Surkhet history

The history of the Surkhet valley represents a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern urban planning. While human settlements have existed here for centuries, the modern administrative centre, often referred to as Birendranagar, is the result of meticulous planning in the second half of the 20th century.

Foundation and First Mentions

The Surkhet Valley is mentioned in historical chronicles as part of a region where civilization flourished as early as the Middle Ages. Archaeological finds, such as the famous Kakre Bihar ruins, testify to the existence of developed settlements here as far back as the 12th century. However, Surkhet began to take shape as a modern city only in 1972, when King Birendra of Nepal approved the master plan for the city's development as a regional development centre.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of the valley into an important urban centre was driven by several strategic reasons:

• Geographical Location: The valley is located in the Inner Terai and possesses a mild climate and fertile soils, which historically made it attractive for settlement and agriculture.
• Administrative Significance: The city was created as a strategic hub for the governance and supply of the difficult-to-access mountain regions of the western part of the country (Karnali Province).
• Transport Hub: Surkhet historically served as a gateway and transit point for trade routes connecting the high Himalayas with the southern plains.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, the valley was inhabited primarily by the Tharu people, who engaged in traditional agriculture, cattle breeding, and fishing. The economy of the early period was built on a barter system.

The cultural landscape of the region is unique due to the historical blending of Hindu traditions and Buddhist heritage. The presence of ancient ruins, resembling the Shikhara architectural style, indicates that the valley was an important religious and cultural centre long before the appearance of modern urban infrastructure and paved roads.

Key Dates in the Region's History

The development history of the Surkhet valley has journeyed from an ancient religious centre to a modern administrative capital.

• 12th Century: Construction of the Kakre Bihar temple complex, the ruins of which testify to the prosperity of Buddhist culture during this period.
• Late 18th Century: The territory of the valley becomes part of the unified Kingdom of Nepal during the unification campaigns.
• 1966: Opening of Surkhet Airport, which was an important step in ensuring transport accessibility for the region.
• 1972: King Birendra approves the master development plan, designating the valley as a key centre for regional development.
• 1977: The settlement officially receives city status and the name Birendranagar in honour of the reigning monarch.
• 1980s: Completion of the Ratna Highway, connecting the city with the southern plains and the national road network.
• 2014: Expansion of the municipality's administrative boundaries by incorporating neighbouring villages.
• 2018: The city is officially declared the capital of Karnali Province within the framework of the country's new federal structure.

Stages of Formation and Transformation

The development of the city of Surkhet (administrative centre Birendranagar) is a journey from an ancient religious settlement to a modern provincial capital. Each of the events listed below played a decisive role in shaping the current appearance of the city, its economy, and its cultural environment.

• Ancient Cultural Foundation (12th Century). The construction of the Kakre Bihar temple complex laid the foundation for the region's cultural identity. This site became a symbol of religious tolerance, uniting Hindu and Buddhist traditions, which continues to attract pilgrims and tourists today.
• Implementation of the Master Plan (1972). A turning point in urban planning when the valley was chosen for the creation of a model city. The implementation of a strict street grid and zoning made Surkhet one of the few planned cities in Nepal, providing it with an orderly structure.
• Transport Revolution (1980s). The completion of the Ratna Highway brought the region out of isolation. The road connected the valley with the southern plains and the national highway, giving a powerful boost to trade and reducing the cost of goods delivery.
• Creation of an Air Gateway. The development of Surkhet Airport turned the city into a key logistics hub. The airport became a vital node for supplying remote mountain areas of Karnali Province and a starting point for tourist routes.
• Educational Breakthrough (2010). The founding of Mid-Western University changed the social structure of the city. Surkhet transformed into the educational centre of the region, attracting youth and intellectuals, which contributed to the growth of the service and housing rental sectors.
• Administrative Consolidation (2014). The merger of the municipality with neighbouring villages officially consolidated the expansion of the city boundaries. This allowed for more efficient resource management and infrastructure planning over larger territories.
• Gaining Capital Status (2018). The proclamation of the city as the capital of Karnali Province became a powerful economic driver. The appearance of government institutions, banks, and NGO offices sparked a construction boom and an influx of investment into the urban sector.

Urban Development and Layout

The architectural appearance of the Surkhet valley (administrative centre Birendranagar) is unique for the region and differs strikingly from the chaotic construction of many other Asian cities. The city's development can be clearly divided into two key stages: the ancient period, represented by religious monuments, and the modern stage of planned urban development, which began in the second half of the 20th century.

The main feature of Surkhet is its regular layout. The city was built according to the 1972 master plan, making it one of the few planned cities in Nepal. It is characterized by a rectangular grid of wide streets, clear zoning into residential, commercial, and administrative areas, as well as the presence of green zones.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Ancient traditions and modern functionalism intertwine in the city's architecture. The following key directions can be highlighted:

• Shikhara Style (12th Century). A bright representative of this era is the Kakre Bihar temple complex. This stone structure, located on a hilltop, resembles a mountain peak (Shikhara) in shape. The style is characterized by rich stone carving, complex geometric patterns, and a synthesis of Hindu and Buddhist motifs. The temple ruins are considered a masterpiece of medieval Nepalese architecture.
• Traditional Folk Architecture. Before the start of large-scale urbanization, structures of the Tharu people predominated in the valley. These are single-storey houses made of clay, bamboo, and wood with thatched roofs. Walls were often decorated with traditional paintings. Although such structures have practically disappeared in the city centre, their elements can still be found on the outskirts.
• Modernism and Functionalism (from the 1970s). The modern city centre is built up with concrete and brick buildings devoid of excess ornamentation. Administrative buildings, schools, and hospitals, erected after the approval of the master plan, are distinguished by practicality and simplicity of form.

Iconic Structures and Districts

The city's appearance is shaped by several key objects reflecting different stages of its history:

• Kakre Bihar District: The historical heart of the valley, a protected archaeological zone where reconstruction work on the ancient temple is underway.
• Bulbule Park (Bulbule Taal): An example of landscape architecture integrating a natural spring into the urban environment. This is a popular recreation zone that has become a symbol of the city.
• Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar): An iconic structure in the city centre, serving as a landmark and symbol of modern Birendranagar.
• Government Quarter: After the city was proclaimed the capital of Karnali Province, a cluster of new administrative buildings formed here, reflecting the status of a regional management centre.

Famous Personalities of Surkhet

The Surkhet valley and its administrative centre, Birendranagar, are linked to the names of rulers, politicians, and artists who have left a significant mark on the history and culture of the region.

• Ashok Challa — Ruler of the Khas Empire (13th Century)
  A powerful king of an ancient dynasty, credited with the construction of the famous Kakre Bihar temple. This architectural monument is today the main historical attraction of the region and a symbol of the valley's religious harmony.
• Yash Malla — Historical Ruler
  A king associated with the founding of the Deuti Bajai temple. According to legends, it was he who erected the sanctuary for the local goddess, which remains a most important place of pilgrimage to this day.
• King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah — King of Nepal (1945–2001)
  Although the monarch was born in Kathmandu, he is considered the "father" of the modern city. It was on his initiative and personal instruction that the master development plan for the valley was developed and implemented, and the city of Birendranagar was named in his honour.
• Purna Bahadur Khadka — Political Figure
  A prominent Nepalese politician who has held the posts of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs. A native of Surkhet, he plays a key role in representing the region's interests at the national level.
• Yam Lal Kandel — Statesman
  An influential politician who became the Chief Minister of Karnali Province. His activities are inextricably linked with the administrative development of Surkhet as the provincial capital.
• Aaryan Sigdel — Film Actor
  One of the most popular and sought-after actors in the country's modern cinema (Nepal). Born in the village of Gothikada in the Surkhet district, he gained wide recognition for his roles in romantic dramas.
• Rohit Chand — Professional Footballer
  A famous athlete and player for the national football team. A native of Surkhet, he has become one of the few Nepalese footballers to achieve significant success on the international stage.