Mahispal Dynasty

Mahishpala or Abhir (Ahir) dynasty ruled in Nepal after the Gopala Dynasty. According to Gopalraj chronicle “ ….. after that Mahishpal by getting victory upon Gopala king ruled gradually …..”
Not any historical evidence that who were the Mahishpala and how they took the rule from Gopalas. The general meaning Mahishpal is keeping buffalo or buffalo herd.
According to Danial Right Chronical – Mahispala belonged to the cast or clan of Abhir
Kirk Patrick - Mahishpalas were the generation of Gopalas and Abhirs also were from the same clan or cast.
D.B. Bajracharya - related to Chandrabangsi Kshetriya. At that time, Abhirs were lived in the north west of India of Gonda and
Andrapradesh district
Likewise Abhirs are called in the category of animals herd in different Puranas.
Some historians have written that Abhirs were lived in the Terai of Simraongadh and Janakpur. Gopalas and Mahishpals both were estimated to be as Abhirs for animal herd, the only different is Gopalas were cowherd and Abhirs were buffalo herd.
According to Bhasavemsawali, Abhirs entered in the valley when the last king of Gopala was childless. Mahishpalas came from north India or middle Terai of Nepal and is said,
“…… madya deshka mahishpal ahir
Gopalakan jhikai rajyavisek diya…”
The last king of Gopala who had made adapted son to Barsingh as crown prince and finally he started Mahishpal dynasty in the valley.
According to Gopalraj chronicle and Kirk Patrick, the last Gopal king was defeated in encounter by Mahishpal Mulsing ( Barsingh ) and he took the power in his hand and finally it was continued Mahishpal dynasty. The name of first king of this dynasty was Barsingh in other historical evidences. The last king of this dynasty was Bhuwan Singh
Kirk Patrick in his account - the last king was Bhawani Singh.
Mahishpal dynasty ruled in Nepal for 119 years and 7 months as per the chronicle of Kirk
Patrick.
Gopalraj Vanshawali (chronicle) and other scholars have written that they ruled in Nepal for 161 years and 2 months.
There were three kings in this dynasty, they were: Barsingh, Jaya Singh and Bhuwan Singh, they ruled in Nepal 49 years, 71 years 2 months and 41 years simultaneously and total 161 years 2 months.
The kingdom was extended up to the same as
Gopala dynasty to Dudhkoshi in the east,
Trishuli in the west,
Gosaikunda in the north and Chitlang in the south.
Not found any detail of other historical records of this dynasty about ruling system, incidents during the period but there was the existence of agricultural development and exploring the animal husbandry at the same time.
Finally, the last king of this dynasty Bhuwansingh was defeated by Kiratas ( Yalamber ) and this dynasty from Nepal was ended and Kirata dynasty was begun.

Gopala Dynasty

Gopala Dynasty
Gopala Dynasty of Kathmandu valley is described in Gopalraj Chronicle.
General meaning of “Gopala” is cowherd that is called a clan or cast who keeps on cows or milk man.
According to religious resources, Gopala was found to be derived the meaning of go+pali+na, this means the king or cowherd.
There is a story of Gopala named “Neepa” clan which is described in Gopalraj chronicle and Gandaki Mahatmya, according to these resources, Nepal was ruled by “Neepa” administrators around 1200 to 1000 BC.
The scholar Gyanmani Nepal has written that Nepal was ruled by Gopala, the cast of “Neepa” or “Nepa” and the name of Nepal was also related to these names. Gyanmani has added that these Neepa sect first came from North West Nepal and a branch of this clan went to Mathura Brindaban of India. Scholar Daniel Right has also written the story of Lord Krishna who had killed the demon Danashur and established the human livelihood in the valley with the group of people to whom he had brought from Mathura with him. This story is also reliable to related of Mathura Brindaban from where Gopalas had come from to establish Gopala Dynasty.
Before Gopala, there were the tribes group
“Naga” in the valley and Gopalas got victory upon them and established first Kingdom in the valley.
According to Gopalraj Chronicle, one of the Gopala named “Nepa” had a brown cow named “Bahurhi” used to milk on the floor in particular place near Bagmati river of present Pashupati area. He saw the mystery himself and he dug the ground where the cow had milked, found the flame of “Jyotirlinga’ of Pashupati.
The name of Gopala was Bhumi Gupta ( Some scholar has said Bhuktaman ).
According to the Chronicle of Daniel Right, the first king of Gopala Bhuktaman who was made king by the sage “Ne”
There were eight rulers in Gopala Dynasty, they ruled over Kathmandu valley for 505 years and 3 months, according to the scholar Dhana Bajra
Bajracharya
D. Right has written this figure of 521 years. The Gopala kings were Bhumi Gupta, Jaya Gupta, Dharma Gupta, Harsa Gupta, Bhim Gupta, Mani Gupta, Bishnu Gupta and Jeen Gupta.
The first dynasty of Nepal the Gopala kings, it was found “Gupta” in their last name. In the inscriptions of Lichchavi, the mother of Bhauma Gupta had written “Aabhiri” on her last name. In this connection, Gupta and Gopala were same cast or clan who had been in the valley might had been from India as cowherd and they settled here as farmer or cowherd.
At that time first practice of farming and cowherd was started and had made a livelihood in Kirtipur, Thankot, Balambu, Tistung Palung.
The kingdom of this dynasty was spread up to Dudhkoshi in the east, Trishuli in the west, Nilakantha hill ( Gosaikunda ) in the north and Chitlang in the south, ( Kirk Patrick ).

Major contribution of Gopalas The importance of Gopala dynasty is regarded to the connection of naming Nepal.
Many scholars have agreed that Gopalas were the transmit clan of “Neepa” and the name of Nepal was also meant from the word “Neepa”.
They started habitants of the valley and started the train of province and is known the first ruler (Dynasty) of Nepal,
They established Pashupatinath.
Gopalas were the founder of civil society of Nepal or they were the founder or beginner of modern civilization.

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.

Lumbini

Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located at the Nepalese town of
Rupandehi district, near the Indian border. The site is a large garden with a grove of pipal trees. The area around Lumbini is entirely Hindu, but many Buddhist temples / monastries and shrines from various nations are scattered around the holy site itself.
Lumbini is one of four Buddhist pilgrimage sites based on major events in the life of Gautama Buddha.
Interestingly, all of the events occurred under trees of Gautam Budha. The other three sites are in India: Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first speech), and Kushinagar (death).
Lord Buddha mentioned four places which a religious disciple should visit and look upon with feelings of respect. They are:
Lumbini: Buddha was born
Bodhagaya: Buddha became fully enlightened
Sarnath: Buddha gave first speech after he got enlighten
Kusinagara: Buddha passed away into Nirvana

The authentic history of Lumbini started with the pillar inscription of the famous Indian Maurya Emperor Ashoka guided by his spiritual teacher Upagupta made a pilgrimage to this holy site in 249 B.C.
The famous Chinese pilgrims Tseng Tsai (3rd Century), Fa-Hsien (5th century AD) and
Hiuen-Tsang (7th century AD) visited Lumbini for the pilgrimage purpose.
The visits of the Chinese travelers brought more records out about Lumbini and world knew about Lumbini. Hiuen Tsang's records are the most informative of all for he not only traveled to see Lumbini and other Buddhist sites, but he also maintained a detailed description of his travel.
Khasa King Ripu Malla from Sinja in far western Nepal paid a visit to the holy site. He engraved his name on the top of the Ashokan Pillar dated 1312 “Om mani padme hun Ripu Malla chiranjayatu”.
After a prolonged slumber, Lumbini rose to the sacred site of devotees. Due to the efforts of General Khadga Shamsher Rana, then Governor of Palpa, and Dr. A. Fuhrer, the Asokan Pillar was discovered on Dec. 1, 1896. Archaeologist P.C. Mukherjee conducted excavations in the area in 1899 and published the details in the form of book.
Lumbini is the Fountain of World Peace and sacred pilgrimage shrine of the Buddhists and peace-loving people and a symbol of international brotherhood, peace and prosperity, and helped to project it as a World Peace City.
Mayadevi temple
The heart of the site and the center of attraction of the pilgrims visiting Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple dedicated to Mayadevi, the mother of Lord Buddha. The holy site witnessed the construction of Maya Devi Temple known as heart of all monuments at this holy site. Emperor Asoka visited Lumbini for a pilgrimage purpose in 249 BC, erected a stone pillar, and built a temple. The reasons unknown, however, the Mayadevi temple disintegrated over the time.
Lumbini was discovered in 1896 and Keshar Shumsher reconstructed the Maya Devi temple in late 1930's. The newly constructed Maya Devi Temple reopened on 16 May 2003. The ground floor consists of the remains of the foundations of the early Maya Devi Temple that dates back to 3rd century B.C to 7the century AD. The sanctum Sanctorum is the birth spot of the Lord Buddha. The upper floor consist an open meditation platform, on which stand a dome and the gold plated shrine pinnacle.
Ashokan Pillar
This is one of the most important monuments, the first epigraphic evidence relating to the life history of Lord Buddha and an authentic historic document of Lumbini. The pillar is standing even today and bearing a very well preserved inscription is made out of the sedimentary rock and sand stone and having three parts viz. cylindrical pillar, the bracket figure and crowning part. The total height of the pillar is 30'10.5" of which 13'8.5" is buried underground and remained erect in place for more than
2600 years. The pillar bears an inscription stating "Hida Budhe Jate Sakyamuni" means Sakyamuni Buddha was born there. The inscription engraved by Indian Emperor Ashoka is still intact and testifies the authenticity of the birthplace.
The text written in Brahmi script and Pali language is translated as follows:
“Twenty years after his coronation, King Priyadarsi, Beloved of Gods visited this spot in person and offered worship at this place, because the Buddha the sage of the Sakyas, was born here. He caused to be built a stonewall around the place and also erected this stone pillar to commemorate his visit. Because the Lord Buddha was born here. He made the village of Lumbini free from taxes and subject to pay only one-eight of the produce as land revenue instead of the usual rate.”
Puskarini holy pond:
The famous and most sacred pond known as Puskarini lies on the southern side of Maya Devi Temple and Ashokan Pillar. It is believed that Maya Devi took a holy dip just before giving the birth to the Lord Buddha and also where the infant Buddha was given his first purified bath. The devotees feel proud and purified from evil effects in the life by washing their face in the pond and some of them take water (jala) with them. It is also known that there are two wells with hot water and cold water for supplying water in the pond, terraced steps and is wrapped up by beautifully layered bricks in 1933-39.
Marker stone: The single most important spot at Lumbini (and to the entire Buddhist world for that matter) is the Marker stone (stone slab-conglomerate) located deep in the Sanctum Sanctorum. It is revealed after a hard and meticulous excavation under the three layers of ruins on the site of Maya Devi Temple in 1996, the stone slab foundation pinpoints the precise location of the original place, making the exact spot of the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The marker stone 70x40x10 cms is now preserved with a covering of bulletproof glass.
Other structural remains: The brick masonry (building materials) foundations, known as the group of stupas and vihars, built in the period of Mauryan, Gupta and Kushana (between the 3rd century BC and 2nd century AD), which are evidence of the early devotees desire to be near to the sacred birthplace.
The Sacred garden: The Sacred Garden is the focal point of the Lumbini including several historical, archaeological monuments around the Maya Devi shrine. Its peaceful, sacred look preserved and restored to it legendary beauty can function as a magnet to attract more pilgrims and tourists. This is the southern part of the Lumbini Master Plan and the plan gave high priority for the preservation of the sacred garden and enclosing it by the circular ponds. Its form, consisting of a circle enclosing a square, embodies the mystic symbol of the universe in its purity and simplicity. The square area is formed with a network of raised walkways between the landscaped area and the archaeological remains. A beautiful garden with a large water body is the new attraction in this shrine complex.
The Central Canal: The Central Canal is the link between the Sacred Garden in the south and the New Lumbini Village in the north of Lumbini Master Plan area. It also divides the Monastic Zone into two enclaves. The purpose of the Central Canal is serve as a means of water transport from friendship bridge to the eternal peace flame, add beauty to the area and be a habitat for aquatic plants and namials. It is 1.5 km long and 16m wide. The pedestrian path and flower belt will lie parallel to the canal.
The Eternal flame (Shantideep): It is the eternal peace flame in Lumbini which is burning as a symbol of world peace.
The Monastic Zone: It is the middle section of the Master Plan. The green zone and the central canal separate the two sections east and west monastic zones set aside for the two major sects of Buddhism- Theravada and Mahayana. There are 42 plots allocated for the construction of the monasteries.
The Lumbini museum: The cultural zone consist Lumbini museum. The museum houses artifacts collected from the site during the excavation in the sacred complex and the areas nearby. It consist ancient coins, religious manuscripts, terracotta fragments, paintings, beads, fragments of the horse capital of the Asoka Pillar, stone and metal sculptures, dresses of different Buddhist sects and replicas of marry images. They are related to the life of Lord Buddha and the history of Lumbini. The building has a moderate seminar hall, large ground floor for display of the objects, office and lab.
The Lumbini chronology is as follows:
563 BCBirth of Gautam Buddha
249 BCPilgrimage visit of Maurya Emperor Ashoka (Installed the Pillar)
3rd Century Pilgrimage visit of Chinese traveler Tseng Tsai
403 AD Pilgrimage visit of Fa-Hien (Fa-Xian)
636 ADPilgrimage visit of Hiuen Tsang (Xuan Zang)
1312 Pilgrimage visit of Ripu Malla from Khasa Kingdom (Jumla)
1896 Excavation of Ashoka pillar by Khadga Shamsher and A. Fuhrer
1899 Excavation work by P.C. Mukherji
1932-39 Excavation work by Kaishar Shamsher
1967 Pilgrimage visit of U.N. Secretary General, U Thant
1970 Formation of U.N. International Committee for Lumbini Development
1985 Lumbini Development Trust
• Excavation of marker stone at the Nativity site
• Lumbini included as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO

Origin of Nepal – The Kathmandu Valley

Origin of Nepal – The Kathmandu Valley
• Nepal is an old Hindu Kingdom. It has never been under the power and control of any foreign country. It has been fortunate enough to he called a singular Hindu Kingdom of the world from the primitive age up to now and is situated in the central part of
Asia.
• The scripture mentions that its existence has been from the age of truth (Satya Yuga). Nepal was known as the “Satyawati” in the Satya Yuga.
• Nepal was called the land of solitary meditation and penance or 'Tapavon' in Treta Yuga. Similarly,
• It was known as the ladder of salvation or 'Muktisopan” Dwapar Yuga” and
• Now is known as 'Nepal' in the Kaliyuga or present era."
Origin…..
• Various sages like Kanwa, Biswamitra, Agastya, Valmiki, Yajnavalkya and other used to live in this country for penance.
• It is also said that the Holy book 'Ramayana' was composed at the bank of the
Saptagandaki River. The sage Veda Vyasa was born here. Not only the description of scripture but also various evidences have been obtained to prove many things about pre-historic Nepal.
Origin…
• The oldest remains of the life found in Nepal are the fossils of rhino and elephant which are supposed to be 10 million years old ( 1 caros).
• Near the Tinau River in Rupandehi district, an upper left tooth of Ramapithecus has been discovered which supposed to be 11 million years old. These findings have proved that the ancestors of present men and animals used to live in Nepal even millions of years ago.
• The facts in stone tools have been found in Dang, Deukhuri, and there are evidences of animal existence in the Kathmandu valley. They prove that the civilization of Nepal is very ancient.
• According to the Hindu and Buddha Mythology, a number of sages had been in this country for penance and they had accounted about the origin of Kathmandu valley.

• Bipaswi Buddha: At the time of Satya Yuga, the sage came from his permanent residence Bandhumati Nagar and lived in Nagarjun hill in the northwest corner of Nagadaha. After some time on the day of the full moon of Chaitra he planted a lotus seed through divine inspiration in the middle of the lake and just after six months, on the day of the full moon of Aswin a wonderful lotus flower sprang out form this seed and in the middle of that flower a radiant image of Lord Swoyambhu was seen throwing bright rays.
• He also mentioned about the future of origin of Lord Swoyambhu and the Nagadaha (valley ),and he
returned back to his place. (Denial Right)
• Sikhi Buddha (Manushi Buddha) : The sage heard about Lord Swoyambhu, came from Arunpuri lived and in Chapadevi Parvat for penance. He worshiped Lord Swoyambhu and dissolved himself in the glow of Lord Swoyambhu. – (Denial Right)
• Biswambhu Buddha : In Treta Yuga, a sage named Biswambhu Buddha came with disciples from the place called Anupamnagar and lived in Fulchoki Giri. He worshiped Lord Swoyambhu with a hundred thousand flowers and told his disciples how to drain the water out of this lake. And finally he went back. (Denial Right)
• Manjushri Bodhisattwa : Another sage, Manjushri Bodhisattwa came from China with some farmers, sages and disciples. He saw the glowing of Lord Swoyambhu and worshiped Lord Swoyambhu. First settled at Mandapgiri present Nagarkot. He circled the valley and found the gorge to cut to drain out the water of Nagadaha and he prayed the goddess named ‘barada’ and ‘mokshada’ and stood in between and cut the ‘kotwal’ (chovar gorge) with his sword.
• He cut the gorge of Chovar. Slowly the water of the valley was out and the ‘Nagas’ had problem to live and he made a lake ‘Taudaha’ for Nagaraj Karkata (the king of snake). He gave the name of this valley Manjupattan and installed a village around Guheswori area and made a King to Dharmakar Chhetri here for rule and went back to China.( Denial Right and Ancient Buddhist literature in Swoyambhu Puran)
• Krukuchchhanda Buddha: Likewise another sage named Krukuchchhanda Buddha came to Nepal and lived in the forest Guheswori which is called Mrigasthali which is also called Sleshmantak. There was a scarcity of water in the valley so he prayed the Goddess Guhyeswori to fill water in the valley. The goddess listened his prayer and generated the river Bagmati from the north of Shivapuri hill and it now is called Bagdwar from where the water of Bagmati comes from.
• Lord Krishna: Different stories of the chorology, in Dwapar Yuga Lord Krishna came from India with some cow men and lived in Padmakastagiri the present Kirtipur and wanted to drain out of the water from the valley which was filled with water by Demon Danasur who used to make this lake swimming to his daughter.
• Finally he killed the demon and drained out the water cutting the gorge of Chovar with his weapon “sudarsan Chakra” and settled to live in the valley for men and the sage “Ne” made the state policy of Nepal and made a King Bhuktaman, Gopala one of Krishna’s disciples to rule over Kathmandu valley and Bhuktaman was the first king of Gopal Dynasty. - Yogi Naraharinath, Dilli Raman Regmi, Denial Right (Writers sources are from – Hindu ancient literature like
Himwatkhanda, Nepal Mahatmya, Pashupatipuran)
• According to Swoyambhu Puran, Kanakmuni
Buddha came from ‘Shovawati Nagar” of India with some people and worshiped Lord Swoyambhu. Likewise ‘Kasyap Buddha Came from Sarnath Banarash, India with many disciples in Kathmandu valley and worshiped Lord Swoyambhu and Goddess Guheswori after Kanakmuni Buddha.
• According to Swoyambhu Puran and Chronology, the ‘Shakyamuni Buddha’ Gautam Buddha came with 150 monks (Vikshu) and King of Banarash with farmers and worshiped Lord Swoyambhu. His arrival was the period of 7th Kirati King Jotedasti . ( Denial Right )
Conclusion:
• In this way, the origin of Kathmandu valley according to the scriptures and literature of Hindu and Buddhist is related to habitant of Naga, Nagdaha of the lake. – Tony Hagen and Denial


• The accounts are only mentioned in the chronology and ancient literature, there is not any written proof for this legends, but the geologists accept that the Kathmandu valley was a lake before its existence. Perhaps the Naga tribes used to live around the valley before Gopalas’ dynasty.

Antiquity and Nomenclature of Nepal

Antiquity and Nomenclature of Nepal
• There are many arguments of the naming word “Nepal” according to Literature, chronology and historians. The word 'Nepal' has significantly been used as the name of our country. There are various opinions about it. The naming of Nepal is mainly taken on the basis of Language and the basis of Cast.
• The naming of Nepal is mainly taken on the basis of Language and the basis of Cast.
On the basis of language
It is taken from the different five languages like; Tibetan language, Newari Language, Kirat language, Sanskrit language and Lepcha language.
Antiquity and Nomenclature …
• According to Sesil Bendal, Tibetan language “Ne” means house and ‘pal” means wool, so Nepal is derived from house of wool “Nepal”.
• On the basis of Newari language, the meaning of ‘Ne’ is middle and ‘Pa’ means country. Finally adding suffix it became ‘Nepa” then ‘Nepal’ ( means the middle country or Madhya Desh).
• Likewise, the historian Balchnadra Sharma says, the word ‘Nepal’ came from the language of Lepcha. In Lepcha language ‘Ne’ means man and ‘Pal’ means cave. People used to live in the cave at that time, so the naming of the country also became
”Nepal’.
Antiquity and Nomenclature …
• In the Kirat dialect 'Ne' means 'plain' and
“Pal” means “Area”. Kathmandu valley was a plain, so it was called 'Nepal'.
• According to Sanskrit language the word ‘Nepal’ was derived from ‘Neepa’ or ‘Naipa’ and ‘al’ suffix made it finally ‘Nepal’.

On the basis of cast:
• According to the prominent historian Jagadish Chandra Regmi, one of the ‘Neepa” cast of Abhir or Gopala, the word
‘Nepal’ was found. The word ‘Neepa’ and the suffix ‘pal’ made it ‘Nepal. This arguments is found to prove in the description of Gopalraj Vamsawali.
• The chief important contribution of Gopala dynasty is linked with the name of our country. The Gopalas belonged to the “Neep” caste. According to the famous historian Gyanmani Nepal, our country's name 'Nepal' has been derived from the word 'Neep' cast. The suffix 'pal' was added to 'Neep' later and the name 'Nepal' was called.
• Another explanation is also quoted as the name of a sage ‘Ne’ who used to lived in Teku, the confluence of Bagmati and Visnumati river. ….. Ne +Pal
Some other reliable explanations
• Although there are various causes linked with the name of Nepal, the great numbers of historians agree with it. Some scholars think that the name Nepal has come from the name of a sage 'Ne' also. According to them a sage called 'Ne' lived in penance on the confluence of the Bagmati and Vishnumati river. He was the sole advisor of the king. So the word "Nepal" was derived form the name of the sage ‘Ne’. Hence the contributions of Gopalas have considerable importance as the first political ruler of Nepal, they raised the named Pashupati temple in during their time, made the valley habitable and lastly gave the name Nepal.
• According to Dhana Bajra Bajracharya, the first mentioned word “Nepal” is found in Tistung inscription of 512 AD of Basanta Dev. Likewise, it has been mentioned the word “Nepal” 100 years before this date in the inscription of Ilahabad of India by the Emperor Samudra Gupta.
Similarly, it is mentioned the word “Naipalak” (Nepalk) in the economics of Kautilya in course of trade and commerce during that period. In this way, the nomenclature of Nepal was formed or used before Lichchavi period from the above mentioned historical resources.

Geographical Influence on the History of Nepal

• Geographical Influence on the History of Nepal
• Nepal is situated in various geographical diversities and features with various altitudes
• different natural climate, temperature, forest, wild animals, agriculture, social characteristics.
• Because of its various differences the impact of  geographical influence  in Nepal is found in the politics, economic, social , religion and cultural history.
Geographical Influence on the History of Nepal
There are mainly three Geographical influences in our history :
Social history and culture 2. Economic 3. Politics
1. Geographical Influence on social history and culture:
i) Impact on social structure:
• influenced on social structure for a long time in the geography of Nepal.
• Due to the open boarder of all sides of Nepal such as various gorges to the north Open boarder to south, east and west.
• People from different places were migrated as hunters, herds, tradesmen and penance started to settle over here.

• set of different casts and ethnic groups with different cultures.
foundation of Nepali society is based on different casts and ethnic groups due to the causes of geographical structure.
Tony Hegen, “Nepal is the platform of several casts of
Asia.”
the garden of Mangol, Kirata, Arya, Negretos, Drubian, etc. due to the influence of geographical cause in the history.
Cont …
ii) Impact on residential system:
great impact in Nepalese residential due to the causes of geographical formation of Nepal.
In ancient time, the southern part Terai was mostly covered with dark forest and there was a risk of kalajar fever, malaria, and wild animals to reside for the people. Most of the migrants were from western part of Nepal to the hill regions rather than south to north. The ethnic groups who entered Nepal from the gorge of north boarder, they started to settle northern Himalayan and hill regions of Nepal.
Only after the 19th century, the dark forest of Terai region was started in deforestation and the malaria was eradicated, then the people of different casts and ethnic groups migrated from the north part of India to reside in Terai region of Nepal.
The great numbers of people are residing in Terai region and valley for the better facilities of trades, industries and agriculture these days.

iii) Geographical impact on livelihood :
• divided in three major regions; Himalayan, Hill and Terai regions.
• Himalayan region occupies the land of 15%,
• Hill region 68%
• Terai region 17%.
• Within the hill region there are some other regions like Siwalik hill, gorge, and middle hill and some valleys like
Kathmandu, Pokhara and Dang. Likewise Terai region is also divided in inner Terai, dun, riverside, plain land etc.
Geographical impact on livelihood …..
• different natural characteristic such as climate, soil, temperature and so on
• the occupancy has been varied in different parts of the country.
• The livelihood of the people have also been impacted as per the regions such as those who live in Himalayan region they wear woolen clothes and warm wears whereas the people who live in Terai regions mostly wear thin cotton clothes
• The food and drinks are also taken as per the regions due to the geographical influences to the different casts and ethnic groups in the history of Nepal.

2. Geographical Influence on Economic History:
i) Influence on agricultural:
• Most of the part of Nepal is formed with Himalayan and hill area which occupies 83% of the total land
• Terai occupies only 17% land in total.
• It is only the fertile land of 17% for cultivation.
• According to historical evidences, the land for agriculture was less in ancient time because most of the part of Terai region was fully occupied with dark forest. The production of crops was limited than the hill region.
Agricultural……………
• At the beginning of 19th century it was started to deforestation and people started to migrate from hill region for settlement and started to cultivate agriculture products like rice, maize and other cash crops.
• Gradually the economic status of the people who live in Terai and valley have been higher than mountain region.
• the density of population in Terai region has been greater than hills due the well-built financial condition in our economic history.
II) Influence on Trade and Commerce:
• The development of trade and commerce were practiced from the ancient time due to the influence of geography of Nepal.
• The trade was continued form east, west, the southern Terai and the gorge of northern boarder from the very beginning.
• The trade and commerce was spread from Nepal to Maghad of India through the way of Vaisali and Shrabasti according to the economics of Kautilya.
• The trade was also spread to Tibet and China at the same time. According to the historical resources of China – “The number of traders were greater than in number of farmers in Nepal in ancient time”.
Trade and Commerce………
• The foreign trade was further spread up to Verma, Malaya, Sumatra and European countries ( Dr. Ramesh Dhungel).
• Trade from Nepal to Tibet and China was carried on from the beginnings through many gorges and basins to cross the boarder from Nepal to Tibet such as
Rashuwa to Kerung, Listi and Kuti to Lhasa,
Chhinasim Taklakhar of western Nepal to Tibet,
Dolakha Lamabagar to Digarcha, Beni to Tibet.
Trade and Commerce………
After the 19th century, the trade was quite more influenced to India due to the road transportation faculties and the international trade port in India. Therefore the trade and commerce now is highly applied with India rather than Tibet and China due to the causes of geographical influences.
3. Geographical Influence on  political  history:
• Land of paradise for refugees:
• Nepal is formed with 83% of land as high Himalaya, hill region, valley, siwalik hill with steep mountain structure,
• a plate form for refugees from south boarder and from north border for a long time.
• Nepalese social structure has been formed from various casts and ethnic groups. Group of people were not migrated here as invader but they were entered as refugees to save their lives from the terror and fears.
• Historical resources and chronicles - Lichchavis, Mallas, Shakyas, Karnatakas, Guptas were entered Nepal as refugees from Indian sub-continent.
Land of paradise for refugees…………..
• Likewise Khasas and Kiratas also migrated to Nepal as refugees from western and north boarder of Nepal. Many sages and hermits from their frustrated life entered Nepal for penance, cave, and religious palaces as shelter.
• Only a Bangal Muslim emperor Samasuddin Tugalak entered Nepal as an invader but they did not stay in Nepal for longtime, returned India after 7 days stay in Kathmandu raiding the wealth of Pashupatinath and palaces of Kathmandu.
• Influence on safety and freedom:
 secure for freedom due to the geographical formation of Nepal.
 high Himalayas and mountains to the northern Nepal and has always represented as strong fort in keeping Nepal safe.
 the dark forest of southern Nepal has done another fort of the
boarder.
Due to the gift of nature like mountains, hill regions, and dark forest Nepal has never been in the hands of foreign enemies.
 The strange geographical structure of Nepal has always secured the national sovereignty and freedom in the history of Nepal.
III) Influence on Foreign Policy and Administration :
• Nepal is situated in between two large countries China and India. Nepal has always played a vital role to protect its freedom and sovereignty from these large countries using its diplomatic foreign policy from the very beginning to date.
• Lichchavi king Amsuverma had made a diplomatic relationship with Srang-chang-Gampo, the king of China and with the Harsabardhan, the king of India.
• Later in Malla period, Nepal had a good and dual relationship with Tibetan Lama and Christians of south following the principle of nonalignment policy which has continued up to the modern foreign policy of Nepal.
• the administrative system in Nepal has also been decentralized due to the influence of various geographical structure of a country from the ancient time.
Influence on Foreign Policy and Administration ……….
• According to the chronological and historical resources, the Lichchavi kings and Malla kings had ruled in practicing as decentralized system appointing the head of feudal (samanta) in different territories of the kingdom to help the central body to collect taxes and take care in the different regions.
• After this practices, the administrators became powerful and started to rule in provinces as King themselves and formed the separate kingdoms.
• This train continued for a long time at the end of Malla period in the history of Nepal,
• Before unification of Nepal, there were 50-55 tiny kingdoms, and later Prithvi Narayan Shah started to unify the small kingdoms into the great Nepal due the recent situation of our sovereignty.

Meaning of History

History began when the human beings appeared on
the earth. In fact, the meaning of history is the collection of past events. The word history has been derived from Greek word ' historia ', that implies what has actually happened or been learned by enquiry. Its etymological meaning is 'search for ‘Truth.”

Herodotus is the first man who wrote a book entitled "Persian War" in 503 B.C., he is known as the Father of History. After him Theusididus contributed by writing a book in 411 BC. Many other scholars have described it in a different than the folklore (legends).

Renaissance of Europe during the 16th and 17th century brought a vast difference in the system of writing history. As a result German scholar Ranke wrote a book in 1824 A.D. based on the scientific analysis and truthful facts. So he is known as the Father of Scientific History.

Besides him Nibhor’s contribution also cannot be ignored. In this way the scientific history was born and introduced all over the world in different way.

Definition of History


The scholars have given many definitions about the ward 'history' so far. A famous historian Dr Sarvapally Radhakrishnan says, "History is whole power of nation". He again adds, "History is memory of nation, memory is the principal factor in the sense of the personal identity and individual process, so history is memory of races."

According to Rapson, "History is a connected account of the course of events or progress of idea".

According to Prof. Ghate, "It is a scientific study and a record of our complete past".

Metland gives his definition as. "What men have done
and said, and above all what they thought is the history."

According to Freud, “Historical records are a law of right and wrong.”
Jones thinks that history is a veritable mine of life experiences and the youth of today studies history.

Henry Johnson gives the view that history is a detailed account of the events that have taken place.

Pt. Nehru says, “History is the story of man’s struggle through the ages against nature and the elements; against wild beasts and the jungle and some of his own kind who have tried to keep him down and to exploit him for their own benefit.

Cromwell and Frayed say – “History is the whole truthful events of human being from past to present.”

Dr. Radhakrishnan says, “History is the memory of a nation or a race.”

The best definition which is scientific to a great extent was given by Rapson. According to him, “History is a connected account of the course of events of progress of ideas.”

In this way, we come to the conclusion that the history is the account of past events, which records our whole past. It is a scientific- record of Truthful events started with the origin of human being, It is the whole framework of human civilization and a systematic record of the experience of mankind.

About Lord Buddha

The birth of Prince Siddharth was a significant episode in the history of mankind.
Born in 563 B.C. /King Suddhodana / Queen Mayadevi /Lumbini between Devadaha and Kapilvastu. Mayadevi was Koliya Princes



According to Buddhists literature the newly born Prince Siddhartha took seven steps and utters some precious words making message to the suffering humanity "This is my final rebirth" as he entered the world.


The royal family belonged to the Gautama Gotra of the Shakya clan of the solar race ( Surya Vanshi).

kingdom Kapilvastu was between the Nepalese foothills and the river Rapti. The Shakyas were priestly warriors, wealthy knights and landowners.

Unfortunately, Mayadevi died in seven days after the birth of Siddhartha and so, he was brought up by his stepmother, Gautami, younger sister of Mayadevi.

When the King Shuddhodhana came to know about the prediction , he naturally became extremely alert and tried to prevent a thing that was bound to happen, and he did not let Siddhartha even move out of the palace. It was the deepest desire of the king that his son would fulfill his father's dream one day by becoming a King.



Lord Buddha: Was born – Friday
Left Palace – Monday (used Eastern gate) Enlightened – Wednesday(Mid-night before 12) Died – Tuesday (Cremation after 8 days )



On the 5th day of the birth of the prince, the naming ceremonies were performed (rituals was practiced in 5 days) and it was predicted that the newly born was destined to be either a universal monarch or a supreme enlightened one, a Buddha.

King was shocked by this prediction and enquired, "What will my son see that will be the occasion of his forsaking the household life ?" The astrologers said, "Four signs" and described them as "a man worn by age, a sick man, a dead body and a hermit".



•The King provided his son with all luxuries, and ensured a comfortable and pleasure-filled childhood with the best education. He took special care to protect him from any negative sight. In his youth at the age of 16, Prince Siddhartha married Koliya Princess Yasodhara. She gave a birth to a son named Rahul. But all these worldly ties were not able to stop him from giving up worldly pleasures.



During one of his few excursions, Siddhartha saw
four things, which opened his eyes towards the harsh realities of life.
Saw an old man suffering from the weakness
of age, a sick man suffering from disease, a beggar suffering from hunger and he saw a dead body.
All these events affected him immensely and
Siddhartha finally came to the conclusion that nothing is permanent in life . The infirmities (weakness) of old age, the pangs of hunger, the pain of sickness and end of life brought sufferings that he had never experienced. All these events in his life forced him to search for truth that eventually changed his life.



At the age of twenty-nine, he left his home in search of the answers to his questions, leaving behind his wife and son, his father and a crown that held the promises of power and glory as "Great Departure".

-Name of Horse : Kanthak & and Sarathi - Chhannak

After leaving his homeland, Siddhartha made his way to the hermitage of renowned sages of that time. But found these teachers' range of knowledge was insufficient to grant him that which was still unknown to him. He followed the path of self- embarrassment and went on testing the truth of it for six years but could not attain his desired goal.



Self-mortification could not lead to his desired aim. He came to death's door and realized the utter uselessness of self-humiliation. He gave up self-torture, extreme fasting and began to take nourishing food. Gradually he regained strength and his original appearance. Then began an intense meditation program until he came to know about the absolute truth.

He followed the “Middle Way ” ( Madhya Marga)

He was given rice-pudding by Sujata a village woman as she thought that he was forest God (bana debata)

Cont...

He meditated under the Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya in Urubela forest. At the end of his meditation, in just one night at the age of 35 , Siddhartha came to know about all his previous lives and the truth about cycle of birth and rebirth and how to end the cycle of infinite sorrow. Siddhartha became the "Buddha" or "awakened one".

After two months Lord Buddha decided to impart knowledge and enlightenment to others. The first sermon of Buddha was held at the deer garden in Sarnath, Banaras . Buddha called his teachings "the Middle Way" because it was midway between asceticism (simplicity) and indulgence (extravagance ).

Cont...

His "Four Noble Truths (arya satya)", which are the foundation of all Buddhist beliefs, are:

1. All human life is suffering.
2. All suffering is caused by human desire 3. An end of human desire is the end of
human sufferings. (there is way to end human suffering)
4. An end to al

History Syllabus BFS-1st Year

History of Nepal
FS : 313
Full Marks : 100
Pass Marks : 35
Tech. Hrs : 160

Curriculum of the History of Nepal for Bachelor’s of Arts in Film Studies
I Year

A: Political History - Marks : 50
B: Socio-Culture History - Marks : 50
_____________________________________________________________________________

A: Political History
Marks : 50
Course Contents

Units Lect. Hrs

I. A) Background 15
a) What is History ?
b) Origin of Nepal – the Kathmandu valley
c) Antiquity and nomenclature of Nepal
d) Geographical influence on the history of Nepal

B) Early History 15
a) Lumbini
b) Lord Buddha
c) Gopal and Mahishpala dynasties
d) Kirat Dynasty


• Ancient and Medieval Periods 20
• Lichchhavi Rule with special reference to Mandeva, Amsuvarma and Narendradeva.
• Malla Period – trend of political history
• Brief history of Simroangarh and Khasa Malla Kindom
• Short History of Baisis and Chaubisis

• Modern Period ( 1743 – 1850 ) 15
• Unification of Nepal ( 1743 – 1816 )
• Post-Unification Period ( 1816 – 1846 )
• Rana Period ( 1846 – 1950 )

• Recent Period (1951-1990) 15
• Post Democracy Experiment (1951-1960)
• Panchayat System (1960 – 1990 )





B: Socio-Cultural History
Marks : 50
Units Lect. Hrs

• Habitational Sites       15
• Habitational sites of ancient period
• Fortification of the capital towns and suburb areas
• Expansion of towns and urban development
• Comparative study of the palace structures, with special reference to the Malla Palaces and the Rana palaces.

• Social Life 10
• Peoples
• Social Structure
• Family System

• Nepalese Social Habits and Culture 10
• Food and Drink
• Dress and Ornaments
• Manners and Etiquette
• Superstitions beliefs
• Entertainment

VIII. Social Evils: Changes and Reforms 15
• Sati System
• Slavery
• Position of Women
• Caste System and Untouchability
• Marriage system: Polygamy, Polyandry and Widowhood

IX: Socio-Cultural Studies: Fain and Festivals 15
• Syncretic tendency of the Nepalese Society
• Ethnic and Socio-Cultural Features of the Nepalese Society
• Dashain
• Tihar
• Holi
• Teej
• Lohsar
• Chhath
• Rato Machhendra Nath Yatra
• Gaijatra
• Ghatu
• Bisket
X. Seminar :  Student has to present a seminar paper in the class as directed by the
  concerned teacher/advisor. 15
Text Books

• Rishi Kesh Shah, Ancient and Medieval Nepal
• Rishi Kesh Shah, Modern Nepal, 2 Vols
• T.R. Vaidya, Advanced History of Nepal
• Vidya et.al. Social History of Nepal
• Mary Anderson, The festivals of Nepal