Table of Contents
The Malla dynasty (Nepali: मल्ल वंश:; Malla vanśa), also referred to as the Malla confederacy, governed the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal from 1201 to 1779. This lineage was established by Arideva Malla. The later Mallas were considered part of the Raghuvamsha dynasty, yet they were also viewed as descendants of the Licchavi dynasty. Some later Malla kings traced their lineage to Nanyadeva, the founder of the Karnat dynasty of Mithila. The term “malla” means wrestler in Sanskrit, and it was first used in the Kathmandu Valley in 1201.
Historical Context and Cultural Flourishing
The Malla era spanned over 600 years, during which they nurtured the Newar civilization of Nepal Mandala, a sophisticated urban civilization in the Himalayan foothills and a pivotal stop on the India-Tibet trade route. While Newari was the common language, Maithili was initially the literary and court language. However, from the 14th to the late 18th centuries, Newari evolved as the court and state language of Nepal.
The Origins and Patronage
The Malla kings claimed descent from the Karnat dynasty of Mithila and styled themselves as Karnātvamși, Raghuvamși, or Suryavamși. Originating as Maithils, the Mallas were noted for promoting the Maithili language alongside Sanskrit. They invited Maithil and Kanyakubja Brahmin priests to settle in Kathmandu. Additionally, numerous Kshatriya-status noble families from Mithila migrated to Nepal, particularly after the Mithila kingdom was attacked by Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq in 1324 CE. These migrants became integrated into Newar society, forming various caste units.
Military and Political Developments
The Malla military, especially under Jaya Prakash Malla, consisted of Tirhutia soldiers from Northern Bihar and parts of the Terai. Military leaders were often from Kshatriya families with titles like Pradhan, Pradhananga, Amatya, and Rawat.
Early Malla Period
Starting in the early 12th century, notables in Nepal adopted the term “malla” in their names, signifying strength. Arimalla (reigned 1200–16) was the first king to use this title. The Malla period saw political upheaval due to external threats from Muslim Turks and Turko-Afghan Khaljis in India. This era also witnessed the rise of the Khas kings in western Nepal, who occasionally raided the Kathmandu Valley.
Natural and Man-Made Disasters
The Malla kings faced several disasters, including a devastating earthquake in 1255 and a Muslim invasion by Sultan Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah of Bengal in 1345–46, which plundered Hindu and Buddhist shrines.
Consolidation and Codification
The reign of Jayasthiti Malla (1382–1395) marked a high point, as he united the valley and codified its laws, including the caste system. His rule saw the growth of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhadgaon as significant towns.
Division into Three Kingdoms
After Yaksha Malla’s death in 1482, the Kathmandu Valley was divided among his sons into three kingdoms: Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Lalitpur. This division led to frequent conflicts but also a flourishing of arts and culture.
External Influences and Final Centuries
The Malla period saw interactions with Europeans, particularly Portuguese missionaries, and the influence of Mughal military technology and administrative techniques. The three kingdoms remained relatively isolated amidst growing empires in India and China.
British Contact and End of the Malla Dynasty
The British East India Company explored expanding its influence into Nepal in the mid-18th century. The Malla dynasty’s rule ended when Prithvi Narayan Shah of the Gorkha Kingdom invaded the Kathmandu Valley in 1768–69, culminating in the Battle of Kirtipur and the end of Malla reign.
Legacy of the Malla Dynasty
The competitive spirit among the three kingdoms fostered a rich cultural and artistic heritage. The Mallas were patrons of the arts and religion, constructing many temples and buildings that remain significant today. The Malla era also saw the introduction of festivals and the worship of deities like Taleju and the living goddess Kumari. Despite their eventual defeat, the Mallas left an enduring legacy in Nepal’s cultural and religious landscape
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