HISTORY OF NEPAL

 Shrouded in mystery and legends, there are many conflicting theories on Nepal's origin. According to ancient Hindu scriptures, Nepal was known by the name of Satyavati during the Hindu golden era of Satya, Tapovan in the second era of Treta and Muktisopan in the third era of Dwapar. It was during the fourth Hindu era of Kali, the country was known as Nepal.

 As per the oral history, the first rulers of the country were the kirats, though there is a general lack of sufficient documented archeological evidences to support the case. The Kirats were apparently displaced by the Lichhavi's, whose rule is proved by the troves of archeological findings, including stone tablet engravings, coins and sculptures. They were superseded by the Mallas from the late 9th century whose rule lasted until they were vanquished by the army of King Prithivi Narayan Shah in 1768 AD. According to the Nepali history, the period before 880 AD is known as Lichhavi Era, while the period between 880 AD and 1768 AD is known as the Medieval Era. Kings of the Thakuri and Malla clans had ruled Nepal after the Lichhavis.

 The country was united under the central rule from the Kathmandu valley during the Lichhavi Era. However, this was not the case in the Medieval Era, when the country was disintegrated into dozens of minor kingdoms under the Mallas. There were 22 principalities, collectively known as the 'Baise Rajya' in the Western-most Karnali region, while the near-Western Gandaki region was ruled by the 24 princely states known collectively as the `Chaubise Rajya'. These states along with the three major city states in the Katlunadu valley were engaged in perpetual war, and their borders never remained constant. By the late 18th century, the existence of many small kingdoms within such a small area raised the risk of foreign domination. The colonial British, who were consolidating their grip on India at that time, had set their eyes on the strategically placed regions. During this crucial time a small kingdom of Gorkha started unfication campaign to bring these states under one nation.

 It is said Gorkhali King Narabhupal Shah started the campaign a little earlier than 1740, but it was his son Kingh, Prithivi Narayan Shah who launched the campaign in earnest. The king also considered as the builder of the nation made a huge contribution to the unification campaign. Shah died leaving his unification drive unfinished, but his successors continued his work. Queen-mother Rajendra Laxmi Shah, Prince Bahadur Shah and King Ran Bahadur Shah also made significant contribution aided by thousands of brave commanders and soldiers. The rule of the Shah dynasty in Nepal lasted for 240 years, until its last monarch King Gyanendra Shah who was dethroned by the people's movement in 2006. Nepal was declared a republic on May 30, 2008.