Kathmandu Durbar Square, one of the three major palace areas of Kathmandu Valley, is an ancient palace of historical significance. Compared to the other palace squares in Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, this is the largest and possesses finest examples of Newari craftsmanship on its temples, monuments and palace buildings built by different kings. Previously known as Gutaupo Palace in the Middle Ages, it got the name Hanumandhoka Palace in the seventeenth century after the then King Pratap MaIla established an idol of monkey god 'Hanuman' in front of the palace entrance. It is also known as the Basantapur Palace Square for its nine storied palace building built by King Prithivi Narayan Shah in 1769 AD. Following the unification of the nation under the leadership of King Prithivi Narayan Shah, development and expansion stopped at other palaces. Kathmandu being the seat of the government of the Shah dynasty, its palace square underwent continuous development work and construction.
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