UNITY JOURNAL

Volume III, February 2022

Unity Journal
Vol. III, 205-219, 2022
Doi: https://doi.org/10.3126/unityj.v3i01.43326
Prithvi Narayan Shah Research Center
Directorate General of Military Training, Nepali Army
Kathmandu, Nepal

Role of Nepali Army in Promotion and Preservation of Nepalese Art,

Culture, and Traditions

Uddhav Gautam

Abstract and modernization. To fulfil these objectives,

this study follows a qualitative research
The Nepali Army was founded initially as the methodology. It analyzes data collected from
Gorkha Army around 450 Years ago. Since various primary and secondary sources and
its inception, the Nepali Army as the nation's analyze it to draw out relevant inferences.
largest organization has not only been I explore the military institution's roles
ensuring our territorial integrity but has also to promote arts and cultures based on
been connecting multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, quantitative data with qualitative analysis.
multi-religious, multi-cultural Nepalese
society in a common thread by preserving its Keyword: Nepali Army, Nepalese culture,
rich tangible and intangible cultural heritages the role of the Army, multi-ethnic, Heritage
along with the associated traditions. In this
regard, this study predominantly illuminates Introduction 
the fact that modern-day Nepal has been Every soldier in the Nepali Army has a dual
shaped through the sacrifices of the Nepali identity: cultural and national. The cultural
Army and their histories are interwoven identity comes from his/her community while
altogether. This research illustrates that national identity is him/her being a citizen
the Nepali Army has been preserving and of a sovereign nation, Nepal. This concept of
promoting Nepalese art, culture, and tradition dual identity is completely different from dual
for centuries both in times of peace and war. identity as a citizen-soldier concept in the U.S.
Despite socio-economic and political shifts Army (Vest, 2012). In contrast, dual identity
in the nation's history over time, the Nepali in Nepali Army is a result of multiculturalism.
Army has remained resolute in its spirit Even though Nepal occupies a small strip
assimilating various cultural transplants of land in between the Indian sub-continent
within the organization promoting cultural and the roof of the world these coordinates
relativism. Within this frame of reference, have amazingly made Nepal composite a
this study primarily aims to unfold major contrasting topography extending from Indo-
hurdles the Nepali Army is currently facing Gangetic plains in the south to the top of the
in the conundrum of operational and world in the north.
ceremonial duties along with the impacts of
modern world issues, such as digitization

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In addition to its topology, predominant Jagir (Job/Pay), Bitalap (Revenue free land),
factors, such as insulation of the Himalayas and Marawat (land to be given to the persons
when Muslims invaded north India in the who sacrifice for the Nation) (Dibyaupadesh).
thirteenth century and intermediary position The foundation of the multi-ethnic army
in the trade routes between India, Tibet, and was laid down in such a firm manner that
China (running along the Kuti pass to the by the time the Anglo-Nepal war (1814-
northeast and Kyrong pass to the northwest 1816) started Nepali Army was composed
of Kathmandu Valley) also imbibed cultural of diverse ethnic groups which fought as
pluralism in Nepal. While geographical a resilient and extremely resolute national
setting gave rise to distinct cultural heritage army awing the British (Subba, 2020).
primarily due to waves of migration, the Accordingly, multiculturalism and multi-
isolation aided in preserving prevalent ethnicism became a part of the Nepali Army
practices from invaders. However, Nepalese and merged mainly since there was no room
culture and tradition evolved as distinct from for individual gladiators and it successfully
India and Tibet despite a lot being drawn in avoided sectarian distinctiveness cutting the
cultural exchange as Nepal synthesized an gordian knot by promoting a meritocratic
amalgam of  Hinduism and Buddhism and system. 
harmonized them which is evident from
numerous existing rituals. For instance, both The standpoint approach on Nepalese
Buddhists and Hindus worship deities like cultural heritage includes both tangible
Vajrayogini, Mahakala, Ajima. This religious (artistic creations, built heritage, monuments)
spectrum also contains Animism and and Intangible heritage (performing arts,
Shamanism (Sharma, 1983). Thus, various traditional skills, social practices). While
regions of Nepal kept on developing under intangible heritage received limelight in
different ethnic communities being ruled by the modern world only after 2003 when
different dynasties such as Kirats, Lichhavis, UNESCO adopted the Convention for the
Thakuris, Mallas and Shahs. Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage
in Paris (Bortolotto, 2007), the convergence
The political unification of modern-day Nepal of tangible and intangible heritage has
initiated by King of Gorkha Prithivi Narayan been the central ethos of cultural heirloom
Shah in 1743 A.D. and the development in Nepal for generations. For example, a
of the modern-day Nepali Army from the temple in its structure is a tangible heritage
Gorkha Army happened simultaneously. that truly exceeds its value only because of
Nonetheless, the army with which Prithivi the rituals performed by the worshipers,
Narayan Shah started his conquest was not which is the intangible part. The military
as pluralistic. In course of his conquest, Shah culture of the Nepali Army is established
created a standing army mixing up soldiers on the same premise, creating an inter-
recruited from different fighting castes such generational compact between previous and
as Khas, Magar, Gurung and Thakuri led current soldiers drawing inspiration from
through command structure with competence ancestral heroism and unwavering adherence
holding precedence. Shah believed mixed-up to practiced customs and traditions.
forces could fight strongly (Dibyaupadesh).
This belief was fortified by the system of Nepalese cultural heritage has been growing
since time immemorial. Once interpreted as the

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land depicting an ideal picture of the Middle and traditions through cultural relativism. 
Ages of the east by Percy Brown (Brown,
ii. To point out key hurdles in carrying
1912) is still home to 125 ethnic groups and
out ceremonial and operational duties as
126 languages (Subedi, 2016). Therefore, it
both are equally significant and to suggest
does not come as a surprise that every soldier
essential measures. 
recruited into Nepali Army belongs to one
of these communities thus holding a distinct iii. To highlight the influence of
cultural identity and possibly speaking a technological development concerning
language only a few do. Nepalese Army is the the role of the army in this context. 
nation's largest organization, hence is also an
Chapter Organization
abode portraying, promoting, and preserving
objective and subjective elements of Nepalese Concerning the structure of the paper, I begin
cultural heritage webbed in both implicit and with an introduction to multiculturalism in
explicit norms (Deaton & Golubeva, 2020) Nepal and the Nepali Army in Chapter 1.
which it rightfully does through ceremonial Chapter 2 reviews relevant literature then, the
duties and practices persisting within the research methodology followed by the paper
army. On the other hand, Nepali Army also is laid down in detail in chapter 3. In chapter
addresses operational duties, of which it 4, I discuss the role of the Nepali Army in
carries a great history and culture itself.  the promotion and preservation of Nepalese
art, culture, and traditions under various
Statement of the problem 
sub-headings. Finally, relevant findings and
It is widely articulated that the history conclusions are summarized in chapter 5.
of modern Nepal largely coincides with
Literature Review
Nepali Army. The modern-day Nepali
Army is obviously in many ways different According to Tereza Trencheva and Evelina
from the structural vision of the standing Zdravkova-Velichkova (2019), conservation
army given by Prithivi Narayan Shah in of cultural heritage refers to ‘a systematic
his Dibyaupadesh. Having said that, the process of search, study, identification,
kernel that binds it together even as of today documentation, digitization, registration,
is the same as he envisioned i.e., multi- digital preservation, conservation, restoration
cultural but equal. Against this backdrop, and socialization.’ Cultural heritage
this research discerns how the Nepalese preservation along with environmental
Army is promoting and preserving Nepalese conservation jointly aids in the socio-
art, culture, and traditions, its existing and economic development of a nation (Wells
emerging challenges, and the various factors & Stiefel, 2018) which in turn conserves
that require attention.  an irreplaceable part of the history
(Othman & Heba, 2018) and develops the
Objectives of the study
country as well. Nonetheless, the process
The primary objectives of the study include: of preservation also tends to jeopardize
antiquity which creates room for conflict
i. To provide an account of the role played
due to a clash of perspectives. On the one
by the Nepali Army in the preservation
hand, it is likely to happen even more in a
and promotion of Nepalese Art, Culture,

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multi-cultural perspective where it is hard to In Sipahi 2077, CoAS General Purna

sustain balance while coordinating among Chandra Thapa (Retd.) states about the
various dimensions of a project (Yang et al., existence of shared understanding in the
2018). On the other hand, Nepal Army has Nepalese armed forces among the junior and
surprisingly been able to achieve institutional mid-level leaders comprised of millennials
trust in this regard since it is a homogenous and generation Z, who readily understand
public institution that accommodates the challenges in the Nepalese socio-political
heterogeneous cultural orientations (Jamil & and security landscape. He further clarifies
Baniamin, 2021) therefore, making it one of that there is a need to find a happy medium
the pillars of heritage preservation in Nepal. between the Army's role in national security
which is ever-evolving and its role in
Mamta Siwakoti and Sanjay Adhikari, in confirming people's participation to maintain
“Culture in Nepal: An exploration of the the organizational culture. While arguing the
legacy and its way forward,” found that need for positive change in the organization
awareness on the gravity preservation of in light of contemporary issues such as
cultural heritage holds, has tremendously digitization, General Thapa stresses that
grown in modern time especially post popular trust is a 'hard-earned heritage' and
2015 Earthquake where the majority of the need to preserve and promote it amidst
historical monuments were partially or incorporating changes in the organizational
completely ruined. For instance, Dharahara, framework (Thapa, 2020).
Rani Pokhari, Taleju Temple, Natyeshwor
Temple, Kasthamandap, Gaddi Baithak of The creation of a cyber-resilient army has been
Hanumandhoka Palace, and 750 more. The one of the core objectives of the Nepal Army in
researchers list out several ongoing projects recent times. By developing cyber resilience
(also with international cooperation) striving within the organization, the Nepali Army
for renovation and restoration of these aims to manage human resources by replacing
cultural sites such as the JFIT-UNESCO office runners, file keepers, registration clerks
Project, Kathmandu Valley Preservation with automation (Nepal Army, 2020). The
Trust, and Miyamoto Global Disaster Relief, efforts to link OPS digitization with National
Nepal (Siwakoti & Adhikari, 2018). The Park and Wildlife Reserve Directorate and
Nepali Army has always been part of this Disaster Management Directorate have been
campaign. Disaster Management is a forte successful and, further efforts to incorporate
and one of the primary operational duties technology in other areas have been sped up
of the army. Besides assisting in rescue and (Nepal Army, 2021). Although technological
relief missions, it has renovated and restored enhancement holds great significance in
forts such as Sangurigadhi, Dugunagadhi, the case of strengthening the armed forces
Jitgadhi, and others (Nepal Army, 2021). for the digital battlefield, it can equally be
Additionally, it has also been part of uplifting of assistance in the promotion of national
national cultures in various ways, such as heritage.
performing the endangered Saraya dance in
national and international stages highlights In contrast, it is also essential to note that
that. cultural pluralism in Nepalese society has
a side of discrimination, inequality, and
superstitions. Nepal is yet to retain a stable

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democratic political culture devoid of integrity and national unity of the state of

corruption even though it has gone through Nepal."
waves of political changes over time (Baral,
2012). Nepal Army faces a challenge to and also by the Section 3 of Nepal Army
address this cultural pluralism as an apolitical Religious Practices Directive, 2076 which
institution composed heterogeneously. states that religious and cultural practices will
be preserved and promoted.
Research Methodology
Even though the duty to preserve the national
The research follows a qualitative research heritage can be interpreted from these
methodology to attain the previously sections, the historical reason behind this duty
mentioned objectives. The epistemology will of Nepal Army is older than the Army Act,
primarily be pragmatic integrating available 2063 and the directive. When asked about
perspectives to interpret the available the reasons why cultural practices matter
information. I analyze data collected from in Nepali Army, WWII veteran Subedar
various primary and secondary sources Nar Bahadur Basnet (Retd.) of Ganesh dal
and draw out relevant inferences. The battalion (now) said, "I have been around
nature of the data will be primary as well since the time of Chandra Sumsher. Before
as secondary. The primary data collected Hindustan gained independence in year 5, I
for this purpose have been done through was on the Pakistani front in the world war...
interviews of NA's WWII veteran Subedar Fauj (Army) is a way of life, every day before
Nar Bahadur Basnet (Retd.) and Capt. PT and meal in the morning we used to go
Subash Thapa from The Directorate of Public pray at Ganeshthan..." (Nar Bahadur Basnet,
Relations and Information of Nepal Army Personal Communications, 26 October
as well as response received to a structured 2020). Two points in his statement provide
questionnaire. On the other hand, secondary a vivid picture of cultural embeddedness in
sources include the study of journal articles, the Nepali Army. One, Nepal Army is not a
books, reports, thesis, and additional credible job but a way of life, and second, it is not
information. The military institution's role in by chance NA significantly contributes to
promoting arts and cultures is grounded on cultural preservation. It is preserving its own
quantitative data with qualitative analysis. identity through practice.
Role of Nepali Army in Promotion and In the modern era, Nepal Army has elevated
Preservation of Nepalese Art, Culture, and its operational competencies to a multi-
Traditions dimensional level. Besides involving itself
in a combat role, it is also responsible
Firstly, it is essential to know the reason for disaster management, developmental
behind the Army actively participating activities, peacekeeping operations, and
in heritage preservation. Army Act, 2063 more. On a different note, Nepal Army also
Section 4 defines the reason for establishment pays homage to its diverse heritage by being
of the Nepal army as: a part of and celebrating various festivals and
"The Nepal Army shall be established practicing a wide range of traditions. On the
for the protection and Defence whole, NA performs routine ceremonies and
of the independence, sovereignty, territorial occasional ceremonies. Routine ceremonies

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are the ones celebrated every year like Bhoto 8. Janai Purnima on Shrawan shukla
Jatra, Indra Jatra, Phulpati, and national days. Purnima: Janai and Rakshyabandhan puja.
Meanwhile, Occasional ceremonies include 9. Kushe Aunshi on Bhadra Krishna
the ceremonies scheduled as per requirement. Aunshi: Kush puja in the puja room.
It includes funeral ceremonies, Wreath
10. Teej ko Dar on Bhadra Shukla
laying, and Guard of honor. 
Tritiya: Dar for female soldiers.
The Nepalese calendar is manifested with 11. Shree Krishna Janmastami on
various days of traditional significance apart Bhadra Krishna Astami: Shree Krishna
from the major festivals such as no moon Puja.
day or Ekadashi. Nepal Army practices all 12. Shree Bishwakarma Puja on
these traditions as well. For example, The Ashwin 1: weapons and vehicles puja.
Army mess doesn't serve meat on the day
of Ekadashi and Aunshi (no moon day). In 13. Kaag Tihar on Kartik Krishna
Trayodashi: Kaag puja and feeding.
the monsoon, the army celebrates ropain on
Ashar 15 by having Dahi(curd) and chiura 14. Kukur tihar on Kartik Krishna
(beaten rice). On 15th Shrawan, it also Chaturdashi: Kukur puja and feeding.
celebrates kheer khane din. Sankrantis are 15. Laxmi Puja on Kartik Krishna Aunshi:
also auspiciously celebrated. Many cultural Laxmi Puja
practices that are rarely performed in modern 16. Govardan Puja on Kartik Shukla
times are practiced within the Nepal Army. Pratipada: Cow/Ox/Govardan puja
These traditions as mentioned in the Nepal
Army Religious Practices Directive, 2076 17.
Swasthani Bratarambha Purnima on
Poush Shukla Purnima: Swasthani Brata
under schedule 1 no. 3 as other cultural
Puja
practices and traditions are listed as below:
18. Maghe Sankranti on Magh 1:
1. Nawa Barsa (New Year) on Baishak 1: Dishes according to tradition.
Formal wishes.
19.
Shree Panchami on Magh Shukla
2. Akshaya Tritiya on Baishak and Panchami: Saraswati Puja
Shukla Tritiya: Saatusarbat preparation in
the Mess. 20. Swasthani Brata Samapti Purnima
on Magh Shukla Purnima: Ending puja
3. Buddha Jayanti on Baishak Shukla
Purnima: Buddha puja in barracks around 21. Shivaraati on Falgun Krishna
Stupas. Trayodashi: Special puja and other
traditions.
4. Ropain Parwa on Ashar 15: Dahi
(Curd) and Chiura (Beaten Rice) in the 22. Faagu Purnima on Falgun Shukla
Army Mess. Purnima: celebrated as per traditional
practice.
5. Shrawan Sankranti on Shrawan 01:
Special dishes as per tradition in the mess. 23. Ghode Jatra on Chaitra Krishna
Aunshi: Demonstration in Sanik Manch
6. Kheer Khane din on Shrawan 15:
kheer in the Army mess. 24. Ram Nawami on Chaitra Shukla
Nawami: Shree Ram Puja
7. Naag Panchami on Shrawan Shukla
Panchami: Naag Puja.

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Further the days on which vegetarian food is 2021). 

prepared has also been enlisted as:
In the public domain, the army celebrates
1. Ekadashi throughout the year (24) the main festivals of Nepal like Dashain,
2. Aunshi throughout the year (12) Tihar, Jatras. On Phulpati, the 7th day of the
3. Akshaya Tritiya (1) Dashain, NA is responsible for bringing the
Kalash filled with holy water, jamara, banana
4. Budhha Jayanti (1) stalks, and sugarcane covered with a red cloth
5. Guru Purnima (1) with the Brahmans from the Gorkha Durbar
on a decorated palanquin under a gold-tipped
6. Naag Panchami (1)
and embroidered umbrella. This tradition
7. Shree Krishna Janmaastami (1) is centuries old. The units in the valley do
8. Shree Swasthani Brataarambha (1) 'phulpati badhai' with a parade while the
entire valley resonates in gunfire (Elias &
9. Shree Panchami (1)
Burbank, 2014). The CoAS performs Kot
10. Shree Swasthani Brata samapti (1) Puja at the dashain ghar in Hanuman Dhoka
11. Mahashivaratri (1) in Mahanawami (9th day of Dashain).
Similarly, Army Day is celebrated on the
12. Shree Ram Nawami (1)
day of Mahashivaratri. This practice has
There are specific battalions within the Nepal been prevalent since 1935. On this day, NA
Army namely Purano Gorakh and Kali exhibits a wide range of drills. It showcases its
Bahadur that recruit particular castes only competencies and demonstrates its arsenal in
as suggested by Prithivi Narayan Shah in the Army Day. Within the Kathmandu valley,
Dibyaupadesh. Purano Gorakh enlists only the newar community celebrates numerous
Magars while Kali Bahadur enlists Gurungs. Jatras every year like Bhoto Jatra, Indra Jatra,
As a cultural practice in Purano Gorakh, Ghode Jatra. NA is a major part of these
Bangur (a cross between a domestic pig and processions. For instance, when the chariot
wild boar) is prepared in the army mess. Both of Rato Machhendranath is pulled in Rato
Purano Gorakh and Kali Bahadur are quite Machhendranath Jatra, NA is responsible for
liberal in the use of alcohol for enlisted ranks the security of the chariot.
like no other battalions in the Nepal Army, an
Moreover, NA is also responsible for several
exception also mentioned by Prithivi Narayan
ceremonies of national importance such as
Shah in Dibyaupadesh. Another battalion
Republic Day, Democracy Day, Martyrs Day.
named Ripumardan contains only the Rai
The following figure represents the number
caste. While other Nepali castes practicing
of troops from each battalion deployed in the
Dashain put Rato (red) tika, Rai community
number of ceremonies throughout 2018. The
are known to put Seto (white) tika. Even the
recent data isn't used for this article because
officers of different castes put Seto (White)
ceremonies have been symbolic due to the
tika in the Ripumardan battalion. Similarly,
COVID-19 impact. 
Naya Sabuj is another battalion created after
2006 that recruits the Chaudhary and Tharu
communities only. (Capt. Subash Thapa,
Personal Communication, 24 November

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Figure 1
Number of troops from each battalion of valley division in ceremonial activities.

Note. This chart was drawn by the researcher from the data available from the valley division.
Copyright 2018 by the valley division of the Nepal Army
Figure 2
Percentage of soldiers
from different ethnic
backgrounds

Note. This pie figure was

drawn by the researcher
from the data available
from the military archive
of CBS 2011. Copyright
Nepal Army, Bhadrakali.
The chart above
demonstrates the number of soldiers in the Nepal Army coming from various ethnic
communities. These figures also depict the religious and cultural tolerance within the
institution. A soldier of any caste might be involved in the practice and performance of any
festival. Thus, harmonization of traditions and the value of operational duty both exist in Nepal
Army. When I asked Subedar Nar Bahadur Basnet about the value of duty for a soldier he

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replied "In year 3, when we returned from section. The forts section of the museum
the world war, king Tribhuwan called upon has preserved the representation of various
us and said 'What do you want?' I replied, I forts. War memorial section of the museum
did my duty sarkar, I want nothing..." (Nar has the pictures and memoirs of Nepalese
Bahadur Basnet, Personal Communications, army expeditions and wars. The machineries
26 October 2020).  used in manufacture of Gehendra Rifle has
been shown in the weaponry section of the
It is argued that a serious attempt to preserve museum. Marcus Ray (2016) mentions that
and promote Nepalese artistic heritage is yet Nepal was self-sufficient in production of
to be made from the side of the government. adequate military rifle when it used to produce
In recent years particularly after the 60s Gehendra Rifles. National Art Gallery
art theft has risen substantially throughout of Bhaktapur Durbar Square established
Nepal (Sharma, 2001). An effort to preserve in 1960/61 that houses paintings also an
art heritage has been made through National important place guarded by Nepal Army.
Museum and the Military Museum. The
national museum was first established as Musical instruments are also a significant part
Chauni Silkhana (Arsenal) in 1926 (Sharma, of the cultural heritage. Due to the diversity,
1983). National Museum which is guarded there are a lot of musical instruments in
by Nepal Army is the largest in the country. Nepal. In the history of the Nepali Army
It holds a variety of treasures, including alone, from the time of Prithivi Narayan
wooden and stone sculptures, ornamental arts, Shah, the usage of 27 types of musical
paintings, historical weaponry, coins, and instruments for various reasons can be traced.
stamps, among others. The museum complex These instruments include Gorakhali dhol,
is divided into two more structures namely Mauri Baja, Muchurga, Ghorau, Paluwa,
Juddha Jatiya Kalashala and the Buddhist Nagbeli, Karnali Baja, Bag Mukhe Bano,
Art Gallery. Stone sculptures, metal works, Sahit Dine Nagara, Indra Dhol, Dundubhi,
old paintings, and woodworks are among the Tasha, Bheri, Baano, Turanga, Sikhar,
pieces on show in Juddha Jatiya Kalashala. Bishannad, Turahi, Paashupat Damaru,
The galleries are divided into five sections: Shringinaad, Trisul Damaru, Nagara Nishan,
stone, terracotta, painting, wood, and bronze. Naagfani, Kaura Khaijadi, Raani Maadal and
Similarly, In the Buddhist Art Museum the Maajhwaal Bansuri (Kandel, 2020). These
Terai, Kathmandu, and Northern Himalayan instruments were played strategically and
Sections are on the ground floor, while the tactically. Some instruments like Sahit dine
Mandala Section is on the first floor, with Nagara, Gorakhali dhol, Ghorau were used
statues, paintings, and ceremonial art objects for motivation before battle, while some
presented in three dimensions (Rana, 2015). like Naagbeli, Nagara Nishan were used for
The Military Museum displays military intelligence purposes (Kandel, 2020). These
art heritage through various sections. The instruments hold great significance for the
victories and battle of Nepalese army in form Nepali Army and Nepalese cultural heritage.
of oil paintings have been displayed in war
memorial section of the museum. Likewise, For centuries Nepal Army has been
paintings of various kings and army chiefs preserving musical tradition. The
have been displayed in supreme commander Sharduljung gulma always plays Indradhol
in Indrajatra. Likewise, Gurujyu paltan

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plays Tasa in numerous military ceremonies. Language is also an essential element of

Bheri is another instrument played by the cultural heritage. Nepali is the most spoken
Nepali Army in Bhairavi Temple, Nuwakot. language in Nepali Army. 'Salaam' is used
Furthermore, Paashupat damaru and Trishul in Nepali Army for salutation. It is a verbal
damaru have emotional and psychological and symbolic representation of commitment
significance for Nepal Army. One of the most towards the duty. It has been taken from Urdu.
seen instruments that the Nepal Army plays is There are several words like 'asawab khana',
the Majhwaal Bansuri, an instrument played 'kawaaj', 'sais', 'adab', 'topkhana' which hold
by Gurujyu Paltan (Kandel, 2020). linguistic value in the Nepali language. This
vocabulary is preserved by the Nepali army
Figure 3 (Shrestha, 2020).
Purano Gorakh Dal performing Maruni
Nach The army is the 'cementing force' that joins
societies (Shrestha & Khadka, 2015). There
is a lot of symbolism in the Nepal Army
with which it binds its troops together. When
Prithivi Narayan Shah created the first five
companies, he named them after a particular
deity. The practice has been followed while
raising any unit within the Nepali Army.
Every battalion binds its troops together
through symbols. Each battalion has a
distinct symbol, normally representing the
deity after whom the battalion is named. This
is done by depicting the picture of the deity
Note. This picture was taken in 1988 by a or the weapons held. Shree Nath Battalion,
Dutch musician Arnold A. Bak. Copyright raised in 1762 A.D. For instance, has the
Sipahi 2020 symbol of Trisul in the middle, sun on the
Figure 4 left and sun-moon on the right side and
Gurujyu Paltan in Indra Jatra below the trisul depiction of feet of the deity.
Likewise, Shree Kalibaksh Battalion has a
pictorial representation of Goddess Kali with
in 'Astabhuja' form (with eight arms) holding
multiple weapons (Aryal, 2020). These
symbols are taken and established wherever
the unit moves. However, there are symbols
of deities such as Shree Mul Nishan, Shree
Shree Nath Ganko Nishan which cannot be
moved. There is a sense of brotherhood and
national unity in these symbols.

Copyright Sipahi 2020

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Figure 5 Table 1
Symbol of Kali baksh Battalion
Colors and their symbolic meaning

S.N. Color Symbol and Meaning

1. White Sattwa/Righteousness
and truth
2. Red Rajasee/Passion and
victory
3. Black Tamasic/Destruction
and Resistance
4. Blue Tranquility and peace
5. Yellow Awareness and
Copyright Nepal Army Press knowledge
6. Green Nature
Figure 6
Symbol of Shree Nath Battalion 7. Sky Blue Incomprehensible and
earnest

The use of colors is done while worshiping

gods and their symbols. As per Army
Miscellaneous Service Regulation, 2074
Section 3, competent priests are recruited
to carry out the religious and traditional
practices in the Nepal Army. These priests
according to the religious ceremony follow
associated traditions while worshiping a
particular deity and celebrating a certain
festival (Aryal, 2020). For instance, in
monthly Satyanarayan puja Crimson, Yellow,
Copyright Nepal Army Press Red and White colored cloth are used while
in every Paakshik puja red and white colored
In Nepalese culture colors are used in various cloth with other materials are used.
ways. Each shade carries a particular meaning.
During every religious activity a certain color Digitization in the Nepali Army and
is used for a particular activity. The symbolic preservation of cultural heritage
context of color is crucial in Nepali Army as Conversion of information of an analogue
well. The Nepali Army associates different carrier like text, audio, and video signals into
meaning with primary seven colors which is digital version through, for instance, scanning
similar with the cultural practices prevalent method to process, store and transmit the
in Nepal. The following table demonstrates available information in a digital form via
the meanings behind the colors. the internet, computers, satellite, social

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networks, knowledge databases regardless The Nepali Army has established Integrated
of geographical constraint is known as Data Center that facilitates Maps, VTC,
digitization (Traykov et al,. 2016). The Data Storage, and Backup. It has also moved
primary objective of digitization of cultural forward in digital archiving, data access,
heritage is to aid in preserving cultural and security measures. Development of a
artifacts digitally through digital libraries Digital Archiving Application done through
and providing global access (Marinov, 2019). outsourcing is also in the final stage. The
Despite its objective significance, the process implementation of the software system has
of digitization is not an easy task (Borisova, started through the tasks.nepalarmy.mil.np
2008). Digital documentation poses two domain. After initiating digital archiving,
problems: (1) the information needs to retain Nepal Army has already archived more than
its original value, (2) documentation might 47,947 crucial historical artifacts of Nepalese
not be comprehensive, it might not include cultural heritage. Moreover, the security
specialized terminology, fragments, and of storage and backup of such archived
other cultural phenomena. The world has materials through a specialized data center is
now transcended to an 'information society' under process. A plan to establish Integrated
(Petrov et al., 2017). The Nepal Army has Data Center Monitoring & Security Protocol
also incorporated this definition of the new is under process (Nepal army, 2021).
age within the institution in varied forms.
One of which includes heritage conservation. Digitization of cultural heritage requires the
strategic implementation of several scholars
The adaptation of digitization in preserving and specialists. The issues in ownership of
cultures and traditions is vivid in Nepal Army. the digital materials and archives also need to
The digitized publications like Newsletters, be taken into account (Borissova, 2008) but,
Sipahi, Sipahi Fortnightly, Sipahi Special issues of Intellectual Property Law don't fall
Issues, Unity Journals are perfect examples. under the domain of objective relevance of
The premise I have built this paper on, which this paper.
includes articles and information derived
from the online articles and publications An analysis of existing challenges in the
of the Nepali Army, is also an instance of a Nepal Army's role:
digitization milestone. The YouTube channel Nepal Army is addressing every role with
and radio channels of the Nepal Army also exceptional efficiency. The military is
regularly produce new content. It displays mobilized in times of peace as well as war. In
the commitment of the Nepal Army not only times of peace, Army works in fields relating
to enhance Civil-Military relations but also to the development, disaster management,
to promote and archive the heritage. In reply and others as mentioned in Article 267 of the
to what can the Nepali Army do for heritage Constitution of Nepal. Military forces remain
conservation? Subedar Nar Bahadur Basnet prepared for unforeseen circumstances.
said," Prabidhi (Technology) has increased so Therefore, recruitment, training, and
much today... It is an age where you have to professional growth are given utmost
know by studying, the things we learned by priority in the organization. In this way,
experiencing" (Nar Bahadur Basnet, Personal the operational calendar of the Nepal Army
Communications, 26th August 2020). has various duties. In the current scenario,

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there is a clash between the operational in this regard to further its goal.
and ceremonial duties in the Nepal Army. 5. Cultural and traditional dilemma: The
There are many hurdles in carrying out the cultural and traditional dilemma is still in
role of 'preserver' and 'promoter' of cultural infant phase and has slim chance to contest
heritage in the conundrum of operational and the existing effort of NA. However, it is
ceremonial duties. The existing challenges necessary to uproot this dilemma before it
can be generalized in light of the following gets germinated. The sentiments attached
points: with various religion and culture can ignite
1. Lack of manpower: Each unit is assigned clash inferno, so NA should be well guarded
both operational and ceremonial tasks. As the to combat such situation.
strength is divided, there are compromises 6. Modernization effort and internal problem:
due to insufficient manpower. NA has been going through the dire situation
2. Resources crunch: Every task assigned to in these days. The quest for modernization
the army requires specialized equipment and and the problem of retention and recruitment
materials also economic resources. Nepal are at tipping point in NA. These kinds of
army is known for generating efficient results problems have been enforcing NA to distract
from little resources, however the available from ceremonial duties. On the other hand,
resources still reduce the efficiency many Covid-19 is being invincible problem to
times. perform ceremonial duties. Thus, the resolute
3. Lack of time: Troops are not only hunt to fulfill its historical duties can serve
responsible for the ceremonial calls but also as launch pad to expand the spectrum of
their operational readiness. They are required preservation and promotion of the cultural
to maintain their professional competence. heritage of Nepal.
Thus, they need to complete training and
Conclusion
various courses. The clash of these duties
makes it harder for them to manage time. I tried to illustrate the silent role played by
4. Sole effort: NA is always being ambassador the Nepali Army in the preservation and
for promoting and preserving Nepalese promotion of Nepalese cultural heritage by
culture and tradition. The determined effort using qualitative methodology in this article.
of NA has been somehow successful to Nepal Army is the nation's oldest and largest
safeguard cultural and traditional ethos of organization has carried a significant history
Nepal. However, NA's effort is limited within in shaping modern-day Nepal. Modern-day
four walls of the barracks and some religious Nepal and the Nepali Army share a common
and cultural places only. The incorporation of history of origin and glorification. The
various organization including Government cultural practices of Nepal are shared as well.
of Nepal (GoN) and other stakeholders helps The Army is committed to the protection
to influence general public to promote and of territorial integrity and sovereignty,
support NA's relentless effort to preserve but it is equally devoted to preserving and
Nepalese culture and tradition. The only promoting the cultural heritage of the nation.
combined effort can bring profound effect Various practices prevailing in the army are
that NA has been envisioned for. Thus, NA a part of the multicultural identity that Nepal
should also act as messenger and focal point holds. This is highlighted by objective and

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subjective elements of both tangible and regard to further its goal. Thus, the resolute
intangible heritage which the Army has hunt to fulfill its historical duties can serve
been practicing for centuries. Numerous as launch pad to expand the spectrum of
paradigms are emerging in the modern preservation and promotion of the cultural
world. Digitization is also one of them. Due heritage of Nepal.
to the development of cyberspace as a tactical
ground, Nepal Army has started to advance References
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