INTRODUCTION
Historically, culturally and linguistically Nepal has been the
meeting point between the Mongoloid peoples of Asia (with
Tibeto-Burmese languages) and the Caucasoid people of the
Indian plains (with Indo-European languages).
• In earlier times, Nepal exploited its position as an
intermediary in the trade between India and China.
•Legends recount that the Kathmandu Valley was once a
great lake and that Manjushree broached the Valley wall
with a magical sword, draining the water and creating the
Kathmandu Valley we know.
•Or perhaps it wasn’t manjushree; he was after all, a
buddhist from China.
•
THE EARLY KINGDOM OF THE LICCHAVI (400-750)
It
is estimated that between roughly 400 and 750 AD, the
area now known as Kathmandu valley was ruled over by the
Licchavi kingdom.
 After the downfall of Soma dynasty, the Lichchhavi period
began in the history of Nepal
They brought with them the caste divisions which continue
in Nepal to this day but also ushered in a golden age of
Nepalese art and architecture.
It is thought that the Licchavis migrated to Nepal from
northern India in about 250 AD, but it took some time for
them to establish a Kingdom here.
LICHHAVI KINGS
No complete, reliable chronology of Licchavi rulers yet
exists. Jaya Dev I was the first king of this line. He defeated
Vasker Verma of soma dynasty and established Lichchhavis
dynasty. Some of the famous kings of Licchavi dynasty are as
below:
A. Mana Dev: The first historical king of Nepal. He suppressed
the feudal chiefs of the east and west and also conquered
Mallapuri. He minted Manaka coin and constructed
Managriha the new palace for him.
B. Ansuverma: He was not belonged to Lichchhavi dynasty,
though was a famous king of the period. He suppressed the
powerful Guptas (Courtiers) a malla. He introduces various
reforms. He constructed Kailash Kut Bhawan.
C. Jaya Dev II : He was the last famous king of Lichhavi
dynasty. He did very well reformation in the part of social and
political, different types of taxes, art and architecture, trade
and commerce.
The
rule of Mandeva was the important period of existence of
Lichhavi kingdom.
The genealogy of early lichhavi is reflected in the poem of
budhakirti
The contradiction in gopal rajavamshavali became one of the
major argument
Vishvadeva is characterized as virtuous king with his
constructions like swayamnhunath and trishula.
The last Licchavi inscription was in A.D. 733. All of the Licchavi
records are deeds reporting donations to religious foundations,
predominantly Hindu temples.
The Licchavi were ruled by a Maharaja ("great king"), who was
aided by a prime minister, in charge of the military and of other
ministers.
Entering into the book of history mandev was the first lichhavi
king ruling kathmandu during gautam buddha's time.
He made the documents information regarding politics, society
and economy in kathmandu and they were mainly written in
sanskrit.
 Anshuverma was recorded as a man of many talents by chinese
traveler huen tsang.
Bhrikuti spread buddhism to tibet and china .
King narendra dev initiated friendly relation with china and india.
One of the main contributions of Nepal during licchavi period was
the transmission of Buddhist culture to Tibet and all of central Asia.
The Licchavi Dynasty in Nepal accomplished much for the country
and its people
Late in the eighth century, By 879 CE the Newari era had begun
and the Licchavi Dynasty had come to a complete and final end.