[CPProt.net] New Nepal art history 'Book triggers debate on history'

[Don Messerschmidt]

For posting on _Cultural Property Protection Net_ (CPProt Net). There 
are two articles here.

_Note_: Comments [in brackets, at the end] have been added for 
clarification and additional information/DM.
*
Book triggers debate on history
**/The Rising Nepal /(Kathmandu), www.gorkhapatra.org.np/
July 29, 2005
By A Staff Reporter* *

** KATHMANDU, July 28: Lain Singh Bangdel's new book [in Nepali] on 'The 
Statue of Jay Verma and Verma Dynasty in Nepal', has triggered a new 
debate on Nepalese history. **

In the book released Thursday by Vice-Chairman of the Council of 
Ministers Kirtinidhi Bista, Bangdel has claimed that the Verma dynasty 
had ruled Nepal in the 5th century before the Lichchavi period.

Historical records put the Lichchavis as the ruler after the Kirant's 
and there is no mention of the Verma dynasty ruling the country.

Bangdel has based his claim on a 9" x 7" statue found in Maligaon**, 
which he claimed to belong to Jay Verma. Late Bangdel had written the 
book a few days before he died in 2002. "The Verma dynasty came between 
the Kirant and Lichchhavi reign," said late Bangdel who based his 
argument on his own lengthy research of stone statue of ancient king Jay 
Verma excavated from Maligaun of Kathmandu in 1992. "The statue traces 
the period of two centuries when the Vermas ruled."

In the book, the renowned artist and literary figure, made in-depth 
analysis and comparative study on the sculpture to establish his new 
period in Nepalese history.

Although Nepal's ancient history began with the Gopal and Mahishpal 
dynasties, its recorded history began only from Man Dev II, the renowned 
king of the Lichchhavi dynasty.

"We should accept late Bangdel's argument on the Nepalese history until 
there is new evidence to rule out the claims," said Vice-Chairman of 
Council of Ministers Kirti Nidhi Bista releasing the book.

Bista said that the book had triggered a new debate among the historians 
and scholars prompting them to trace the missing period, if there was one.

Noted historian Satya Mohan Joshi said that the book would be a 
significant part of Nepalese arts, archeology and history.

Joshi said that some people might not agree with the arguments of 
Bangdel, but it has opened a new dimension in the study of Nepali history.

Professor Dr. Triratna Manandhar said that the book has offered a topic 
for 'an intellectual debate' to the people. "We can arrive to the truth 
about our history only after engaging into intense research, logic and 
debates among the historians and archeologists." In this sense, the book 
challenges us to look for a new chapter in Nepalese history, he added.

Linguist Kashinath Tamot said that late Bangdel was the first to dare to 
put forth a new argument on Nepalese history.

"The book is the testimony to Bangdel's deep patriotism." Dr. Dina 
Bangdel, daughter of late Bangdel, said that her father had attempted to 
integrate elements of fiction in the 'dryness' of history so as to 
popularise the genre of art and archaeology among the people.

"The book marks the last chapter of Bangdel's long odyssey to Nepalese 
art and literature. But at the same time it starts a new dimension in 
Nepalese history," said Dr. Bangdel, who edited the book.

General secretary of Nepal Art Council Shant Rai said that late Bangdel 
was a combination of three personalities - artist, litterateur and art 
critic. The present book is an outstanding example of his art criticism.

Madhav Lal Maharjan, managing director of Mandala Publications, said 
that it was a honour for him to be the publisher of the book.
#*
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*
Late Bangdel traces Varma Dynasty
-PR, Kathmandu Post/City Post, Kathmandu, Nepal
July 28 2005

*
* - Historians do not consider history an expansion of knowledge for 
nothing. Each revelation of antiques and artifacts unravels mysteries 
buried within the sands of time. "Jaya Varma ko Murti ra Nepal ko Varma 
Bansha," a book by late historian Lain Singh Bangdel is one such 
astounding collection of facts, revealing a dynasty which was earlier 
thought to have existed only in legends.*

*Released at the Nepal Art Council amidst the vice-chairman of the 
council of ministers, Kirti Nidhi Bista, cultural expert Satya Mohan 
Joshi and other well wishers of Bangdel, the book is all about the Jaya 
Varma's sculpture, excavated during May 1992 at Maligaun. *

*Speaking at the program, linguist Kashinath Tamot informed that 
concrete evidences are cited in the book to prove the history of the 
bygone era of 107 BC. *

*"Prior to Bangdel's conclusion it was believed that Lichchhavi dynasty 
followed after the Kirants, but now with the book "Jaya Varma ko Murti 
and Nepal ko Varma Bansha" Kirant dynasty is believed to have been 
succeeded by the Varmas and not the Lichchhavi dynasty," Tamot said.*

*Similarly, Prof Dr Tri Ratna Manandhar explained that coming up with 
this bold conclusion was a great step taken by Bangdel after four years 
of continuous research in several countries.*

*The sculpture is now in the National Museum at Chhauni and is open for 
public audience.*

*If the hypothesis, with adequate proof to back the information, is 
accepted, Nepali history would move 274 years back. With all the 
revelations, the book is considered indispensable for the history 
students and a must have in the library for admirers of history.*

*Published by Mandala Books, the book can be purchased for Rs 300 at any 
of Mandala outlets.*


------------------------------------------------------------------------
*[_Additional information_:

Alternate spelling: 'Jayavarma', of the 'Varma' Dynasty. The statue has 
been dated to 185 CE.
*
* The late Lain Singh Bangdel (1919-2002) was a leading intellectual 
figure of Nepal, who led a full life as a writer, painter and art 
historian. For ten years from 1979 to 1989 he served as Chancellor of 
the Royal Nepal Academy. He received many awards and other recognition 
worldwide for his research and writings. Among his other books on art 
history are /The Early Sculptures of Nepal/ (New Delhi, Vikas, 
1982), /Stolen Images of Nepal/ (Kathmandu: Royal Nepal Academy, 1989) 
and /Inventory of Stone Sculptures of the Kathmandu Valley/ (Kathmandu: 
Royal Nepal Academy; text by Dina Bangdel), all in English; and in 
German: /2500 Jahre Nepalische Kunst/ /(2500 Years of Nepalese Art) 
/(Leipzig: VEB A.E. Seeman Verlag, 1987). He also wrote novels, 
biography, travelogues, short stories, journal articles, **reports and 
translations**. And he was a prolific painter in several genres - 
figurative, abstract, and portraiture and landscape.*
* *
* Bangdel's fascinating life story (part biography, part memoir, in 
English) has been recently published as /Against the Current: The Life 
of Lain Singh Bangdel - Writer, Painter and Art Historian of Nepal/, by 
Don Messerschmidt with Dina Bangdel (Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2004; ISBN: 
974-524-052-4; 258 pp., illustrated). It is available in Europe from 
_www.abebooks.co.uk_ / _www.abebooks.de_ / and _www.abebooks.fr_;** in 
North America from **www.antique-acc.com/ACCUS/acatalog/ 
(info at antique-acc.com)** and _www.abebooks.com_; or directly from 
www.orchidbooks.com; and in bookstores worldwide.]/DM*
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