Geochronologies from the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site: Optically Stimulated Luminescence measurement of monument foundation sediments and radiocarbon measurement of timbers

Abstract

Nepal was struck by two major earthquakes on the 25th April and the 12th May 2015, which devastated large areas of the county, with substantial loss of life and livelihoods, and destroying both rural and urban infrastructure and property. The earthquakes and associated aftershocks damaged and destroyed much of Nepal’s unique cultural heritage, including monuments within the Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage Site of Universal Outstanding Value. These damaged monuments are currently subject to a major program of consultation, reconstruction and conservation. As part of this, geoarchaeological investigations are underway on the foundation sediments of the collapsed monuments within the damaged Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka and Bhaktapur and the temple complex of Pashupati. This report summaries: a) the OSL investigations on foundation sediments to the Changu Narayan and Vatsala Temples (Bhaktapur) and Jaisideval, Kathamandap, Pashupati and Trailokya Mohan Temples (Kathmandu; Table 1).; b) the radiocarbon measurements from timbers salvanged from the Kasthsmandap monument.