The Enigmatic Nomi Village Watchtower: A Testament to Time
Perched on a mountain ridge north of Nomi Village in Gacha County, the Nomi Village Watchtower stands as a sentinel at an altitude of 3,350 meters. This architectural marvel, nestled between the mighty Yarlung Tsangpo River and steep cliffs, offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding terrain. Its origins date back to the 13th-14th centuries, showcasing a blend of wooden and stone structures. The walls, made of stone slabs bonded with mud, are impressively thick, ranging from 1 to 1.3 meters, and the tower soars to a height of about 14 meters.
Inside the Watchtower: A Structural Marvel
The watchtower’s interior is ingeniously designed with wooden beams and logs. Its layout combines aesthetic and functional elements: while the western and northern walls are square, the southern and eastern walls feature a unique design of being square on the inside and circular on the outside. Spanning 4.8 meters in length and 3.5 meters in width, the ground floor covers an area of 16.8 square meters.
Originally comprising four floors, each between 3 to 4 meters high, the tower is replete with strategically placed shooting and lookout holes. These vary in shape and size, offering both defensive and observational advantages.
The Historical Significance of the Watchtower
The external walls of the tower are fortified with two connecting protective walls, still standing between 4 to 8 meters high. Stone steps on the north side lead into the tower, presenting an intact and valuable site for historians studying the fragmented rule in the Gacha area.
Unearthing the Secrets of Gacha’s Ancient Tombs
The Mystical Tombs of Gacha County
Scattered along the banks of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Gacha County are ancient tombs, found in villages like Ji, Anrao, and Bonda. In Anrao alone, a unique tomb built with rammed earth and topped with stone exists, while Zhemu Village boasts five step-shaped earthen tombs. Dong’an Village is home to seven tombs of various shapes, including round, step-shaped, and a unique front-square-back-round design.
Nomi Village and Beyond: A Portal to the Past
Nomi Village, with its 39 tombs featuring step and square shapes, stone altars, and other relics, offers a glimpse into ancient burial practices. Similarly, Xiding Village in Ji Township and Bonda Village in Bonda Township add to the rich tapestry of history with their own collections of tombs and altars.
A Treasure Trove for Historians
These tombs, significant in size and number, are not just ancient resting places. They are invaluable sources of historical and geographical information, especially for those studying the Tubo period in Gacha. Their discovery and study shed light on the evolution of burial customs and provide a tangible connection to a bygone era.
In summary, the Nomi Village Watchtower and the ancient tombs of Gacha County are not just relics of the past. They are living testimonies to the rich history and architectural prowess of a time that continues to fascinate and educate us.
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