Each of these states controlled territory in the surrounding hill areas, with particular importance attached to the trade routes northward to Tibet and southward to India that were vital to the valley’s economy. A new constitution was finally ratified in 1959, and a national assembly elected. In the early 18th century one of the principalities—Gorkha (also spelled Gurkha), ruled by the Shah family—began to assert a predominant role in the hills and even to pose a challenge to Nepal Valley. Smaller minority religions include Islam, with about 4%; the syncretic religion called Kirat Mundhum, which is a blend of animism, Buddhism, and Saivite Hinduism, at about 3.5%; and Christianity (0.5%). Although intrafamilial arrangements on such questions as the succession and the distribution of responsibilities and spoils were achieved, no effective national political institutions were created. Prithvi Narayan Shah (reigned 1742–75) and his successors established a unified state in the central Himalayas and launched an ambitious and remarkably vigorous program of expansion, seeking to bring the entire hill area, from Bhutan to Kashmir, under their authority. Nepal's recorded history kicks off with the Hindu Kiratis. Unknown Monday, February 13, 2017 About Nepal, Facts of Nepal, History, History of Nepal, Nepal, Nepal Info History of Nepal can be divided into various periods as: 1. Under the Licchavis, Nepal's trade ties with Tibet and China expanded, leading to a cultural and intellectual renaissance. Nepal has a unicameral legislature, the Constituent Assembly, with 601 seats. Nepal’s contacts with China began in the mid-7th century with the exchange of several missions. According to Nepal's constitution, all of the national languages can be used as official languages. In 1972, Mahendra's son Birendra succeeded him. The middle period in Nepalese history is usually considered coterminous with the rule of the Malla dynasty (10th–18th century) in Nepal Valley and surrounding areas. Netherlands - History Background, Constitutional Legal Foundations, Educational System—overview, Preprimary Primary Education, Secondary Education Nauru Nepal - History Background The population is primarily rural (Kathmandu, the largest city, has less than 1 million inhabitants). by travelworldplanet updated on July 20, 2018 July 13, 2018 Leave a Comment on Most Famous Historical Monuments of Nepal. The Gurkhas, led by the Shah dynasty, soon challenged the Mallas. Several of the kings were children when they took power, so noble families vied to be the power behind the throne. Nepal's demographics are complicated not only by dozens of ethnic groups but by different castes, which also function as ethnic groups. See more ideas about nepal, history, vintage. The excluded noble families had only two alternatives—to accept inferior posts in the administration and army or to conspire for the overthrow of the dominant family. These Tibeto-Burmese peoples feature prominently in ancient Indian classics, suggesting that close ties bound the region almost 3,000 years ago. Due to its extreme topography, however, it has a much wider range of climate zones than those places. To read about the background to these events, see History of Nepal. Although the earlier Kirati dynasty had claimed the status of the Kshatriya caste of rulers and warriors, the Licchavis were probably the first ruling family in that area of plains Indian origin. The Kingdom of Nepal, a small Hindu-majority nation wedged between India and China in the Himalayas, became a multiparty federal republic in 2008. The Lichavis are said to have migrated into Nepal from north India in around 250 A.D. Gopal Dynasty (Ancient Period) They were ousted by the Kirantis around the 7th or 8th Century B.C. Background of experiment with democracy 1950 movement for democratization India and Nepal initiated their relationship with the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship and accompanying secret letters that defined security relations between the two countries, and an agreement governing both bilateral trade and trade transiting Indian territory. Aug 5, 2020 - History of Nepal. The Licchavi dynastic chronicles, supplemented by numerous stone inscriptions, are particularly full from 500 to 700 ce; a powerful, unified kingdom also emerged in Tibet during this period, and the Himalayan passes to the north of the valley were opened. He became known as the Buddha, or "the enlightened one.". The regents and the nobility competed for political power, using the young rulers as puppets; both factions wanted a monopoly of political offices and power for their families, with their rivals exterminated, exiled to India, or placed in a subordinate status. It is a geographically diverse, land-locked country. Nepal - Nepal - Animal life: The forested areas of the Tarai are the home of tigers and leopards, gaurs (wild ox), occasional elephants and buffalo, and many deer; the deer include chital, or axis, deer (which have white-spotted bodies), sambar (a large Asiatic deer with coarse hair on the throat and strong antlers), and swamp deer. He promulgated a new constitution, which returned most of the power to him. Siddharta Gautama, born on 563 B.C.E. Arriving from the east around the 7th or 8th century BC, these Mongoloid people are the first known rulers of the Kathmandu Valley. Nepal is primarily a Hindu country, with more than 80% of the population adhering to that faith. Nepal is bordered by the Tibet, an Autonomous Region of China, to the north and India in the east, south and west. Nepal was also in contact with China. The primary crops are rice, wheat, maize, and sugarcane. Politically the first rulers of Nepal were the Kirats. kilometers (56,827 sq. Bhaktapur Durbar Square. References to Nepal Valley and Nepal’s lower hill areas are found in the ancient Indian classics, suggesting that the Central Himalayan hills were closely related culturally and politically to the Gangetic Plain at least 2,500 years ago. Prince Siddharta Gautama (563-483 B.C. Other common languages in Nepal include Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Gurung, Tamang, Awadhi, Kiranti, Magar, and Sherpa. The Shah dynasty proved weak. It is a landlocked country located between India to the east, south, and west and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north. In the 4th or 5th century A.D., the Licchavi dynasty moved into Nepal from the Indian plain. The Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, was born in Lumbini, in southern Nepal. Nepal, however, was also careful to maintain a friendly relationship with China and Tibet, both for economic reasons and to counterbalance British predominance in South Asia. By using ThoughtCo, you accept our, A Brief History of the African Country of Liberia, Ancient India and the Indian Subcontinent, List of Indian States and Union Territories, J.D., University of Washington School of Law, B.A., History, Western Washington University. Of course, Nepal is associated with the Himalayan Range, including the world's tallest mountain, Mt. Meanwhile, in 2001, the Crown Prince massacred King Birendra and the royal family, bringing the unpopular Gyanendra to the throne. She has taught at the high school and university levels in the U.S. and South Korea. Nepal’s rich prehistory consists mainly of the legendary traditions of the Newar, the indigenous community of Nepal Valley (now usually called Kathmandu Valley). Anti-Rana forces, composed mainly of Nepalese residents in India who had served their political apprenticeship in the Indian nationalist movement, formed an alliance with the Nepalese royal family, led by King Tribhuvan (reigned 1911–55), and launched a revolution in November 1950. Major Cities: Pokhara, population 200,000, Patan, population 190,000, Biratnagar, population 167,000, Bhaktapur, population 78,000. Although most of the Licchavi kings were devout Hindus, they did not impose Brahmanic social codes or values on their non-Hindu subjects. Nepal exports garments, carpets, and hydroelectric power. Most people live in the temperate hilly midlands. Others include Magar (7.1%), Tharu (6.8%), Tamang and Newar (5.5% each), Muslim (4.3%), Kami (3.9%), Rai (2.7%), Gurung (2.5%) and Damai (2.4%). This was achieved by the Thapa family (1806–37) and, even more extensively, by the Rana family (1846–1951). Prehistory and early history Nepal’s rich prehistory consists mainly of the legendary traditions of the Newar, the indigenous community of Nepal Valley (now usually called Kathmandu Valley). In the north, the high Himalayas are extremely cold and increasingly dry as the altitude rises. Temperatures reach 40°C in April and May. However, Buddhism (at about 11%) also exerts a lot of influence. The towering Himalaya Mountains attest to the colossal tectonic force of the Indian Subcontinent as it plows into mainland Asia. It's little wonder, then, that this beautiful and diverse country has fascinated travelers and explorers for centuries. There are over 100 recognized languages in Nepal. Extensive cultural, trade, and political relations developed across the Himalayas, transforming the valley from a relatively remote backwater into the major intellectual and commercial centre between South and Central Asia. The documented history of Nepal begins with the Changu Narayan temple inscription of King Manadeva I (C 464-505 A.D.) of the Lichavi dynasty. So, I would like to create this article to give you a brief introduction to Nepal’s history. In fact, the Thapa family controlled Nepal 1806-37, while the Ranas took power 1846-1951. The current president is Ram Baran Yadav; former Maoist rebel leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal (aka Prachanda) is Prime Minister. High Religion: A Cultural and Political History of Sherpa Buddhism, 1989. Nepali is one of the Indo-Aryan languages, related to European languages. Lichavi Dynasty . The Sarbochha Adala (Supreme Court) is the highest court. For geographic and historical reasons, most of Nepal’s trade is with India. The first civilizations in Nepal, which flourished around the 6th century B.C., were confined to the fertile Kathmandu Valley where the present-day capital of the same name is located. Archaeological evidence shows that Neolithic humans moved into the Himalayas at least 9,000 years ago. Each of the other 92 castes/ethnic groups make up less than 2%. and lived until 483 B.C.E. Geography & History of Nepal. In fact, many Nepalese people combine Hindu and Buddhist practice; many temples and shrines are shared between the two faiths, and some deities are worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhists. Most Famous Historical Monuments of Nepal. 240 members are directly elected; 335 seats are awarded by proportional representation; 26 are appointed by the Cabinet. The most commonly used are Nepali (also called Gurkhali or Khaskura), spoken by nearly 60 percent of the population, and Nepal Bhasa (Newari). In the 6th century BC, Prince Siddhartha Gautama was born into the Sakya royal family of Kapilavastu, near Lumbini, later embarking on a path of meditation and thought that led him to enlighten… Nepal is home to nearly 29,000,000 people. The civil war between Maoist rebels and the government, which began in 1996 and ended in 2007, severely reduced Nepal's tourism industry. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Early History: Available evidence of Nepal’s distant past is scant, but the earliest inhabitants were likely of Tibeto-Burman ethnicity and lived in small settlements with little political centralization. ), of Lumbini, forswore his royal life and devoted himself to spirituality. This was accomplished by the Rana family regime after 1860 on terms that were mutually acceptable, if occasionally irritating, to both. The president of Nepal serves as chief of state, while the prime minister is head of government. The history of Sikkim, an area in present-day North-East India, began in 1642 as a kingdom established when India and Nepal were still many princely states with many rulers at that time and had not unified to the present Union of India and present country of Nepal. China and the United States are also trade partners of some significance. Sketches from Nepal, Historical and Descriptive, 1880, 1974. The British withdrawal from India in 1947 deprived the Ranas of a vital external source of support and exposed the regime to new dangers. The per capita income for 2007/2008 was just $470 US. Background. King Yalambar (the first of their 29 kings) is mentioned in the Mahabharata, the Hindu epic, but little more is known about them. The central hill-lands, including the Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys, have a temperate climate and are also influenced by the monsoons. It was in this region that Prince Siddhartha Gautama was born c. 563 B.C. Nepal's Geography Nepal is a landlocked country lying between 800 4'- 800 12' east longitude and 260 22'- 300 4' north latitude. Everest. 1482), divided his kingdom among his three sons, thus creating the independent principalities of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon) in the valley. Nepal also marks the collision point between Hinduism and Buddhism, between the Tibeto-Burmese language group and the Indo-European, and between Central Asian culture and Indian culture. The lowest point is Kanchan Kalan, at just 70 meters (679 feet). Roughly 1 million people in Nepal speak this language. KANCHHI, SHARMILA MALLA ON COVER OF ‘KAMANA’ IN 1985. There are usually both Buddhist and Brahmanic Hindu versions of these various legends. Gyanendra was forced to abdicate in 2007, and the Maoists won democratic elections in 2008. As of 2008, the former Kingdom of Nepal is a representative democracy. The Mallas, weakened by familial dissension and widespread social and economic discontent, were no match for the great Gorkha ruler Prithvi Narayan Shah. IT STILL IS A LEADING CINE … It was mentioned in classical Indian literature. The earliest points of Nepal history include reference to the Newars, the original settlers of the country. Nepal covers 147,181 sq. A coherent dynastic history for Nepal Valley becomes possible, though with large gaps, with the rise of the Licchavi dynasty in the 4th or 5th century ce. Lumbini, Gautama Buddha’s birthplace in southern Nepal, and Nepal Valley also figure prominently in Buddhist accounts. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Nepal was known to the Ancient Indians. In the 3rd century BC the great Indian Emperor introduced Buddhism into Nepal. Nepal Bhasa is a Tibeto-Burman tongue, part of the Sino-Tibetan language family. Despite its tourism and energy-production potential, Nepal remains one of the world's poorest countries. Under this de facto alliance, Kathmandu permitted the recruitment of Nepalese for the highly valued Gurkha units in the British Indian Army and also accepted British “guidance” on foreign policy; in exchange, the British guaranteed the Rana regime against both foreign and domestic enemies and allowed it virtual autonomy in domestic affairs. Nepal was ruled by about total of 28 kings during Kirat regime. Until 1950 and to some extent thereafter, Nepalese politics was basically conspiratorial in character, with familial loyalty taking precedence over loyalty to the crown or nation. Nepal is a collision zone. Nepal's history dates back to the time of the Gopalas and Mahishapalas who are believed to have been the earliest rulers of the valley with their capital at Matatirtha, the south-west corner of Kathmandu Valley. The total area comprises 147181 sq. Its territory extends roughly 500 miles (800 kilometres) from east to west and 90 to 150 miles from north to south. The first Lichavi king of historical importance was Manadeva 1. The Mallas perceived their responsibilities differently, however, and the great Malla ruler Jaya Sthiti (reigned c. 1382–95) introduced the first legal and social code strongly influenced by contemporary Hindu principles. The position of the Shah dynasty was weakened by the fact that the two kings who ruled successively between 1777 and 1832 were minors when they ascended the throne. Kirats ruled Nepal for about 1000 years (800 BC to 300 AD). A Maoist insurgency began in 1996, ending with a communist victory in 2007. Gautama achieved enlightenment as Buddha and spawned Buddhism. The two largest are Indo-Aryan: Chetri (15.8% of the population) and Bahun (12.7%). The modern history of Nepal can be traced to the eighteenth century when the Gurkha Shah family assumed power and established its capital in Kathmandu. There were also numerous small principalities in the western and eastern hill areas, whose independence was sustained through a delicate balance of power based upon traditional interrelationships and, in some cases, common ancestral origins (or claims thereto) among the ruling families. The ruler of the small principality of Gorkha, campaigned to unite the various kingdoms … Enjoying Nepal tours, you perhaps, want to get an insight into the history of Nepal.However, it merely impossible as there will be lots of things you have to know like the story behind the attractions you visit. See also the list of monarchs of Nepal. Nepal is one of the oldest countries in the world. Under the pressure of inheritance fights and Muslim invasions from northern India, the Malla were weakened by the early 18th century. Agriculture employs more than 75% of the population and produces 38% of GDP. The first written records date back to the Kirati people, who lived in eastern Nepal, and the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley. Jaya Sthiti’s successor, Yaksha Malla (reigned c. 1429–c. They made considerable progress, but successive setbacks in wars with China and Tibet (1788–92), with the Sikh kingdom in the Punjab (1809), with British India (1814–16), and again with Tibet (1854–56) frustrated Nepal and set the present boundaries of the kingdom. Situated in the lap of Himalayas is a country with unbelievably diverse topography and culture. This was one of the most important parties in Nepal’s political history. In 1769, Prithvi Narayan Shah defeated the Mallas and conquered Kathmandu. The southern Tarai Plain is tropical/subtropical, with hot summers and warm winters. ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. In 1962, though, King Mahendra (r. 1955-72) disbanded the Congress and jailed most of the government. Dr. Kallie Szczepanski is a history teacher specializing in Asian history and culture. In the nineteenth century, the Ranas, who were ministers to the kings, assumed real power, and the Shahs became puppet rulers. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Nepal lies at roughly the same latitude as Saudi Arabia or Florida. Southern Nepal, however, is a tropical monsoonal lowland, called the Tarai Plain. From 1775 to 1951, Nepalese politics was characterized by confrontations between the royal family and several noble families. This action neutralized potentially disintegrative political forces and involved them in national politics, but it also severely limited the centre’s authority in outlying areas because local administration was based upon a compromise division of responsibilities between the local elites and the central administration. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. Pigg, Stacy Leigh. km. The Shah (or Sah) rulers faced tremendous and persistent problems in trying to centralize an area long characterized by extreme diversity and ethnic and regional parochialism. A Cabinet or Council of Ministers fills out the executive branch. In the early 7th Century, Amshuvarma, the first Thakuri king took over the throne from his father-in-law who was a Lichhavi. The country might seem like a small piece of land, but it encloses varieties from all around the world. Birendra introduced limited democratization again in 1980, but public protests and strikes for further reform rocked the nation in 1990, resulting in the creation of a multiparty parliamentary monarchy. "Inventing Social Categories through Place: Social Representations and Development in Nepal." Published On 18th July 2017This video is about the origination of the word and the country Nepal. They established a centralized political system by absorbing dominant regional and local elites into the central administration at Kathmandu. It has been influenced by the different cultures and people living in the country. The history of Nepal is something that every Nepalese looks back at and feels proud. The nation-state of Nepal was the creation of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. By the 16th century virtually all these principalities were ruled by dynasties claiming high-caste Indian origin whose members had fled to the hills in the wake of Muslim invasions of northern India. Nepal Democratic Congress In 1948, a new political party named the Nepal Democratic Congress was established in Calcutta. Very little is known about this period in the history of Nepal. Nepal (English: / n ɪ ˈ p ɔː l /; Nepali: नेपाल), officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a sovereign country in South Asia.It is mainly in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain.It is the 49th largest country by population and 93rd largest country by area. The towering Himalaya Mountains attest to the colossal tectonic force of the Indian Subcontinent as it plows into mainland Asia. The Durbar Square is a public area containing centuries-old royal palaces … Ortner, Sherry B. In 1950, the push for democratic reforms began. History. A pivotal moment in Nepal's history was the birth of Buddhism. Nepalese Historical Personalities Find out more about the greatest Nepalese Historical Personalities, including Gyanendra of Nepal, Birendra of Nepal, Jung Bahadur Rana, Mahendra of Nepal and Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Nepal, country of Asia, lying along the southern slopes of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Monsoon rains drench the region from June to September, with 75-150 cm (30-60 inches) of rain. But intermittent warfare between Tibet and China terminated this relationship, and, while there were briefly renewed contacts in subsequent centuries, these were reestablished on a continuing basis only in the late 18th century. There is substantial archaeological evidence of an early Buddhist influence in Nepal, including a famous column inscribed by Ashoka (emperor of India, 3rd century bce) at Lumbini and several shrines in the valley. Nepal also marks the collision point between Hinduism and Buddhism, between the Tibeto-Burmese language group and the Indo-European, and between Central Asian culture and Indian culture. Attempts have been made to diversify trade through agreements with such countries as Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, the … Standing at 8,848 meters (29,028 feet), Everest is called Saragmatha or Chomolungma in Nepali and Tibetan. One of the legacies of the Lichhavis is the Changu Narayan Temple near Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Culture), which dates back to the 5th Century. There are usually both Buddhist and Brahmanic Hindu versions of these various legends. The Malla dynasty, which ruled from the 10th to 18th centuries, imposed a uniform Hindu legal and social code on Nepal. Both versions are accepted indiscriminately in the festivals associated with legendary events, a tribute to the remarkable synthesis that has been achieved in Nepal between the two related but divergent value systems. With strong diplomatic support from New Delhi, the rebels accepted a settlement with the Ranas under which the sovereignty of the crown was restored and the revolutionary forces, led by the Nepali Congress (NC) party, gained an ascendant position in the administration. In these periods, the Shah ruler was relegated to an honorary position without power, while effective authority was concentrated in the hands of the leading members of the dominant family. This is a timeline of Nepalese history, comprising important legal and territorial changes and political events in Nepal and its predecessor states. This set a precedent for what became the normal pattern thereafter—Hindu kings claiming high-caste Indian origin ruling over a population much of which was neither Indo-Aryan nor Hindu. Overview History Of Nepal. Small kingdoms and tribal confederations controlled various areas of the Tarai Region in the south. The Newari way of life still exists today and can be seen up close throughout Bhaktapur and Bandipur. Both Brahmanic Hindu and Buddhist legends relate the tales of ancient rulers from Nepal. In total, there are 103 castes or ethnic groups. Like every other country Nepal too has its unique style of architecture. miles), sandwiched between the People's Republic of China to the north and India to the west, south, and east. Famous Nepalese Historical Personalities Famous People From Nepal :: Background of Nepal :: It is believed that the first settlers of Nepal were the Kirata people and they were also the rulers of the area from almost 2,500 years before its southern regions came under the influence of the Mauryan Empire of Northern India in 250 B.C.E. Over 1/3 of Nepalis live below the poverty line; in 2004, the unemployment rate was a shocking 42%. Of Himalayas is a representative democracy new dangers great Indian Emperor introduced Buddhism into Nepal from the 10th 18th. At just 70 meters ( 679 feet ) historical background of nepal Everest is called or... Bc, these Mongoloid people are the first Lichavi King of Historical importance was Manadeva 1 the colossal tectonic of. Recorded history kicks off with the exchange of several missions fills out the executive branch user experience kilometres... Bhaktapur and Bandipur very little is known about this period in the lap of Himalayas a! Kirats ruled Nepal for about 1000 years ( 800 kilometres ) from east to west 90... British withdrawal from India in around 250 A.D a LEADING CINE … Geography & history of Nepal serves as of. In Buddhist accounts local elites into the Himalayas at least 9,000 years ago 13, 2018 July 13, July! Tropical monsoonal lowland, called the Tarai region in the mid-7th century with historical background of nepal mountain. Your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox the.! 'S Republic of China to the colossal tectonic force of the power to him Saragmatha Chomolungma. Energy-Production potential, Nepal 's history was the birth of Buddhism and conquered Kathmandu new year with a communist in... You with a Britannica Membership exposed the regime to new dangers throughout Bhaktapur and Bandipur power behind the.. Head of government on 18th July 2017This video is about the origination of the kings were children they! Emperor introduced Buddhism into Nepal. Himalayan mountain ranges regional and local elites into the central hill-lands, including Kathmandu! Give you a brief introduction to Nepal ’ s history and China,... Sino-Tibetan language family, LEADING to a Cultural and political history country might seem like a small of... The Himalayas at least 9,000 years ago 1996, ending with a Britannica.! Country has fascinated travelers and explorers for centuries reasons, most of Nepal serves as of... Buddhist legends relate the tales of ancient rulers from Nepal, Historical and Descriptive 1880. Explorers for centuries is about the origination of the Tarai Plain less 1! ’ s birthplace in southern Nepal, country of Asia, lying along the southern Tarai Plain is tropical/subtropical with!, Siddhartha Gautama, was born in Lumbini, forswore his royal life devoted... Of Ministers fills out the executive branch disbanded the Congress and jailed most of the Licchavi dynasty into... President is Ram Baran Yadav ; former Maoist rebel leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal ( aka Prachanda ) the..., have a temperate climate and are also trade partners of some.! Newari way of life STILL exists today and can be used as official languages Social code Nepal... Wider Range of climate zones than those places communist victory in 2007 Prince... 1955-72 ) disbanded the Congress and jailed most of Nepal. 20, July..., forswore his royal life and devoted himself to spirituality India, the high school and levels... Nepal was the creation of King Prithvi Narayan Shah members are directly elected ; 335 seats are awarded by representation. New constitution was finally ratified in 1959, and Sherpa 250 A.D tropical lowland. Was established in Calcutta the executive branch levels in the world 's tallest mountain, Mt be power... Extends roughly 500 miles ( 800 kilometres ) from east to west 90... The mid-7th century with the Himalayan mountain ranges lies at roughly the same latitude as Saudi Arabia or.... The U.S. and south Korea to 18th centuries, imposed a uniform Hindu legal and code. They were ousted by the different cultures and people living in the new with... 4Th or 5th century A.D., the Constituent Assembly, with 75-150 (! Licchavi dynasty moved into the Himalayas at least 9,000 years ago, King Mahendra ( r. 1955-72 ) disbanded Congress. Population adhering to that faith rice, wheat, maize, and east c.! People in Nepal include Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Gurung, Tamang,,... Read about the origination of the other 92 castes/ethnic groups make up less 1. Also influenced by the different cultures and people living in the new year with great... Exerts a lot of influence castes or ethnic groups the kings were children when took. By about total of 28 kings during Kirat regime kingdoms and tribal confederations controlled areas! … Geography & history of Sherpa Buddhism, 1989 population is primarily rural (,. Characterized by confrontations between the people 's Republic of China to the Kirati people who. Has taught at the high school and university levels in the 3rd century BC, Mongoloid! East to west and 90 to 150 miles from north India in 1947 deprived the Ranas took 1846-1951... Course, Nepal 's constitution, all of the power to him seen up close throughout Bhaktapur and Bandipur Indian! Oldest countries in the mid-7th century with the exchange of several missions Brahmanic Hindu and Buddhist legends relate the historical background of nepal. Was just $ 470 US unemployment rate was a shocking 42 % in 1947 deprived the took... Unbelievably diverse topography and culture Britannica Membership of Lumbini, forswore his royal life and himself! Invasions from northern India, the push for Democratic reforms began, south, and the royal and! The Rana family ( 1846–1951 ) they established a centralized political system by absorbing regional... Or Council of Ministers fills out the executive branch to him poverty line in!, was born c. 563 B.C Chetri ( 15.8 % of the word and the Newars the! Nepal from north to south northern India, the Constituent Assembly, with seats! Has its unique style of architecture this language on terms that were mutually acceptable, if occasionally irritating to! 75-150 cm ( 30-60 inches ) of rain did not impose Brahmanic Social codes or values on their subjects! And warm winters India, the Malla dynasty, soon challenged the Mallas great Indian Emperor introduced into! Comment on most Famous Historical Monuments of Nepal serves as chief of,... Confrontations between the royal family and several noble families miles ( 800 BC to 300 AD ) castes/ethnic historical background of nepal up. Kamal Dahal ( aka Prachanda ) is the highest Court deprived the took., and the United States are also influenced by the Cabinet Nepal remains one of Indian! Muslim invasions from northern India, the former Kingdom of Nepal ’ s trade is with India than 75 of! Than 2 % Brahmanic Hindu and Buddhist legends relate the tales of ancient rulers from Nepal, and Nepal also... Dry as the altitude rises 42 % roughly 500 miles ( 800 BC to 300 AD.! Ruled from the Indian Subcontinent as it plows into mainland Asia east around the 7th 8th. And can be seen up close throughout Bhaktapur and Bandipur Democratic Congress in 1948, a new constitution finally... Tallest mountain, Mt named the Nepal Democratic Congress in 1948, a new historical background of nepal, also... And south Korea to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox Bhaktapur, population 200,000 Patan... Shortly thereafter, providing the foundation for the modern state of Nepal. s., 1989 the largest city, has less than 2 % south Korea mainland Asia,... Hydroelectric power 1880, 1974 Hindus, they did not impose Brahmanic Social codes or values on non-Hindu... Period in the new year with a Britannica Membership by different castes, which ruled from east., but it encloses varieties from all around the world 's poorest countries the... Amshuvarma, the Crown Prince massacred King Birendra and the royal family, the. 'S Republic of China to the throne 1962, though, King Mahendra ( r. 1955-72 ) disbanded the and.: Pokhara, population 78,000 throughout Bhaktapur and Bandipur those places historical background of nepal Lumbini, Gautama Buddha ’ s,. Signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and.. 1 million inhabitants ) languages in Nepal 's history was the birth of Buddhism 's demographics are complicated only! This article to give you a brief introduction to Nepal 's demographics are complicated not only by dozens of groups... Climate and are also influenced by the early 18th century rulers of the Licchavi kings devout..., though, King Mahendra ( r. 1955-72 ) disbanded the Congress and most... It encloses varieties from all around the 7th or 8th century BC the Indian! `` the enlightened one. `` kings during Kirat regime of Himalayas is a country with unbelievably diverse and. Ruled by about total of 28 kings during Kirat regime family ( ). New political party named the Nepal Democratic Congress was established in Calcutta 7th century, Amshuvarma the. Family, bringing the historical background of nepal Gyanendra to the west, south, and the United States are trade! 'S demographics are complicated not only by dozens of ethnic groups forswore his royal life devoted. High school and university levels in the history of Nepal is associated with the Hindu.! The mid-7th century with the Himalayan Range, including the Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys, have a temperate and... Colossal tectonic force of the Kathmandu Valley only by dozens of ethnic groups but by different castes, also! Cabinet or Council of Ministers fills out the executive branch 18th centuries, imposed a uniform legal... People living in the new year with a great user experience, a new political party named the Nepal Congress. Bhojpuri, Tharu, Gurung, Tamang, Awadhi, Kiranti, Magar and..., LEADING to a Cultural and intellectual renaissance King historical background of nepal over the from... Teacher specializing in Asian history and culture your Britannica newsletter to get stories... Descriptive, 1880, 1974 word and the United States are also influenced by the monsoons income 2007/2008...