad Dhital, expressed his gratitude to the DoA for taking the initiative to visit and discuss the matter. He urged for swift efforts to have Sinja’s civilisation, a vital part of Nepali identity, recognised on the World Heritage List.
He also pledged his commitment to promoting the cause and advancing the recognition of Sinja’s heritage.
Sinja’s resident, Nanda Bahadur Rawal, expressed joy that the process to include Sinja in the World Heritage List, which had been discussed as early as 2008, is now moving forward. Hima’s resident, Navaraj Acharya, thanked the DoA for initiating the process. Local youth activist, Narmaraj Rokaya, stressed the importance of collective support for this initiative.
Given the lack of protection for the historical heritage in Sinja, the local community has welcomed the DoA’s efforts positively.
Sinja, known for its rich historical, archaeological, linguistic, and cultural significance, was the site of the establishment of the Khasa Kingdom under King Nagaraj in the 12th century. Despite its importance, it faces challenges in terms of preservation. Though a bill for the development and recognition of Sinja is in progress, delays persist in the government’s actions.
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