Ancient and Medieval Nepal History

Ancient Period (500 BC - 300 AD)

• The Kirat people inhabited the valley of Kathmandu, establishing the Kirat dynasty
• The Licchavi dynasty (400 BC - 750 AD) brought significant cultural and economic development
• The Licchavis introduced Buddhism and established trade relations with India and Tibet

Medieval Period (300 - 1750 AD)

• The Malla dynasty (1200 - 1769 AD) saw the rise of city-states in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan
• The Mallas developed a feudal system, built temples, and encouraged art and architecture
• Nepal was divided into three kingdoms: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan

Unification and Expansion (1750 - 1814 AD)

• Prithvi Narayan Shah unified the three kingdoms, creating the Kingdom of Nepal
• Shah expanded the kingdom through conquests of neighboring regions
• The Shah dynasty ruled Nepal from 1768 to 2001

Rana Rule (1846 - 1951 AD)

• The Rana family seized power and ruled Nepal as prime ministers, reducing the Shah kings to figureheads
• The Ranas introduced modernization and Westernization, but also suppressed democracy and human rights
• Nepal remained isolated from the world, with limited foreign influence

Democracy and Modernization (1951 - Present)

• The Nepali Congress, led by BP Koirala, overthrew the Ranas and established a multiparty democracy
• Nepal became a constitutional monarchy, with the Shah kings holding ceremonial roles
• Modernization efforts continued, with Nepal joining the UN and participating in international organizations
• The Maoist insurgency (1996 - 2006) and the subsequent peace process led to the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a federal republic in 2008

Ancient Period (500 BC - 300 AD)

• The Kirat people inhabited the Kathmandu valley and established the Kirat dynasty.
• The Licchavi dynasty (400 BC - 750 AD) brought cultural and economic development, introducing Buddhism and establishing trade relations with India and Tibet.

Medieval Period (300 - 1750 AD)

• The Malla dynasty (1200 - 1769 AD) saw the rise of city-states in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan, with a feudal system, temple construction, and encouragement of art and architecture.
• Nepal was divided into three kingdoms: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan.

Unification and Expansion (1750 - 1814 AD)

• Prithvi Narayan Shah unified the three kingdoms, creating the Kingdom of Nepal.
• Shah expanded the kingdom through conquests of neighboring regions.
• The Shah dynasty ruled Nepal from 1768 to 2001.

Rana Rule (1846 - 1951 AD)

• The Rana family seized power, ruling Nepal as prime ministers, and reducing the Shah kings to figureheads.
• The Ranas introduced modernization and Westernization, but suppressed democracy and human rights.
• Nepal remained isolated from the world, with limited foreign influence.

Democracy and Modernization (1951 - Present)

• The Nepali Congress, led by BP Koirala, overthrew the Ranas and established a multiparty democracy.
• Nepal became a constitutional monarchy, with the Shah kings holding ceremonial roles.
• Nepal joined the UN and participated in international organizations, with continued modernization efforts.
• The Maoist insurgency (1996 - 2006) and the subsequent peace process led to the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a federal republic in 2008.

Discover the history of Nepal from the ancient Kirat dynasty to the medieval Malla dynasty, covering cultural, economic, and religious developments. Learn about the introduction of Buddhism, trade relations, and the rise of city-states.