With the Lichchhavi period, Nepal's history moves from tradition to documents. For the first time we have dated stone inscriptions by the kings themselves, which tell us who ruled, how they governed and what they built. For that reason, Lichchhavi rule is one of the most important periods for exams.
The exact years of some rulers vary between historians. The dates here follow the most commonly cited figures and are written as "around" when they are approximate.
How the period begins
The Lichchhavis were a clan known from early Indian texts, and one branch established rule in the Kathmandu valley. The chronicles name earlier kings, but the firm historical record starts with inscriptions. The earliest dated inscription from the Lichchhavi period is that of Manadeva at the temple of Changu Narayan, dated 464 AD. It is the oldest dated inscription found in Nepal, and for exam purposes it is a fact worth remembering. It also refers to earlier rulers, which suggests the dynasty began in the late 4th century or earlier.
In total the Lichchhavi era is usually described as lasting several centuries, ending around the 8th–9th century, though the exact end is debated.
Important rulers
- Manadeva (around 464–505 AD). One of the greatest Lichchhavi kings. His many inscriptions record gifts, military success and the building of temples. He is associated with the Changu Narayan pillar inscription.
- Vrishadeva and Shivadeva I. Earlier and later rulers whose names you will meet in inscriptions. Shivadeva worked with his powerful ally Amshuvarma.
- Amshuvarma (early 7th century). Began as a high official (mahasamanta) and became the effective, and later the formal, ruler. He is remembered as an able administrator and builder, and opened stronger trade and diplomatic links with Tibet.
- Narendradeva (around 643–679 AD). The Lichchhavi king restored to the throne after Amshuvarma's time, with help from Tibet according to tradition. Nepal and Tibet exchanged envoys during his reign.
- Jayadeva II. A later Lichchhavi king whose inscription at Pashupatinath records his lineage.
Bhrikuti and Tibet
Nepal's most famous link with Tibet in this era is the tradition of Bhrikuti, a Nepali princess who is said to have married the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, and who is credited with helping to spread Buddhism in Tibet. She is traditionally described as the daughter of Amshuvarma. The details come from Tibetan and Nepali traditions, so exam answers usually state it as "according to tradition". Through such links, and through trade between India and Tibet via the valley, the Lichchhavi kingdom grew wealthy.
Administration and society
Lichchhavi inscriptions show an organised state. The king ruled with the help of a council and officials, and the country was divided into units for government and tax collection. Land grants to temples and monasteries are common in the inscriptions, and they show how religion and the state were tied together. The inscriptions also record the names of villages, officials and taxes, which is how historians reconstruct everyday life.
Both Hinduism and Buddhism flourished side by side; temples to Shiva and Vishnu stood together with Buddhist monasteries and stupas. Sanskrit was the language of inscriptions, with an early form of Nepali also appearing in the records.
Art and architecture
The period is remembered for fine stone sculpture and metal work. The Changu Narayan complex is rich in Lichchhavi-era carvings, and the great stupas and temples that attract visitors to the valley today have roots in this age. Many historians describe this as a golden age of the valley's arts and trade.
Coins, trade and the Nepal Sambat
Trade along the route between India and Tibet brought coins, goods and ideas through the valley. Later, around 879 AD, the traditional start of Nepal Sambat, the Nepali lunar calendar, is dated, which marks a new era after the end of Lichchhavi rule. The year and the person credited with starting it are traditions that exams usually present as such.
The end of the period
After the 8th century, the Lichchhavi kingdom weakened, and rulers called Thakuris came to power. A power centre began to shift to the valley's Thakuri and then Malla rulers. We continue the story in medieval Nepal and the Malla period.
Exam focus
- Earliest dated inscription: Manadeva, Changu Narayan, 464 AD.
- Powerful official who became ruler: Amshuvarma.
- King linked with Tibet's envoys: Narendradeva.
- Tibetan connection: Bhrikuti (according to tradition).
- Language of inscriptions: Sanskrit.
Go back to Ancient Nepal or see the whole timeline.
Comments
Loading comments…