Kirat Dinasty

Introduction of Kirata:
Various literary sources mention that the Kiratas ruled in Nepal since long time, in the period before Lichchhavi and after Ahir dynasty. Kiratas are very ancient ethnic tribe of Nepal. Different types of scriptures describe about Kiratas. Scholars say that they started to rule in Nepal from 700 to 600 B.C. it. Gradually they recognized as well trained in the art of warfare, and very skillful archer.
Origin of Kirata :
It is very controversial about the places of origin, coming time and the ruling period of Kirata in Nepal. There are various opinions that have come to know about the Kiratas, which are comprised in different points:
A group of scholars say that the word 'Kirata’ has been derived from the word 'Kiriyat’ of Moabite language, which used to be spoken in the Mediterranean ocean area. This ethnic group had come from Mesopotamia in about 2400 B.C. after leaving their ancient place Babylon (presently Iran and Iraq) . Gradually they entered in Nepal and introduced as an ancient tribe of Nepal.
Origin …….
The word “Kirata” is mentioned  in different scriptures:
Atharba Veda, Balmiki Ramayan, Mahabharata
“kiram atati ya: kirata” (Those who roam in the jungle)
Yajur Veda : “Kirat are men of living in Cave” Ancient scriptures , quoted by Chemjong :
Danasur - Banasur – Kshyapasur
Banasur was the Kirati King used to live in middle hill region of Nepal.
Origin …….
According to scholar Dabaral – Kiratas were two types:
1. Kir Kirata 2. Tir Kirata
• Kir Kirata used to live in eastern and middle hill of Nepal such as Rai, Limbu, Yakha
• Tir Kirata used to live in Tirhut region of India. That is also called Thar Desert and later they were called Tharu
Origin …….
Another group of scholars have accounted differently. In Sanskrit language the word. 'Kirata" means 'living in boundary' which indicates that the Kiratas used to live in the boundary of Aryan civilization in an ancient time. They used to live in river valley of Ganga Jamuna of Indian sub-continent Hence they were recognized as 'Kirata" tribe in Rig Veda.
A group of scholars' opinion is also different. They take the Kjratas as the Mongolians according to their physical structure. They mention that the origin of Kiratas was Tibet after China. They entered Nepal through Assam in very ancient period.
Some scholars say that the origin place of Kirata was Africa, some say the northern part of Persia, some says Babylon and some say Assyria, Sumer and Egypt.
Origin …….
A group of scholars describe about it differently. They mention that the Kiratas had not come in Nepal from any other places rather they had been living here since the very ancient lime. Accordingly they are known as the ancient ethnic group of Nepal.
Some scholars say differently about their settlement and origin place. They believe that the Kirata race was the 'Kinner' branch ruled ancient Nepal and another branch of the Kirata rule called ‘San Makwan" also had established their rule in what was then known as "Kiratadesh" which at present is popularly known as "Limbuwan area in eastern Nepal.
Origin …….
In this way there are various opinions flourished about their ancient places, entering time, and ruling period. In fact they were very ancient tribe of Nepal. They established administrative system, and scattered their culture in Kathmandu valley, which we can see even now.
Kathmandu was called Koli in Kirata period and Koligram was called later in Lichchhavi period.
The Kirati used to practice Saivism.
Administrative System of Kiratas:
The Gopalraj Vansawaili, Bhasa Vabsawali and other Puranas mention that the Kiratas used to live since a very long time and had already established the systematic administrative system in Nepal. They developed art, culture, trade and commerce etc and flourished everywhere.
According to the economics of Kautilya – “Kirati people produces colorful and soft woolen clothes …”. They developed some stone art.
Administrative ………
They established the systematic territory organization various Kiratis' words are used in Lichchhavi inscriptions such as (Bhaktapur (Khopring), Saanga (sanga), Chaangu (Changu), Teku (Tengkhu),
Kopashi (Kurpasi) etc.
Various central administrative words like Kuther, (land) Shulla (law & admin), Mapchok (marriage and husband & wife), lingwal (animal buy and sale), Tilamak (water/ cannel ) are used to follow in Lichhavi period in administrative field in their period. So, they clearly indicate the glorious history of Kiratas.
The Kirata Kings:
There are different figures of the number of Kirati Kings in different Vansawali :
• Gopalraj Vansawali - 32 kings
• Vasa Vansawali - 28 “
• D. Right Vansawali - 29 “   ( 1118 years)
• Kirk Patrick - 27 “    (1581 years)
• Sylvan  Leavy - 27 “    ( 1778 years)
• Nepal History Publication    -29 “

According to prominent Nepalese historian Dilli Raman Regmi said, Kitatas ruled in Nepal in total 1500 to 1700 years and ruled in Kathmandu about 725 years.
The Kirata Kings:
The 29 Kirat kings were as follows :
1. Yalamber 2. Pavi 3. Skandhar 4. Balamba,
5. Hriti, 6. Humati, 7. Jitedasti, 8. Galinja,
9.Pushka, 10. Suyarma, 11. Papa, 12. Bunka,
13. Swananda, 14. Sthunko, 15. Jinghri, 16.Nane, 17. Luka, 18. Thor, 19. Thoko, 20. Verma, 21. Guja, 22. Pushkar, 23. Keshu,
24.Suja, 25. Sansa, 26. Gunam 27. Khimbu, 28. Patuka, 29. Gasti.
Some major Kirati Kings:
• Yalambar: The first king of this dynasty was Yalambar who had defeated Bhuwan singh, the last king of Ahir dynasty. He ruled over more then 13 years.
In somewhere his name 'Yalung' has also been introduced. He was renowned the brave and strategic king, closely related in the Nepalese religion and culture. It is found the interesting story while concerning with Yalamber. It is said that king Yalamber had participated the great war of Mahabharat, to witness the battle with view in the side of the Kauravs. In the mean time very clever and diplomacy Lord Krishna knew his actual intention of and cut off Yalamber's head. This cutting head was established as the god of Akash Bhairav at Indrachowk of Kathmandu. In Indrajatra, a celebration festivity, the head of Akash vairab is worshipped as the icon image of Yalamber.
Some major ……….
• Pabi (Pamvi) : Second Kirati King. Injustice was over and began Kali Yuga when Vishnu ( Krishna) returned to heaven after the final victory of the Pandavas over Kauravas.
• Jitedasti: He was the 7th king of Kirata dynasty. It is said that during his regime Gautam Buddha visited Nepal valley along with his 150 disciples. But the various scholars don't agree with this statement. According to them, he had not visited himself but his nearest follower named Anand had come and flourished the Buddhism.
Some major ……..
• Sthunko: The 14th king of this dynasty, is also recognized as his another name ‘Thunko’. During the rule of Sthunko the 14th king of the dynasty, the Great Emperor Asoka had come to Nepal. It is not clear whether he had come to Kathmandu valley or not. But he came on pilgrimage to the Lumbini Garden, the birthplace of Lord Buddhar He engraved inscription in rocks and set up a stone pillar. In the meantime, he erected four stupas in the four corners of Patan he performed his daughter Charumati to marry with a Kshetriya named Devpala. Charumati also built Chabahil Chitya and Charumati
Vihara which is still in existence.
• Gasti: Gasti was the last king of this dynasty, who was defeated by Lichchhavi dynasty. After him Kirati rule came to the end.
Capital of Kiratas :
It is believed that the capital of Kiratas was in the Jungles of Gokarna to the north east of Pashupati. The invasion of Lichchhavi obliged Patuka 28th King of Kirata to retired to the south beyond Shankhamula Tirtha. Finally Gasti did not succeed in stopping the invaders (Lichchhavi) and had to abandon the kingdom to them.


Main causes of the downfall of Kiratas

• Weakness of later Kirati Kings:
Patuk, the 28th Kirati King could not save his kingdom from the Lichchhavi invaders and also last king Gasti was unable to protect this dynasty at the end from his weakness.
• Entry of different clans in Kathmandu valley:
Till second century AD, different clans from India and western Nepal were entered and they wanted to take the power from Kiratas. The clans were Gopala, Ahir, Lichchhavi, Malla, Koli, Brijik, Shakyas.
Main causes......
• Invasion (Attack) of Somavansi King Nimish:
The Somvansi Nimish attacked Gokarna, and Sankhamul 2 times and conquered both places.
• Attraction of Kathmandu valley:
Fertile land for agriculture
Water resources
Appropriate places for animal herd
Land of paradise of Lord Pashupati, Swoyambhu and Guhyeswori
Main causes......
• Desire for changing dynasty:
Kirati ruled for long time around 600 years.
People wanted to change different monarchism and new civilization
Lichchhavi were more civilized and well known in practicing ruling
• Lack of military organization:
Kirati Kings did not organize huge number of military force to protect their kingdom.
Did not have any organized forces in palaces and other important forts.