Nepal has amazing history. There have been many rulers in history and Lichhavis are one of the longest ruling dynasty in Nepal. They ruled over Nepal from 100 AD after Kirat Dynasty. The lichhavis entered Nepal from Vaisali of North India. They fled from India after Ajatastru Invaded India. Even though they entered Nepal for asylum, later on they ruled Nepal. They stayed in valley for long time eventually making their way to the government. They gave up their indian lifestyle and adopted themselves to Nepali culture and language.
Despite coming from India we can’t deny that Lichhavi kings were one of the most effective kings in Nepali history . In the article we are writing about the Lichhavi dynasty and lichhavi Kings.
Lichhavi Dynasty
It is said that lichhavi period was one of the golden period in Nepali history. During that period Nepal witnessed a lot of development works. It was period of peace and prosperity. During the period, Nepali art, culture flourished. The kings of lichhavi period were also very effective and they brought many reformations in country. One of the features of lichhavi period is that systematic judicial system started in the period. Also there was establishment of local administrative bodies for effective functioning of country. There were local level judicial bodies known as the Panchalis. Panchalis would solve all the general issues.
If they couldn’t solve it the case will reach to Shulli (higher judicial body ) and if even they can’t solve it, the case will reach to the king.
In terms of architecture as well it was very much ahead. Building like Mangriha, Kailashkut Bhawan, Bhadradhivas stand as proof to that. Lichhavis also had very well trained army . Sometimes even the king would go for war and led the army.
Lichhavi Kings also maintained good relationship with neighboring countries like China, India and Tibet. It was the king who ruled in the Lichhavi period who made the period golden period in Nepali history. Dynamic kings ruled over the country in Lichhavi period. Here are names of three most effective kings from Lichhavi Dynasty that we can’t help but adore. They brought some amazing reformation in society in their reign and also helped lot in economic growth of country.
Man Deva
Man Deva is the first king of Nepal. There have been many kings and rulers before but he is considered the first historical king as per available information. He is the one to build the Changu Narayan temple. As per inscription Man deva ruled over Nepal from 521 BC to 562 BC. He is well known for his far sightedness, knowledge and skills on war . King Mandeva was born to father Dharma dev. Dharmadeva died during childhood of King Mandeva and from very young age king Mandeva took over the throne. That also made him more powerful and wiser.
Another notable deed of Mandeva is that he minted first coins and named them Mananka. The coin has Bhogdeva written in one side and mananka written on the other. During his reign, he brought system to administrative works. He erected abuilding Mangriha at Gokarna and all the administrative functions were carried out from the same building.
Despite being vaishnav, he had respect for all religion. He built Shivalinga in Budhanilkantha and Tribikram Narayan in Lazimpat. He extended territory of kingdom ,maintained harmony in society and brought reformations in administrative sector during his reign. That is why he is still remembered as one of the most effective kings in Lichhavi Dynasty.
Amshuverma
Amshuverma ruled over Nepal in about 595 AD when King Sivadev I was ruling in Nepal. He ruled Nepal until 621 AD when King Udayadev son of Dhruvadeva took over the throne. Amshuverma is the first king who was called Maharaj Dhiraj. He gave this name to himself on his own. However, he himself gave his throne to Udayadev without continuing rule in the throne. He was promoted to king from his post Samanti because of his bravery and administrative skills. Some of his notable work sin history are promoting agriculture and also reduction in tax on animal husbandry. He was a king that thought for people and people dearly loved him for that. Amshuverma proved his intelligence by writing first grammar book of Nepal “ Shabdavidya “ .
Many kings an diplomats from foreign countries also couldn’t help but praise his intelligence. Art and culture also flourished in his reign. He built Kailashkut Bhawan at that time which still stands as proof to architectural development in that period. Amshuverma also has strong role in creating religious tolerance in Nepal. Despite being a hindu King, he always equally respected all religion. In that time Buddhism was the other religion being followed. He constructed A Buddhist Monastry called Raj Bihar for Buddhist people.
Narendra Deva
Narendradeva ruled over Nepal after Amshuvarma. Narendradeva was son of Udayadev who had fled to Tibet when his brother Dhruva deva took over the throne. Narendra deva attacked the kingdom in 698 BC under the support of Nepali people and the king of Tibet. He successfully dethroned the then king Bhimarjundeva and started ruling over Nepal. He ruled in Nepal from 699 BC to 735 BC.
Narendradeva was a very popular and loved king. He always thought for his people, so Nepali people also dearly loved him. He established Grampancha in his reign. Grampancha was a judicial unit within people to solve all judicial issues. Art and music flourished in his rule. People would play music and drams in that period. Art was also dearly loved and learnt by people at that time.Bhadrdhivas was built during his rule . NarendraDeva had very good relationship with the then king of tibet and with China as well. The king of Tibet Tsang Gampo has helped him get the throne so he helped Gampo to be free when he was abducted by Magadh in 703 BC.
That’s why during the reign of Narendadeva, Nepal witnessed a lot of progress . That made King Narendradev immortal in history of Nepal.
