data from 2011, the major religions in Kathmandu city

are Hinduism 81.3%, Buddhism 9%, Islam 4.4% and other 5.2%.[53]

The linguistic profile of Kathmandu underwent drastic changes during the Shah dynasty's rule
because of its strong bias towards the Hindu culture. Sanskrit language therefore was preferred
and people were encouraged to learn it even by attending Sanskrit learning centres in Terai.
Sanskrit schools were specially set up in Kathmandu and in the Terai region to inculcate
traditional Hindu culture and practices originated from Nepal. [54]

Architecture and cityscape[edit]

Main article: Architecture of Kathmandu
Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site (WHS)
Seven Monuments and Buildings

• Kathmandu Durbar Square in 1920 •

• Kathmandu Durbar Square in 2007 •
• Pashupatinath • Changunarayan •
• Swayambhunath • Boudhanath •
• Patan Durbar Square •
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square •
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The ancient trade route between India and Tibet that passed through Kathmandu enabled a

fusion of artistic and architectural traditions from other cultures to be amalgamated with local art
and architecture.[55] The monuments of Kathmandu City have been influenced over the centuries
by Hindu and Buddhist religious practices. The architectural treasure of the Kathmandu valley
has been categorized under the well-known seven groups of heritage monuments and buildings.
In 2006 UNESCO declared these seven groups of monuments as a World Heritage Site (WHS).
The seven monuments zones cover an area of 189 hectares (470 acres), with the buffer zone
extending to 2,394 hectares (5,920 acres). The Seven Monument Zones inscribed originally in
1979 and with a minor modification in 2006 are the Durbar squares of Hanuman
Dhoka, Patan and Bhaktapur, the Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and Changunarayan, the
Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath.[56][57]
Durbar Squares[edit]
Main articles: Kathmandu Durbar Square and Hanuman Dhoka
The literal meaning of Durbar Square is a "place of palaces." There are three preserved Durbar
Squares in Kathmandu valley and one unpreserved in Kirtipur. The Durbar Square of Kathmandu
is in the old city and has heritage buildings representing four kingdoms (Kantipur, Lalitpur,
Bhaktapur, Kirtipur); the earliest being the Licchavi dynasty. The complex has 50 temples and is
distributed in two quadrangles of the Durbar Square. The outer quadrangle has
the Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple; the inner quadrangle has
the Hanuman Dhoka palace. The squares were severely damaged in the April 2015 earthquake.
Hanuman Dhoka is a complex of structures with the royal palace of the Malla kings and of the
Shah dynasty. It is spread over five acres. The eastern wing, with ten courtyards, is the oldest
part, dating to the mid-16th century. It was expanded by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century
with many temples. The royal family lived in this palace until 1886 when they moved to
Narayanhiti Palace. The stone inscription outside is in fifteen languages.