Kathmandu Durbar Square, one of the three major palace areas of Kathmandu Valley, is an ancient palace that carries significant historical importance. 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 `1-lanuman' 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 1769AD.
Following the unification of the nation under leadership of King Prithivi Narayan Shah development and expansion stopped at other palaces. But Kathmandu being the seat of the government of the Shah dynasty saw continuation of development of its palace square.
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