The Palace of Hilihang, Hilihang Darbar (Durbar)
Exploring the Legacy of King Hilihang and His Enigmatic Palace
In the annals of history lies the story of King Hilihang, a sovereign whose name echoes down the corridors of time. The last king of the Yangwarak Thum under at that time the Bijayapur kingdom, his reign was marked by grandeur, intelligence, and the construction of awe-inspiring palaces that stood as a testament to his opulence and vision. Join me on a journey to discover the mysteries surrounding King Hilihang and discover the fascinating design of his historic palace.
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Palace of Hilihang
- The Palace of Hilihang or Hilihang Darbar or Hilihang Durbar (Palace) or Hilihang Durbar Square Limbuwan is located at Hilihang Rural Municipality ward no. 4, Panchthar District, Koshi Province of eastern Nepal. The rural municipality has been named in honor of the last King of Limbuwan Hilihang Yonghang, covering the royal palace area. According to the Constitution of Nepal 2015, the former Amarpur Panchami Bharapa and Subhang VDC have been named Hilihang Rural Municipality.
- Hilihang Palace has been listed as a historical site by the Archeology Department of the Government of Nepal. The history of Hillihang Palace is as famous and old as it is. At the same time, the geographical structure of the palace area is also very attractive and picturesque. Pathibhara temple and Kumbhakarna Mountain Range located in front of the palace area at an altitude of about 1900 meters above sea level are very attractive. On the other hand, this palace is considered very suitable for watching the sunrise and sunset.
Chapter 1: The Legend of King Hilihang
- Hilihang Yonghang was the last Limbuwan king of Yangwarak Thum under Bijaypur at that time. King Hilihang Yonghang was born into a royal family on 18th Kartika in 1783 BS(VS), and when he assumed the throne in 1814 at the age of 21 and ruled for 28 years from 1814 to 1842 BS(VS), he made his kingdom very powerful. There is a history of Hilihang’s army being undefeated up to 17 times with that time Gorkha King Prithvi Narayan Shah’s army. But on the 22nd of Shrawan 1831 BS(VS), King Hilihang facilitated the unification campaign of Nepal and gave the right of Yangwarak Thum to Nepal for self-government.
- After his sudden death in 1842 BS(VS), Yangwarak Thum was completely merged under Nepal. On this basis, Hilihang is called the last king of Limbuwan. After the death of the mighty King Hilihang, his palace and kingdom almost collapsed. Hilihang Palace area is now only ruins. To prevent possible attacks from the neighboring countries of Tibet and Sikkim, it was agreed that King Hilihang would liberally facilitate more and that Hilihang King would have the right of local ownership and Gorkhali King as the central government and establish brotherly relations by considering Gorkhali King as elder brother and Limbuwan King as younger brother. It is the duty and responsibility of all Nepalis to remember the nation-building warriors who contributed significantly to nation-building. While fighting and conflict, many formal and informal treaties were signed between King Prithvi Narayan Shah and King Hilihang, of which the treaties of 1814, 1831, and 1842 BS(VS) are the most famous. There was a treaty that the Hilihang king would be able to administer the authority that the Gorkhali and Central states would be considered and that there would be a brotherly relationship between the kings. In other words, the Shahs and the other kings’ families were brothers in the history of the unification of Nepal. The limbuwan region was given a special right (Red Seal) in 1814 and 1831 BS(VS) by Gorkhali King Prithvi Narayan Shah as per the agreement but later King Mahendra violated the agreement/treaty with Limbuwan by completely eradicating the stingy practice of limbuwan from the “Land Reform Act” brought in 2021 BS(VS).
- A museum and new Palace of Hilihang Yonghang [the last king of the Kirat dynasty (Although there are some differences of opinion on this matter, Hilihang was the 18th generation king of Limbuwan)] are built in Ward No. 4 of Hilihang Rural Municipality of Panchthar District. The buildings are still under construction.
Chapter 2: The Visionary Architect
- The Palace of Hilihang is believed to be pagoda-style, so the newly built Palace is also built in pagoda style. The Palace has architectural elements of Asian pagodas of that time. Pagodas are towers with multiple eaves, often found in Asian countries such as Nepal, China, Japan, Korea, and others. These structures are often associated with religious, traditional, cultural, or state buildings, such as temples, palaces, etc.
- A “pagoda-style palace” usually incorporates elements of pagoda architecture in its design. It includes tiered roofs, raised eaves, decorative carvings, and other traditional, cultural, and mythological features. The combination of palace and pagoda styles creates a distinctive and visually appealing architectural aesthetic, combining the grandeur of the palace with the grandeur and symbolism of the pagoda.
- Delve into the mind of the visionary architect behind King Hilihang’s palace (The Palace of Hilihang, Hilihang Darbar/Durbar). Uncover the inspirations, techniques, and innovations that went into the creation of this architectural marvel. From intricate designs to groundbreaking engineering feats, explore the elements that set this palace apart from all others.
Chapter 3: The Enigmatic Palace Unveiled
- There is a palace of Hilihang entrance between Gopetar and Ganesh Chowk under the Panchthar road section of the Mechi highway in Nepal, after a journey of about 2 kilometers, there is the Hilihang palace spread over a large area. A new pagoda-style palace and museum have been constructed in the old palace/Darbar/Durbar area so, the old palace area, now converted into a museum, is not only of historical and cultural importance but also serves as an educational hub.
- Hilihang Darbar’s corridors contain artifacts, documents, and exhibits that provide valuable insights into the development of past Limbuan history, society, governance, and artistry. As a museum, it becomes a gateway to understanding our roots, fostering appreciation for heritage, and fostering a sense of connection with our ancestors. Preserving and displaying the Old Palace as a museum preserves its legacy, enriching future generations with knowledge, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage.
- You can see the foundation of the old structure of the Hilihang Palace, the bricks used in it (It is believed that the bricks for the palace were made by Chinese workers), the wall built for the security of the palace, the post used by the security personnel, and the abode of the goddess worshiped by the king. Weapons used by Raja Hilihang and his soldiers such as Khudas (weapon), shields, swords, cannons, and historical documents such as the Red Seal of BS(VS) 1814, and 1831 have been and will be kept in the museum.
- The mother nature surrounding the Hilihang Palace/Hilihang Darbar; the sound of nature at dawn fills the scenic hilly landscape surrounded by picturesque hills. A chorus of exotic birds under a beautiful forest sky welcomes the start of a new day. Lush plants with their beautiful colors, cuckoos, nightingales, doves, cow-peckers, Indian peacocks, black partridges, great-tailed nightjars, and parrots flying between the branches create a wonderful contrast and beauty. The air is filled with the melodious trill of songbirds, creating a rolling soundscape over the hills.
- As the morning sun rises in the sky, the forest wakes up with activity. Monkeys swing gracefully from tree to tree, their playful chatter echoing through the forest. Colorful butterflies flutter among the flowers, their delicate wings glistening in the sun. Below, a variety of creatures roam the ground, their slender forms blending seamlessly into the dense foliage.
Bathed in the golden sun, a wide variety of fauna make their homes on the forest peaks. Brightly colored birds flutter among the branches, their chirping calls echoing in the treetops. Monkeys roam with boundless energy, their nimble movements a testament to their agility. In the shadows, beautiful creatures gravitate in their slow, deliberate movements a stark contrast to the frantic energy of the forest below.
From this high vantage point of Hilihang Durbar, the mesmerizing beauty of the surrounding mountains can be seen in all its glory. Above, eagles and vultures fly gracefully over the shadowed ground. In rocky crevices, agile hilly goats navigate the steep slopes with ease, their sure feet a testament to their adaptation to this rugged terrain.
As the day draws to a close and the sun sinks into the horizon, the forest comes alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures. From the darkness, the nightjars call, and their haunting cries mingle with the rustling of leaves in the wind. Fireflies dance among the trees, their bioluminescent glow casting an ethereal light across the forest floor surrounding the Palace of Hilihang.
The life cycle of this Hilihang Darbar area is going on amidst the breathtaking sights and sounds of the Kumbhakarna, Kanchenjunga Himal, Kabeli, and Tamor rivers as well as the unparalleled beauty of the forest. It is a place of wonder and fascination, where the natural world unfolds in all its glory, offering a glimpse into the timeless rhythms of the earth.
- The majesty of Kabeli and Tamor rivers is incomparable. Hilihang Palace is circled from east to north by the Kabeli River and joins the Tamor River, flowing seamlessly through the landscape in a west-south direction, they weave stories of time and role, drawing magical paths. Their waters, a mosaic of brilliant reflections, reflect every hue of the sky, from the blush of dawn to the embrace of dusk. Along their shores, life thrives in abundance, from vibrant flora to diverse fauna, creating an ecosystem brimming with vitality. The rhythmic melody of their streams soothes weary souls and inspires the pens of poets. With each bend, they unveil new vistas, unveiling nature’s artistry in every wave and eddy. These rivers, the lifeblood of our planet, symbolize beauty in its purest form and will always add to the beauty of the Hillihang Palace.
Chapter 4: Legacy and Influence
- The Hilihang Palace of Panchthar was a symbol of the rich history and cultural heritage of the Limbu community. Many years ago, this palace was the center of power for the rulers of the Limbuwan Kingdom. One of the many pre-unification regions of Nepal. As an administrative hub, the Hilihang Palace played an important role in maintaining regional governments that ensured the welfare of its people and promoted their cultural expression. Limbu rulers celebrated warriors who were actively involved in regional politics, establishing alliances and neighboring kingdoms. Their patronage extended to the arts, encouraging the development of traditional Limbu music, dance, and rituals, King Hilihang made a great contribution to keeping the language, tradition, culture, calendar, etc. alive of the Limbus.
- However, the rise of the Gorkha kingdom in the late 18th century and the eventual unification of Nepal under King Prithvi Narayan Shah marked the decline of Limbuwan and the influence of the Hilihang court. As power became stronger under unified Nepal, the importance of small states like Limbuwan declined. Today’s importance of Hilihang Palace is carved in memory of the historical identity and symbol of the cultural heritage of the Limbu community. Current efforts aim to document and highlight the palace’s history, ensuring its essence remains alive for future generations. The palace of Hilihang surrounded by stone walls has been developed as a tourist destination while preserving and promoting the historical importance of the area.
Conclusion:
As I conclude my exploration of King Hilihang and his magnificent palace (Palace of Hilihang, Hilihang Darbar/Durbar), I am left with a profound appreciation for the ingenuity and creativity of the human spirit. Though centuries may pass, and empires rise and fall, the legacy of King Hilihang endures as a testament to the enduring power of greatness and the timeless allure of beauty and innovation. Join me again as I continue to uncover the wonders of history and the marvels of the human imagination.