KVPT

Originally established by Srinivasa Malla in 1666 and later renovated in the 1730s and 1850s, Mulchowk is the heart of the Patan Palace as well as the hub of its ritual activities. The courtyard is almost twice as large as the adjacent Sundari Chowk, and slightly larger than its counterparts in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. Mulchowk underwent several alterations over the past few centuries. The practice of painting doors and windows began in the Rana period and has been repeated ever since, primarily during coronations. Following the 1934 earthquake, the roof was reconstructed using flat machine-made tiles. Due to the scarcity of timber, rafters were widely spaced with little regard to the historical configuration. A combination of neglect, misuse, and inadequate restoration left Mulchowk in a state of disrepair even as it continued to function as a ritual space. Mulchowk today bears witness to many different architectural styles. The latest restoration rebuilt the paving to match the excavated Malla-period design, and paint was removed to allow the intricate relief carvings to take on their intended appearance. The unusually large gate, integrated into the older façade in 1854, was also preserved. The dilapidated east and north wings were reconstructed, along with the entire roof structure and cover.