Nepal has amazing history. There have been many rulers in history, and the Lichhavis are one of the ruling dynasties in Nepal. They ruled over Nepal from 100 AD after the 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 the valley for a 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 the Lichhavi kings were among the most effective in Nepali history. In the article, we are writing about the Lichhavi dynasty and the Lichhavi Kings.
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Powerful Kings During the Lichhavi Dynasty
It is said that the Lichhavi period was one of the golden periods in Nepali history. During that period, Nepal witnessed a lot of development work. It was a period of peace and prosperity. During the period, Nepali art and culture flourished. The kings of the Lichhavi period were also very effective and brought many reforms to the country. One of the features of the Lichhavi period is that the systematic judicial system started in the period. Also, local administrative bodies were established for the effective functioning of the country. There were local-level judicial bodies known as the Panchalis. Panchalis would solve all the general issues.
If they can’t solve it, the case will reach Shulli (a higher judicial body ); if they can’t, the case will reach the king.
In terms of architecture as well, it was very much ahead. Buildings like Mangriha, Kailashkut Bhawan, and Bhadradhivas stand as proof of that. Lichhavis also had a very well-trained army. Sometimes, even the king would go to war and lead the army.
Lichhavi Kings also maintained good relationships with neighboring countries like China, India, and Tibet. The king who ruled in the Lichhavi period made the period golden period in Nepali history. Dynamic kings ruled over the country in the Lichhavi period. Here are the names of the three most effective kings from the Lichhavi Dynasty that we can’t help but adore. They brought some amazing reformation in society during their reign and helped a lot in the country’s economic growth.
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 the inscription, Man Deva ruled over Nepal from 521 BC to 562 BC. He is well known for his far-sightedness, knowledge, and skills in war. King Mandeva was born to his father, Dharma Dev. Dharmadeva died during the childhood of King Mandeva, and from a 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 the first coins and named them Mananka. The coin has Bhogdeva written on one side and Mananka written on the other. During his reign, he brought the system to administrative work. He erected the building Mangriha at Gokarna, and all the administrative functions were carried out from the same building.
Despite being Vaishnav, he had respect for all religions. He built Shivalinga in Budhanilkantha and Tribikram Narayan in Lazimpat. He extended the territory of the kingdom, maintained harmony in society, and brought reformations in the administrative sector during his reign. That is why he is still remembered as one of the most effective kings in the 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 was the first king who was called Maharaj Dhiraj. He gave this name to himself on his own. However, he gave his throne to Udayadev without continuing to rule on the throne. He was promoted to king from his post, Samanti, because of his bravery and administrative skills. Some of his notable works in history are promoting agriculture and reducing the animal husbandry tax. He was a king who thought for people, and people dearly loved him for that. Amshuverma proved his intelligence by writing the first grammar book of Nepal, “Shabdavidya”.
Many kings and diplomats from foreign countries also couldn’t help but praise his intelligence. Art and culture also flourished during his reign. He built Kailashkut Bhawan at that time, which still stands as proof of 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 religions. At that time, Buddhism was the other religion being followed. He constructed A Buddhist monastery called Raj Bihar for Buddhist people.
Narendra Deva
Narendradeva ruled over Nepal after Amshuvarma. Narendradeva was the 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 with the support of the 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 during his rule. People would play music and drams in that period. Art was also dearly loved and learned by people at that time. Bhadrdhivas was built during his rule. Narendra Deva had a very good relationship with the then king of Tibet and with China as well. The king of Tibet, Tsang Gampo, 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 the history of Nepal.
