Kathmandu Valley
Important Sites With Historical Background
Kathmandu the capital city of Kathmandu is the first stop for most tourists as the country's only International airport is in here. Like any other cities in the third world country, Kathmandu is unorganized and lost in the struggle of modernizing itself with the fast moving life of 21st
century. Yet the city hides it' treasures of glorious history and culture amidst the daily hustle and bustle and tall modern buildings.
From the ancient time till the early 18th century the word Nepal would refer only the valley of Kathmandu as it is indeed the cradle of Nepali Civilization which has unbroken historical tradition of over two thousand years. Before actual historic period start there are legends and myths and stories that support the human civilization in Nepal from the Vedic times (before 6th century BC) or before the Buddhist Religion was started. As you walk along the narrow gullies of older part of the city, you will start the journey back to one of the most interesting historical and cultural traditions in the world which are reflected in age old stone icons, temples of artistice multi-roofs, uniquely designed small and large Buddhist stupas and still surviving old palaces set in beautiful architecture and carvings.
As a basic idea for a general visitors the history of Kathmandu valley or Nepal can be divided in to four periods-
Kathmandu the capital city of Kathmandu is the first stop for most tourists as the country's only International airport is in here. Like any other cities in the third world country, Kathmandu is unorganized and lost in the struggle of modernizing itself with the fast moving life of 21st
From the ancient time till the early 18th century the word Nepal would refer only the valley of Kathmandu as it is indeed the cradle of Nepali Civilization which has unbroken historical tradition of over two thousand years. Before actual historic period start there are legends and myths and stories that support the human civilization in Nepal from the Vedic times (before 6th century BC) or before the Buddhist Religion was started. As you walk along the narrow gullies of older part of the city, you will start the journey back to one of the most interesting historical and cultural traditions in the world which are reflected in age old stone icons, temples of artistice multi-roofs, uniquely designed small and large Buddhist stupas and still surviving old palaces set in beautiful architecture and carvings.
As a basic idea for a general visitors the history of Kathmandu valley or Nepal can be divided in to four periods-
Prehistory or Vedic Era before 6th century BC
Wonderful Buddhist literature called Soyambhu Purana or Hindu Scripture called Nepal Mahatmya describes that Kathamndu valley was then a holy lake where saints of different faiths used to make pilgrimage. One of such saints named Manjushree (now a well known Buddhist deity) had visited this site and drained the lake with the help of his divine power which led to appear beautiful valley fertile for the animal herders known as Gopal people. These Gopals were the first dwellers and rulers of this valley. Gopalas were followed by Mahishpalas and later by Kirant Kings.
Ancient History or Kirats and Shakya Muni Buddha's time 6th century BC –to the beginning of Christian Era
Like in the west birth of Christ had divided the time in to two phases before and after Christ in Nepal or in India the birth of Shakya Muni Buddha (523BC) and his teaching had brought the absolute ray of full-fledged political and religious history in this part of the world. Once Prince Siddhartha became Buddha, his missionary was sent to Nepal (Kathmandu valley) thus Nepal became one of the centers of Buddhists from the beginning the Buddhism despite the fact since the early times Nepal has always been ruled by the Hindus.
Historical Period and Development of Nepali Art 1st century to 9th century AD
At around the first century AD a group or rulers called Licchavi from southern part of Nepal (in India) had invaded the Kirats and ruled Nepal for about one millennium. Licchavis were fond of spirituality, art and architecture. Nepali's stone carving in the form of icons of different Buddhist and Hindu deities and construction of beautiful palaces, temples and stupas were flourished in its finest level. Such deeds of Licchavi kings were praised by then pilgrims and travelers from China in different times. Small miniature stupas made of semi black stone found in every nooks and corners of older section of Kathamndu, Bhaktapur and Patan dates back to Licchivi period (1st century AD to 9th century AD)
Medieval Period Development of Nepali Painting, Wood Carving 11th century till 18th Century:
Early medieval history is not that clear. However the historic records show that another Indian Ruler group known as Malla conquered Nepal somewhere in 13th century. Malla period is also the time of practicing tantric aspect of both Buddhist and Hindu religion which are reflected in paintings, carvings and icons of different deities. You can witness the glory of Malla period as you visit the three palaces (Durbar Squares) of then Malla kings in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. During the later Malla period Nepal in and outside the Kathmandu valley were engaged in division of states and many small principalities were evolved under the various rulers.
Modern History – Making of Modern Nepal 18th Century onwards:
As Kathmandu valley was split in to three different kingdoms in 15th century many small principalities were mushroomed all over the Himalayan Region. In … King Prithivi Narayan Shaha of Gorkha in the western hills of Nepal initiated a unification movement by conquering one after another small kingdoms. In 1769 he managed to invade all three kingdoms of Kathmandu valley and moved the capital of the country from Gorkha to Kathmandu. Expansion of Nepal continued after King Prithivi Naryan Shaha which was ended in 1815 when Nepal meet with British India in series of war. A treaty between British India and Nepal in eventually ended Nepal’s quest to expand further and present shape of Nepal was established.
