History

Nepal carries long history of civilization, culture, tradition, politics and heritage. Even Kathmandu valley was thought to be under the primordial lake. Legend goes that the Vipaswi Buddha, a holy one, came and sat on the hill of Nagarjun to meditate. Inspired, he planted the lotus seed in the lake. Later it bloomed but not with ordinary blossom, a blue flame emanated from it and illuminated the image of Swayambhu, “The self-existent one”. Furthermore the Bodhisattwa Manjushri came here all the way from Tibet to meditate and with his sword; he cut the gorge at Chovar in one stroke, thus draining the water from the valley. Its early History rested in legend and myths. However; it was definitely inhabited long before 7 or 8 BC .from where starts the political history of the country. Kathmandu, the present capital of Nepal was governed by different dynasties . The presence of the Kirati who came from East & believed to be of the Mongolian origin was the first record of the valley as far as the establishment of powerful kingdom is concerned. Then Licchavis ruled the valley for long period and they left very good examples of their love for Arts and Crafts in the forms of Temples and other structures. In other words Licchavis were the people who raised the enthusiasm for arts and crafts in the heart of the inhabitants and the examples of the same can be seen embodied in the heart and soul of the people living here It was during the period of the Licchavis, Araniko, the master of wood carving went to China to spread the essence that was born in Nepal in the form of Pagoda architecture. The first stone inscription for the history dated 464 AD. was from the one of the king of this period. After the downfall of the Licchavis Mallas. Who came from the Indian territories were the ones to give continuance not only to the political history of this country but also to the continuance of the spread of the arts and crafts through the addition of more temples and other structures.

They brought all the practices of Hindu religion and irrigated with their own customs in the valley. Social as well as family life got a chance to breathe ethical air as they based the system of the whole society on the Hindu principle of living a pious and meaningful life. Still it is worthy to note that their influences can be seen in each and every corners of this city and also in the life of every person. Their love for the art proved the model city till the date. The rule of the Mallas was followed by rule of the Shahs from Gorkha of which the foundation was laid by Prithivi Narayan Shah in 1768 AD with his energetic work of Unification of this country lying in the lap of the mighty Himalayas. The country that remained divided for centuries got a chance to merge into one creating a unified Nepal. It had been a tough task as the people were divided not only politically but the main factor behind such diversity was the ethnicity, culture, tradition, heritage and way of life. The process of unification was started from Gorkha in 1745 AD. Many worthy sons of this country added their service to the pious work of unification and the fragrance of the same has been enjoyed by many since the unification. Now the country is divided into different administrative regions and the country is practicing the multiparty democracy after the advent of Democracy in the year 1990 AD.