“Though my ancestral home is in Sindhuli, I spent most of my childhood outside the district due to my father’s job, leading me to grow up in various places. In the past, the primary route to the eastern Terai was on foot. However, as vehicles started operating, Sindhuli seemed to lose some of its significance because transportation facilities were mainly available from Bardibas.
With the opening of the BP Highway, the connection and prominence of Sindhuli started to re-establish. Like many others from Sindhuli who had moved away in search of better opportunities, this highway rekindled our connection to Sindhuli. It not only restored our identity and bond but also brought attention to Sindhuli’s diverse aspects, especially Sindhuligadhi, the famous junar (citrus fruit) of Sindhuli, and the BP Highway itself.
Around 2013 (2070 BS), I visited Sindhuligadhi for the first time. At that time, the road was incomplete, with just a track open. The BP Highway has passed through the historic Sindhuligadhi area. A newly constructed welcome gate at Sola Bhanjyang greets visitors entering the fort area, but inside, the site was largely scattered ruins.
My curiosity about the condition of the fort grew, prompting me to research further. In 2011 (2068 BS), the Department of Archaeology conducted the first official study of Sindhuligadhi. The report highlighted that “Sindhuligadhi, a fort from the Malla period, is surrounded by three smaller forts (Thulogadhi, Sanogadhi and Pauwagadhi). The remains of these forts, inscriptions, and water storage structures have deteriorated due to lack of preservation. Moreover, newly built structures do not meet archaeological standards.”
Despite limited attention given to this study, the tradition of celebrating a victory festival at Sindhuligadhi began that same year. After the handover of the BP Highway in 2015 (2072 BS), interest in promoting and preserving Sindhuligadhi grew further.
The ‘Samriddha Sindhuli Nagarik Abhiyan’ launched a cycling ride from Kathmandu to Sindhuligadhi, connecting the new road to the historical victory. Following this, the Federation of Nepali Journalists Sindhuli branch, District Development Committee, and the local army unit started to jointly celebrate the victory festival, which has now been recognised as a national celebration by the local municipality.
Since 2017 (2073 BS), Kamalamai Municipality has taken charge of developing the Sindhuligadhi area. However, this development has endangered the fort’s original identity. Unplanned construction activities are taking place, pushing the fort area toward urbanisation. Warnings about violations of archaeological standards have been ignored.
Sindhuligadhi is a site of historical importance, where the Gorkhali forces defeated the British on Ashoj 15 (late September) 1824 BS (1767 AD). While there is a call for commemorating this victory on the same date, the local government has been observing it on Kartik 24 (early November), distorting the historical facts.
The concern is that if development in Sindhuligadhi is not carried out with sensitivity to its historical significance, the fort’s unique identity could be compromised. Unregulated constructions and urbanisation might erase the authentic features of this heritage site, turning it into just another commercial or urban area, rather than preserving it as a symbol of history and cultural pride.
On a broader scale, Sindhuli is strategically located and has the potential to serve as a central hub that connects to other tourist destinations in the eastern region. The BP Highway has already improved accessibility to Sindhuli, making it a gateway to places like Janakpur, the eastern Terai, and other cultural and natural attractions.
Running from Hetauda to Bhiman and stretching eastward to Chatra, this highway links central Nepal’s bustling trade hubs with the eastern plains. Beyond its economic significance, the highway also offers stunning panoramas and tranquil escapes for travellers eager to explore Nepal’s countryside. This route has the potential to seamlessly integrate into a broader tourism network, acting as a gateway to other historic trails and lesser-known destinations in the region.
The Great Mahabharat Trail, particularly its section connecting Namobuddha to Sindhuligadhi and onwards to Fikkal, offers an immersive blend of cultural, natural, and historical experiences.
The Unification Trail traces the footsteps of King Prithvi Narayan Shah and his forces as they advanced from Makawanpur Gadhi to Hariharpurgadhi and ultimately to Sindhuligadhi. These forts were more than military outposts; they were symbols of resistance, resilience and unity. The trail stands as a living tribute to the campaign that unified the diverse regions of Nepal into a single nation.
By leveraging Sindhuligadhi’s historical appeal and enhancing tourism infrastructure in a culturally appropriate manner, Sindhuli can become a key part of an integrated tourist circuit. This can boost local tourism while also highlighting lesser-known destinations in the region, contributing to the overall development of eastern Nepal.
However, to achieve this, it is essential that the development is done thoughtfully, maintaining the balance between modernisation and cultural preservation. If the original character of Sindhuligadhi is lost, it will not only affect the historical site but also diminish Sindhuli’s potential as a meaningful cultural and tourist destination. The preservation of its authenticity is key to ensuring that Sindhuligadhi remains a place of historical reverence while also driving sustainable tourism in the region.
(Dhakal is founder of Story Cycle, he can be reached at saurav@storycycle.com)
