Sorakhutte Pati

 

1.1 Public Rest House (Pati)

Public rest house or Pati (Nepali) or Phalcha (Newari) are usually single storeyed structures built with primary goal of giving temporary shelter to people usually travellers. Although it served as temporary shelter or resting space for the people when the primary mode of travel was through walking, a pati may have cultural, social and religious functions depending on where they are located. Patis were mainly constructed at Public places (for social gatherings), Religious places (for Pilgrims), Chowks and road intersections (for commercial use), on outskirts of city or settlements (for travellers as a rest house). These Patis were constructed mostly by (or by the order of) ruling classes or wealthy person like ministers, Kaji, Generals, businessman; religious groups or families (Guthis) among other.

The word Pati is said to derived from Sanskrit word ‘Pattika’. But the more common name in Kathmandu valley is Phalcha (Newari term).

1.2 Types of Pati

On the basis of their placement in regards to the settlement, patis could broadly be divided into two


Those built within the towns or settlements referred to as Paali (पाली) Falecha in Newari

Those built outside the towns or settlements referred to as Pali (पली) Falecha in Newari.

Although the classification can be done based on following criteria as well

Physical Attribute: Rectangular, Square (commonly called Mandap), Polygonal; Free standing or Attached to Building

Size: Small (Pati or Phalcha), Large & Multi Storey (Sattal, Mandap)

Use: For Temporary Resting purpose, with residential facilities for travelers, with religious value (usually with idols of Ganesh), as a community hall (referred as Chapat), with shelter for domesticated animals.

Regardless of the type some of the common attribute of Patis includes covered space on a raised platform open on at least one side (or portion)

1.3 Physical Characteristics

Typical Section of Pati

The layout of even a general isolated Pati varies according to the space available and the need and use of it. However, the typical layout is practically identical and consists of a rectangular brick platform raised about 60 cm and covered with stone floor. Normally it is sited to over-look roads, ponds and streams; the front is always of a post and lintel construction. Generally the same construction is also used for the side walls. The rear wall is of solid brickwork (sometimes enclosing the residential unit.) Patis are roofed by a pitched roof supported by a row of wooden columns on one the front and the walls on the back side. The eaves of the purlined roof rest either directly on the rear and side walls or the post and lintel construction. It may be because of the reason that the structure doesn’t come to use as often. The details of the structure are usually kept to simplest and minimal decorative elements.

1.4 Pali and Paali falecha

Pali falecha are the ones that can be found outside the settlement whereas paali falecha are the ones inside the settlement. The two can also be distinguished with the materials used. As pali falecha lies outside the settlement and tend to face more weathering effects and lesser maintenance, the floor material used is mostly stone. On the other hand, paali falechas usually have wooden floor for their more often use. Also the floor level of the residence units are found to be sunken than the ground level as the structure is also used for sheltering cattle when required.

Pati with residence attached

Sorakhutte Pati

Sorakhutte Pati is a rest house located on the northern end of the Old Kathmandu settlement.It stands on 16 wooden pillars which gives the name to the pati, Sorakhutte (16 posts) and hence the place. It is however not a unique structure as there are few other patis with 16 posts for example at Kirtipur.

The Sorakhutte Pati was built by Bhotu Pandey in 1864 BS and defined the northern entry to the old Kathmandu settlement. The Sorakhutte Pati served as a resting place for travelers from Trisuli, Gorkha and beyond within Nepal and traders going to Tiber through Kerung Pass. As per the local resident, Rehendra Pradhan from Thamel, there are generation of people still alive who have seen travelers lay their belongings and sleep in the Pati which was complemented by stone water spout called Gaa Hiti.

Although there are other patis with 16 posts, this remains the most popular of them all. Gradually losing its importance due to change in mode of transportation and modernization, the once renowned rest house was demolished during the road expansion of 2071 BS by Department of Road without any major resistance from locals.

1.1 Historical Background

The Sorakhutte Paati, according to historical records found on stone inscription, was built by kapardar (subordinate commander) Bhotu Pandey, son of renowned general Kaji Damodar Pandey in 1864 BS (1805 AD). The story behind the construction of the pati goes as follows.

Location of Sorakhutte Pati on 1803AD map of Kathmandu

During the first phase of Sino-Nepalese War that started in 1788 over a trade dispute, Nepal under Bahadur Shah was able to defeat Tibet under Qing rule who had to pay annual tribute to Nepal under Treaty of Kerung in 1789. However Tibet refused to pay the tributes after the first year of the conclusion of the treaty and as a result, Bahadur Shah sent two forces under Abhiman Singh Basnet through Kerung and under Damodar Pande through Kuti to subdue Tibet. While they were able to contain Tibetan resistance, Emperor Qianlong from China sent a strong troop of 70,000 soldiers to defend Tibet. Thus in the year 1792 the Nepal - Tibet war turned into a war between Nepal and the Qing empire.

The Qing Empire asked Nepal to return the property to Tibet which was looted at Digarcha. They also demanded them to give back Shamarpa Lama who had taken asylum in Nepal. But Nepal turned a deaf ear to these demands. The Qing imperial army responded to Nepal with military intervention. The Qing forces marched along the banks of the Trishuli river (through Syapru, dhuche) until they reached Nuwakot. The Nepalese troops attempted to defend against the Qing attack, but were already faced with overwhelming odds. Heavy damages were inflicted on both sides and the Chinese army pushed the Gurkhas back to the inner hills close to the Nepali capital.

However, a comprehensive defeat of the Gorkhali army could not be achieved. There was a heavy loss on Chinese side while attempting to cross monsoon-flooded Betrawati, close to a Gorkhali palace in Nuwakot. A stalemate ensued and a treaty of Betrawati was signed. Kapardar (subordinate commander) Bhotu Pandey was captured during this war was released after the treaty He prayed goddess Nardevi during his time as prisoner. Although some lengends says him to have got injured and lost consciousness during the war only to be carried to present day sorakhutte where he gained his consciousness. After gaining his freedom (or consciousness based on which legend we follow) he constructed temples and rest houses to please goddess Nardevi. The place he chose was the northern boundary of town at present day Sorakhutte. He donated around 20 ropani of the land in the area to Pulic. Among his works besides the Sorakhutte Pati includes Stone water spout (Gaa Hiti, present day Old age Home), Nagpokhari (present day Lekhnath Sadan), a Sattal (Guest House, unknown location). The area in the later part of history developed as an entry point to old Kathmandu town. As per the local resident Yekram Singh this area developed as point for tax collection and for a long period of time had a thick cover of trees. Of the first facilities developed around was the Saraswati Campus established in Poush 2016 BS.

1.2 Present Situation

The Sorakhutte pati house was demolished during the road expansion of 2071 BS by Department of Road. Old age home and a Police station stands on place where ga hiti used to be present. The pond has been replaced by Lekhnath Sadan

1.1 Built Form

        Sectional Cut of Sorakhutte Pati,     Drawn by: Mandeep Gurung

 

Plinth of Sorakhutte Pati before demolition

Wooden post of Sorakhutte Pati before demolition

 

 

References

1. Cateriana Bonapace and Valerio Sestini, Traditional Materials and Construction Technologies used in Kathmandu Valley
2. Mehrdad Shokoohy and Natalie H. Shokoohy, Kirtipur An Urban Community in Nepal- Its People, Town Planning, Architecture and Arts
3. Rohit K. Ranjitkar, Heritage Homeowner' Preservation Manual: Kathmandu valley World Heritage Site, Nepal.
4. Wolfgang Korn, The Traditional Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley