Singha Durbar
Singh Darbar (English spelling usually "Singh Durbar", literal translation: The Lion Palace) Nepali: सिंहदरवार in Kathmandu is the official seat of government of Nepal. Originally built by the Rana dynasty, it was known as the largest and most luxurious palace in Asia. In 1904, this was the private property of Prime Minister Dev S. J. B. Rana who was forced to abdicate by Prime Minister Chandra S. J. B. Rana and his brothers. Until 1973, it was also the largest government secretariat in Asia and it was the private residence of the hereditary Prime Minister of Nepal. The Lion Palace used to house both chambers of the Parliament of Nepal (the Pratinidhi Sabha, or House of Representatives, and the Rashtriya Sabha, or House of the States) before the formation of the Constituent Assembly for the promulgation of a new constitution. Currently, it houses many ministries and government offices.
A substantial portion of Singh Darbar was destroyed by a fire in 1973; only parts of the palace have been rebuilt. Plans have been under way for the complete reconstruction.
Singh Darbar is also the headquarters of Radio Nepal and Nepal Television.
Singh Darbar was designed by Kishore Narsingh Rana as neo-classical architecture typical of the style of the 19th century.