Long-Term Policy for the Preservation of National Cultural Heritage in Nepal
The Government of Nepal, recognizing the importance of preserving the nation’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, introduced the National Cultural Policy 2067 B.S. (2010 A.D.). This comprehensive policy framework aims to protect, promote, and develop Nepal’s tangible and intangible cultural assets, including language, literature, art, music, dance, drama, and archaeological heritage. The policy envisions long-term, sustainable measures to safeguard cultural identity while encouraging active community participation.
Key Institutional Frameworks for Cultural Preservation
To implement the goals set forth in the cultural policy, several autonomous and semi-autonomous institutions have been established:
- Nepal Academy (Nepal Pragya-Pratishthan)
- Focuses on the research, preservation, and promotion of Nepali language, literature, and culture.
- Publishes literary works, dictionaries, and cultural journals.
- Organizes national seminars, awards, and workshops for scholars and artists.
- Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (Nepal Lalitkala Pragya-Pratishthan)
- Dedicated to visual arts including painting, sculpture, and crafts.
- Hosts national and international art exhibitions.
- Works for the conservation and promotion of traditional as well as contemporary art forms.
- Nepal Academy of Music and Drama (Nepal Sangeet tatha Natya Pragya-Pratishthan)
- Engages in the promotion of classical, folk, and modern music and performing arts.
- Conducts training, festivals, and research in musicology and theatre.
- Encourages production and documentation of local and indigenous performances.
Museums and Archives for Heritage Conservation
In an effort to preserve archaeological and historical artifacts, the government has established and upgraded multiple museums across the country. These serve not only as conservation centers but also as educational and cultural institutions:
Central-Level Museums and Archives:
- National Archives (Rastriya Abhilekhagar):
Preserves ancient manuscripts, historical documents, and records significant to Nepalese history and governance. - National Museum, Chhauni (Rastriya Sangrahalaya):
Houses weapons, traditional dresses, cultural tools, and artworks reflecting the history and diversity of Nepal. - National Numismatic Museum:
Displays historical coins and currency from different dynasties and regions of Nepal. - National Art Museum, Bhaktapur:
Features traditional paintings, wood carvings, and statues, primarily from the Malla period.
Provincial and Local Museums:
- Provincial Museums:
Established in Pokhara, Surkhet, and Dhankuta to showcase regional art, culture, and history. - Palpa Provincial Palace Museum:
Preserves artifacts from the Rana era and the unique culture of western Nepal. - Gorkha Museum:
Highlights the legacy of King Prithvi Narayan Shah and the unification of Nepal. - Kapilvastu Museum:
Features Buddhist artifacts and relics from the ancient kingdom of Kapilvastu. - Nuwakot Palace Museum:
Located in a historic royal palace, the museum offers insight into medieval architecture and governance.
District-Wide Cultural Mapping and Conservation
Cultural heritage in all 72 districts of Nepal has been cataloged and documented. Based on these listings, localized conservation programs are being designed and implemented, ensuring grassroots-level preservation and awareness. This initiative aims to protect indigenous knowledge, dialects, rituals, monuments, and folk practices in each region.
World Heritage Sites and Special Conservation Programs
Nepal is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Lumbini, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares, and Changu Narayan. For the conservation of these globally recognized sites, special programs and master plans have been launched. These include:
- Infrastructure development
- Tourism management
- Restoration of damaged monuments
- Community involvement in conservation activities
A notable long-term project includes the 20-year Master Plan for the Devghat Area, a revered pilgrimage site, which incorporates both environmental protection and cultural heritage development.
Significant Initiatives and Community Participation
- Ethnic Museums Development:
Ongoing efforts are underway to establish ethnic and community museums in Dharan, Chitwan, Kirtipur, Pokhara, Dang, and Jumla. These museums will reflect the traditions, lifestyles, and rituals of indigenous and ethnic communities, with active collaboration from local governments and community groups. - People’s Movement & Martyrs’ Memorial Museum, Gokarna:
Infrastructure development is in progress for a museum commemorating Nepal’s democratic movements and honoring the martyrs who sacrificed their lives. - Narayanhiti Palace Museum:
Converted from a royal palace to a museum after the abolition of the monarchy, it now allows public access to royal artifacts and history. It symbolizes Nepal’s transition to a republic. - Vidyapati Memorial Fund:
In honor of the great Maithili poet Vidyapati, a perpetual fund of NPR 10 million has been created to establish a literary award promoting Maithili literature and culture. - Master Plans for Lumbini, Pashupatinath, and Janakpur:
Implementation of comprehensive master plans for infrastructure development, conservation of sacred sites, promotion of religious tourism, and improved visitor facilities is ongoing.
Conclusion
The Government of Nepal’s long-term cultural preservation policy emphasizes a holistic, inclusive, and sustainable approach. By combining state-led initiatives with community participation, international cooperation, and scientific preservation methods, Nepal seeks to ensure that its priceless cultural heritage continues to thrive across generations.
This policy not only safeguards Nepal’s identity and history but also contributes to cultural tourism, national pride, and intergenerational knowledge transfer, making it a cornerstone of national development
