Archaeological
Investigations in the Kingdom of Bhutan
Swiss-Liechtenstein Foundation for Archaeological Research Abroad c/o Museum Rietberg Zurich, Gablerstrasse 15, CH-8002 Zurich, Switzerland Phone +41 (0)1 201 7669, Fax +41 (0)1 201 0548, E-mail slsabuero@access.ch |
For the
first time in its history, the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is witnessing
the scientific investigation of its buried archaeological past. An interdisciplinary
team from Switzerland, led by archaeologist Reto Blumer (SLFA), received
the opportunity to excavate and document archaeological structures at the
site known as Batpalathang, located near Jakar,
the capital of Bumthang dzongkhag (one of the central district
of the Himalayan kingdom).
Is always realized through dialogue; Unwavering in it, it will be accomplished, But even failure will be admired. Legshay
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Contents
Background Excavated monuments News reports Crew & assistance How to contact us... |
Jakar dzong
: Typical monastic citadel-fort from the
17th century A.D.
..back to text |
Batpalathang is the name of a hamlet located
at about 5 km from Jakar, on the northeastern bank of the Chamkhar Chu,
a river running from the High Himalayas in the North. The archaeological sites under investigation
are in the immediate vicinity of the building
yard for the construction of a new Renewable Natural Resource Research
Center (RNR-RC) for the Ministry of Agriculture of the Royal Government
of Bhutan (RGoB). Both are situated on an old river
terrace.
Discovered in 1998, during the earliest phase of the construction, the remains of unknown antiquity had an archaeological potential only to be acknowledged through an archaeological expertise (campaign of April 1999). This expertise was also awaited because of the proximity, partly overlapping, of new and old. The results of these first observations, and the fact that the remains were conflicting with the building progress, necessitated an immediate intervention in the sense of a unique archaeological salvage project. This could be implemented during a second investigation campaign starting April 2000 and planned until end of July 2000. |
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Batpalathang:
location of the archaeological site(s) and planned RNR research center
on an old river terrace of the Choskhor Chu.
..back to text Copyright © 1998, F. Baumgartner, Thimpu. All rights reserved. |
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This page was
last updated on 12-27-2000.
Copyright ©
2000 Reto Blumer, SLFA. All rights reserved
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