INTRODUCTION The Rana era lasted from 1846 A.D. to 1951 A.D. in Nepal. during which control of the government lay in the hands of the Rana family. Jung Bahadur Rana (1817–77) seized power in 1846 and made himself permanent prime minister. He was given the hereditary title of Rana. Under the Ranas, Nepal maintained relations with the British, who provided it with support. The regime also brought about new forms of architecture in the valley. The Rana rule lasted for 104 years, and during that time a number of grand royal residences(kaiser mahal, babar mahal, sita bhawan,etc ) were built, especially by the Prime Minister, his immediate family, and other high-ranking dignitaries.
Our paper caters to documenting the various features observed in the aforementioned buildings and sorting them in a systematic manner. This research also attempts to figure out how the Rana Prime Ministers adapted and altered different neoclassical features and used them in their own buildings. These neoclassical features and new trends in buildings brought about change and contrast in overall built environment of Kathmandu and to this day affects contemporary building styles and design process. INTRODUCTION
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION / RESEARCH PROBLEM Distinctive architectural elements of rana building are not sufficiently documented or understood. Leading to the challenges in their preservation and adaptation in modern architectural practices.
RESEARCH / PURPOSE STATEMENT Document the unique architectural feature of rana buildings. Develop guideline for their preservation and integration into contemporary architectural practices.
MAIN RESAERCH QUESTION / INVESTIGATION What defines rana architecture? How can the architectural feature of rana buildings in Kathmandu be documented, preserved, and adopted in contemporary architecture?
RELATIONSHIP WITH BUILT ENVIRONMENT Rana buildings with distinct architectural style contribute significantly to the city's historical and cultural identity. Contrast in building typologies brings change in the physical setting of building and landscaping.
LITERATURE REVIEW NEW SCENES OF LIFE AND LANDSCAPE - THE RANAS PALACES 1." THE NEOCLASSICAL RESIDENCES OF THE NEWARS IN NEPAL " - Katharina Maria Lucia Weiler 2." Inventory of 19th and 20th Century Architectural and Industrial Heritage of Nepal " - Icomos Nepal DIVERSITY OF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
NEW SENSE OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND LANDSCAPE Jang Bahadur Rana, the first Rana Prime Minister of Nepal, served from 1846 to 1856 and 1857 to 1877. As the first Nepalese to visit Europe in 1850-51, his journey to Great Britain and France profoundly influenced Nepalese architecture. Upon his return, palace architecture in the Kathmandu Valley shifted to European classical styles, inspired by Versailles and Buckingham Palace. This influence was evident in the neoclassical elements such as ; Grand Porticos: Large, impressive entranceways that often feature a roof supported by columns. Freestanding Columns: Columns that stand on their own, not attached to walls, commonly seen in classical architecture. Long Rows of Windows: Windows arranged in long, uniform lines, enhancing the symmetry and grandeur typical of neoclassical style.
2." Inventory of 19th and 20th Century Architectural and Industrial Heritage of Nepal " - ICOMOS Nepal DIVERSITY OF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES Findings: Diverse Architectural Styles Significant Industrial Heritage Cultural and Historical Significance The "Inventory of 19th and 20th Century Architectural and Industrial Heritage of Nepal" by ICOMOS Nepal is a crucial resource for multiple research fields. It documents traditional and colonial architectural styles and construction techniques, aiding architectural historians and conservationists. Urban planners and policymakers gain insights into historical urbanization patterns for sustainable development. Industrial historians benefit from data on early industrial sites, while cultural and social researchers explore the socio-cultural significance of heritage sites. The inventory also supports disaster resilience studies by detailing traditional building methods. Overall, it advances heritage conservation, policy formulation, and academic research, enhancing the appreciation and protection of Nepal's heritage.
RESEARCH METHODS 1 LITERATURE STUDY 2 CONTEXT STUDY 3 FIELD STUDY 4 DATA ANALYSIS 5 RECOMENDATION
LOCATION MAP
DATA COLLECTED S.N BUILDINGS COLUMN BASE SHAFT CAPITAL ROUND (A) SQUARE (B) PARTIALLY FULTED (A) , TAPERED (B) , PARTIALLY EMBEDDED (C) , CYLINDRICAL (D) SQUARE (E) DORIC (A) , IONIC (B) , CORITHIAN (C) 1 ANANDA NIKETAN AB ABCE C 2 KAISER MAHAL AB ABCE BC 3 GADDHI BAITHAK A ABC BC 4 BABAR MAHAL REVISITED A ABC AC 5 TRI CHANDRA COLLEGE - - - 6 SITA BHAWAN - - - 7 JUDDHABRAUN YANTRA B E A
S.N BUILDINGS WINDOWS TYPE DESIGN MATERIAL COLOUR GRILLS AND RAILINGS FIXED (A), SINGLE CASEMENT (B), DOUBLE CASEMENT (C) LOUVERED (A), RADIUS (B), FRENCH (C) , PALADIAN (D), OVAL (E) WOODEN (A) GLASS AND WOOD (B) GREEN (A) BROWN (B) BLUE (C) METAL GRILLS (A) METAL RAILINGS (B) WOODEN RAILING (C) BALUSTERS (D) 1 ANANDA NIKETAN BC ABCE AB A AD 2 KAISER MAHAL BC ABCDE B B ABC 3 GADDHI BAITHAK ABC BC B C AD 4 BABAR MAHAL REVISITED AC ABC AB AB AC 5 TRI CHANDRA COLLEGE - - - - - 6 SITA BHAWAN - - - - - 7 JUDDHABRAUN YANTRA C C A B A DATA COLLECTED
S.N BUILDINGS DOORS TYPE DESIGN MATERIAL COLOUR SINGLE (A) DOUBLE (B) LOUVERED (A), RADIUS (B), FRENCH (C) WOODEN (A) GLASS AND WOOD (B) GREEN (A) BROWN (B) BLUE (C) 1 ANANDA NIKETAN AB AB AB A 2 KAISER MAHAL B ABC AB B 3 GADDHI BAITHAK B BC B C 4 BABAR MAHAL REVISITED B BC B AB 5 TRI CHANDRA COLLEGE - - - - 6 SITA BHAWAN - - - - 7 JUDDHABRAUN YANTRA B A B DATA COLLECTED
S.N BUILDINGS PEDIMENT TYPE POSITION POINTED (A) , CURVED (B) , BROKEN (C) FLAT (D) DOOR (A) , WINDOW (B) , PORTICO (C) ,TOP (D) 1 ANANDA NIKETAN AB BCD 2 KAISER MAHAL ABCD ABD 3 GADDHI BAITHAK A ABD 4 BABAR MAHAL REVISITED AC D 5 TRI CHANDRA COLLEGE 6 SITA BHAWAN 7 JUDDHABRAUN YANTRA - - DATA COLLECTED
S.N BUILDINGS BALCONY TYPE DESIGN SIZE CANTILIVER (A) , FRENCH (B) , ABOVE POTICO (C) , TERRACE (D) BALUSTERED (A), ORNAMENTAL PARAPIT (B) , GEOMETRIC PERFORATIONS (C), SMALL (A), MEDIUM (B), LARGE (C) , 1 ANANDA NIKETAN ABC AC AB 2 KAISER MAHAL ABC AB AB 3 GADDHI BAITHAK D A C 4 BABAR MAHAL REVISITED D A C 5 TRI CHANDRA COLLEGE 6 SITA BHAWAN 7 JUDDHABRAUN YANTRA D A C DATA COLLECTED
S.N BUILDINGS LANDSCAPE FORMAL GARDEN (A), WATER FEATURES (B) , PAVILLION (C), VEGETATION (D) , PATHWAYS (E) , SCULPTURS (F) , PERIMETER WALLS AND GATES (G) SEATING (H) 1 ANANDA NIKETAN ABDEFGH 2 KAISER MAHAL ABCDEFGH 3 GADDHI BAITHAK EFH 4 BABAR MAHAL REVISITED BCDEFGH 5 TRI CHANDRA COLLEGE 6 SITA BHAWAN 7 JUDDHABRAUN YANTRA E DATA COLLECTED