Recommendations

The following part includes the recommendations presented to the concerned persons and institutions in Bhutan at the end of the field campaign (including Ministry for Agriculture, Helvetas Bhutan, and RNR-RC Jakar). We would like to express our thanks to Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, for his attention and interest, as well as for his open-minded and constructive propositions.

Recommendations

Complex B1-B2 (underground structure and wall):

	Continuation of documentation and excavation work in the year 2000 (1-2 months). Includes dismantling of collapsing dome-roof.
	Reconstruction of the initial dome-shape covering the subterranean structure. Reconstitution of historical ground level inside of fortification wall. Grant security for limited access to the underground structure through passageway.
	Partial reconstruction of wall to hypothetical historical height (to be estimated) including at least one corner.
	Preparation of an information panel (poster), intended for visitors, explaining the main features of the complex, as well as its historical significance.

Monument B3 (platform):

	Continuation of documentation and excavation work of the inner volume of the monument in year 2000 (2-4 weeks, simultaneously to work on B1-B2).
	Reconstruction of the historical ground level around the monument base, with a minimal peripheral clearance of 1m around the complex. Reconstruction of the platform surface, integrating the data concerning the inner volume and including stabilization of inner volume.
	Reconstruction of one quarter, or better one half, of the artificial mound, based on available data.
	Fencing if necessary to avoid disturbances and structural dislocations. Could be avoided with a solid stabilization of the stone monument (concrete).
	Preparation of an information poster for visitors.

Possible extensions within the RNR-RC buildings:

Arranging a small permanent exhibition showing the artifactual evidence discovered, and giving insight in the investigation methods and main archaeological results obtained.

What comes next

By itself, the short archaeological investigation was extremely fruitful, as well professionally as personally. The facts we gained on the Batpalathang site did not only help us to understand what the archaeological structures were made of, what artifacts they did or did not contain, what they very probably looked like in a more or less far past. The campaign showed that archaeology could bring a whole facet of historical-linked knowledge to light. Most modern Bhutanese and foreign historians recognized the lack of archaeological data to enlighten the oldest periods of the Bhutanese historical record. The Ministry for Agriculture, through the RNR-RC and through Helvetas, enabled us to make a first relevant step in this direction.

What is urgently needed, concerning the Batpalathang site, is to finish the documentation of the initially endangered structures, and to secure data from the surrounding soils in which the structures are embedded. This step should be achieved during the year 2000 with a second campaign ideally starting in April. It should include (at least) an archaeologist, two technical field assistants (from abroad), one representative of the Special Commission for Cultural Affairs, four technically interested Bhutanese students speaking English (ideally with some basic technical drawing practice), and four to eight local fieldworkers. During this campaign, we would give priority for the documentation of the structures encompassed in the RNR‑RC building area. Secondary, the ruin B4 (Fig. 7) could be documented and further archaeological remains could be located in the Batpalathang vicinity and in the Bhumtang valley.

Eventual reconstructions should be made after the achievement of the second campaign. Active collaboration of partners from the Special Commission would be especially useful at this point.

For an even later stage, the Swiss-Liechtenstein Foundation for Archaeological Research Abroad would be particularly interested in a joint venture with interested Bhutanese institutions and NGOs which are active in Bhutan. One goal could be to develop a first archaeological research project, covering a larger area, including surveying for new sites and testing located sites. In the framework of such a project, the integration of local partners would be essential and could hopefully lead, within a few years, to the organization of the first Archaeological Survey of Bhutan.

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Copyright 2000 by Blumer R. and Vial F.
Copyright 1999 by SLFA Zürich, Switzerland.
For problems or questions regarding this web contact rblumer@vtx.ch.
Last updated: 29-05-2001.