DYNASTIES OF NEPAL

A Project Work Report

BY

BIBHASH POKHREL

of
Grade XI
Roll no.: 23

Submitted to;

The Faculty of Science

Gorkha Secondary School

Tulsipur-06, Dang

October, 2024

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 Declaration

I hereby declare that the project work entitled “DYNASTIES OF NEPAL”

submitted to the faculty of Science, Gorkha Secondary School, Tulsipur is an

original piece of work carried out under the supervision of Mr. Raju Sharma,

faculty member, of Gorkha Secondary School, Tulsipur, Dang, and is submitted

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of grade 11/12. The Project

work Report hasn’t been submitted to any other university of institution for the

award of any degree.

Bibhash Pokhrel

Gorkha Secondary School

Tulsipur, Dang

28thOctober,2024

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 Recommendation

The work report entitled ‘DYNASTIES OF NEPAL’ submitted by Bibhash

Pokhrel of Gorkha Secondary School, Tulsipur, Dang, is prepared under my

supervision as per the procedure and format requirements laid by the Faculty of

Science, Gorkha Secondary School Tulsipur, as partial of the project. The work

has been prepared for completion of 11/12 course of NEB. The study is original

and carries useful information in the concerned area.

I, therefore, recommend the project work report for evaluation.

………………………….

Mr. Raju Sharma

Gorkha Secondary School

Tulsipur, Dang, Nepal

28thOctober,2024

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 Endorsement

We hereby endorse the project work report entitled DYNASTIES OF NEPAL submitted

by Bibhash Pokhrel of Gorkha Secondary School, Tulsipur, Dang, in partial fulfillment of

the requirements for award of the grade 11/12) Approved by

_______________

Mr. Raju Sharma

Date: 28thOct,2024

Supervisor

__________________________

Mr. Bishnu Prasad Bhandari

Date: 28thOct, 2024

Academic Coordinator

Date: 28thOct,2024

External Examiner understand that my report will become part of the permanent

collection of Gorkha Secondary School Tulsipur’s Library. My signature below

authorizes release of my thesis to any reader upon request.

_________________________

Bibhash Pokhrel

Date: 28thOct,2024

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I am very grateful to Mr. Bishnu Prasad Bhandari, the coordinator of science

faculty Tulsipur as well as Mr.Raju Sharma for providing necessary guidelines for

preparation of report. I am also thankful to all the teachers, friends and my parent

for their support during the period of report preparation.

Finally, I would like to thank all whom I have forgotten to mention.

_________________

Bibhash Pokhrel (Date: 28thOct,2024)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

S.N CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. Literature Review

3. Theoretical Framework

4. Methodology

5. Findings and Discussion

6. Conculsion

7. References

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 1. Introduction to the Topic
Nepal, a nation rich in history and culture, has seen the rise and fall of various
dynasties that have shaped its political, social, and cultural landscape. From the
early Kirati rulers to the powerful Shah dynasty, each dynasty has left its mark on
the development of Nepalese civilization. Understanding the dynasties of Nepal
provides valuable insight into the country’s heritage, including its architectural,
linguistic, and religious diversity.
The Malla dynasty, perhaps the most culturally influential of Nepal’s dynasties, is
known for its devotion to the arts and religious syncretism. The Mallas oversaw the
flourishing of Newar culture in the Kathmandu Valley and left an architectural
legacy that defines much of the region’s identity. Their rule saw the construction of
the famous Durbar Squares and numerous temples, the creation of intricate
woodwork and metalwork, and the establishment of cultural festivals like Indra Jatra
and Dashain, which remain integral to Nepalese life. However, as the Malla
kingdoms grew in power, so did the divisions within the valley, leading to a period of
fragmentation that would eventually be consolidated by the Shah dynasty.
The Shah dynasty, established by Prithvi Narayan Shah in the 18th century, is
credited with unifying Nepal into a single political entity. Prithvi Narayan Shah’s
vision of a unified Nepal laid the groundwork for the nation’s modern political
structure. His conquest of the Kathmandu Valley brought together small kingdoms
and principalities under a single banner, fostering a national identity that endures
today. The Shah kings centralized governance and expanded Nepal’s borders,
although later in their rule, this power became decentralized, especially during the
Rana regime.
Though technically not a dynasty in the strict sense, the Rana regime ruled Nepal
from the mid-19th century until the early 20th century with an autocratic grip. The
Rana period modernized Nepal in certain ways, introducing administrative reforms
and military advancements. However, it also restricted the development of
education and suppressed political freedom, leading to widespread discontent and
setting the stage for Nepal’s shift towards democracy in the mid-20th century.

This project explores the key dynasties of Nepal, analyzing their contributions to
Nepali history and the influence they had on Nepal’s current society.

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2. Literature Review
The history of Nepalese dynasties has been a subject of study by scholars across
Nepal and around the world. In History of by D.R. Regmi (1995), Regmi
provides an extensive account ofNepal
Nepalese history, focusing on the role of different
dynasties, including the early Kirat and Licchavi rulers. Similarly, N. Shrestha’s
(2003) work, The Shah Dynasty and Modern , explores the Shah rulers’
Nepal the nation and shaping modern Nepal. The ancient records,
influence in unifying
such as inscriptions, religious manuscripts, and architectural remnants, offer
historical accounts of dynastic rule in Nepal, as examined in R. Mishra’s (2008)
Nepal through Dynasties: An Archaeological .
Perspective
The studies consistently show that each dynasty brought unique contributions, from
the architectural developments under the Mallas to the unification of the nation by
the Shah dynasty. The literature emphasizes the importance of dynastic
contributions to Nepalese culture, which includes influences in language, religion,
and governance that continue to shape Nepal today.
In contrast, R. Mishra (2008) in Nepal through Dynasties: An Archaeological
Perspectiv takes a more archaeological approach, examining inscriptions,
e
architectural relics, and historical artifacts. Mishra’s research provides a glimpse
into the ancient cultural practices of the Licchavi and Malla periods, with detailed
studies of inscriptions and temples that highlight the dynasties’ influence on Nepal’s
architectural heritage. These works, along with other scholarly sources, consistently
show that each dynasty brought unique contributions to Nepal’s development,
influencing governance, religion, and cultural expression.

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3. Theoretical Framework
The theoretical basis of this study draws from the fields of political history and
cultural anthropology. The political history approach helps to explore the ruling
systems, governance styles, and administrative structures developed by various
dynasties. Cultural anthropology provides insight into how these dynasties
influenced the religion, language, and cultural practices of their time. This
framework aids in analyzing both the political and cultural legacies of each dynasty
and how they shaped the historical progression of Nepal.
The political history approach provides insight into how dynasties established
governance structures, centralized or decentralized power, and expanded Nepal's
territorial boundaries. The cultural anthropology approach examines how dynastic
rule influenced Nepal’s social customs, religious practices, and cultural identity,
including the development of Newar Buddhism, Hinduism, and syncretic festivals.
Together, these frameworks facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the
dynasties’ contributions to Nepal’s political and cultural evolution.

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4. Methodology
The study employs a qualitative approach, combining historical analysis and
archival research. Primary sources such as inscriptions, manuscripts, and
architectural evidence were examined alongside secondary sources like historical
books and journal articles.

Data Collection
1. Primary Sources: Historical records such as stone inscriptions, ancient
coins, and temple relics.
2. Secondary Sources: Books, academic articles, and digital resources on
Nepalese history and dynasties.
3. Interviews: Discussions with historians specializing in Nepalese history were
conducted to gain deeper insights into lesser-known dynasties and their
influences.

Sampling
Dynasties covered in this project include:

1. The Kirati Dynasty

2. The Licchavi Dynasty
3. The Malla Dynasty
4. The Shah Dynasty
5. The Rana Period (though technically not a dynasty, the Rana regime is
included for its dynastic ruling style and significant historical influence)

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5. Findings and Discussion
The study of Nepal's dynasties revealed several key findings:

1. Kirati Dynasty (circa 900 BCE – 300 CE):

• The Kirati dynasty is considered the first ruling power in Nepal, mainly
ruling in the Kathmandu Valley. The Kiratis are believed to have
contributed to early forms of religion and tribal governance.
• They introduced early forms of Hinduism and animistic practices, which
laid the foundation for Nepal’s rich spiritual diversity.

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2. Licchavi Dynasty (circa 400 – 750 CE):
• The Licchavis were instrumental in establishing structured governance,
trade, and diplomatic relations with neighboring regions.
• They introduced Sanskrit inscriptions and promoted the construction of
temples and other infrastructure, fostering early Nepalese art and
architecture. Notable developments include the Changunarayan
Temple and Manadeva’s inscriptions.

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3. Malla Dynasty (1201–1769 CE):
• Known for their patronage of the arts and architecture, the Malla rulers
transformed the Kathmandu Valley into a cultural hub.
• They constructed the famed Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur,
and Patan, and promoted cultural festivals like Indra Jatra and Dashain,
which continue to be celebrated today.
• The Mallas also promoted Newar Buddhism and Hinduism, creating a
unique blend of religious traditions that defined the cultural identity of
the valley.

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4. Shah Dynasty (1769–2008 CE):
• Founded by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, this dynasty is credited with
unifying Nepal, transforming it from a collection of small kingdoms into
a single nation.
• The Shah kings centralized power and standardized administrative
systems, enabling political unity.
• Despite the eventual downfall of the monarchy, the Shah dynasty’s
unification efforts established Nepal’s modern boundaries and national
identity.

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5. Rana Period (1846–1951 CE):
• Though not a dynasty in the strictest sense, the Ranas ruled in a
dynastic style, where the prime ministerial position passed within the
Rana family.
• They isolated Nepal from the outside world while modernizing the
country’s military and administration for control.
• The Rana regime’s impact on education, law, and infrastructure
continues to be felt, although their rule is often critiqued for
suppressing democratic and cultural progress.

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6. Conclusion
The study of Nepalese dynasties reveals the rich and diverse history of Nepal,
shaped by various ruling dynasties, each contributing to the nation’s development
in unique ways. The Kirati and Licchavi dynasties laid the spiritual and structural
foundations of early Nepal. The Malla dynasty expanded upon this, fostering cultural
and architectural advancements that remain iconic symbols of Nepalese heritage.
The Shah dynasty unified the country, forming a distinct national identity, while the
Rana regime modernized certain aspects of Nepal's governance, despite its
autocratic rule. Together, these dynasties not only helped shape Nepal’s physical
boundaries but also created the complex cultural and religious identity of the
country. Understanding these contributions is essential for appreciating Nepal's
historical trajectory and its enduring cultural legacy.

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7. Bibliography
1. Regmi, D.R. (1995). History of . Kathmandu: Ratna Pustak Bhandar.
Nepal
• A comprehensive account of Nepal’s historical dynasties, from the
Kirati rulers to the Shah kings, covering key contributions and
challenges faced by each dynasty.
2. Shrestha, N. (2003). The Shah Dynasty and Modern . Lalitpur:
Sahayogi Press. Nepal
• This book examines the unification of Nepal under the Shah dynasty
and its legacy in modern Nepalese politics and culture.
3. Mishra, R. (2008). Nepal through Dynasties: An Archaeological .
Kathmandu: HeritagePerspective
Nepal.
• Provides archaeological insights into Nepalese dynasties, with a focus
on inscriptions, relics, and architectural remnants from the Licchavi
and Malla periods.
4. Acharya, B.R. (2015). Political and Cultural Heritage of . Kathmandu:
Nepal
Tribhuvan University Press.
• Discusses the cultural and political legacy of Nepal’s dynasties,
including an in-depth analysis of the Mallas and Shahs.
5. Pradhan, K. (2014). A History of Nepalese Dynasties: Cultural and Political
Contribution. Bhaktapur: Sajha Prakashan.
s
• This book covers the contributions of each dynasty to Nepal’s cultural
and religious practices and their impact on today’s Nepalese identity.
6. UNESCO. (2018). Nepalese Heritage Sites and Cultural . Paris:
Landscapes
UNESCO Publications.
• Details the historical and cultural significance of Nepal’s heritage sites
developed under various dynasties, particularly those in the
Kathmandu Valley.
This project aims to provide an overview of Nepalese dynasties and their
contributions to shaping the country's unique historical and cultural identity.
Through a study of these dynasties, we gain insight into how Nepal evolved from
scattered regions into a unified nation with a rich and diverse heritage.

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