History of Nepal “Malla dynasty”

Introduction

The Malla dynasty is the longest dynasty in the history of Nepal. The Malla dynasty began with Ari Malla around 1201 CE.The term "wrestler" (or Malla) denotes both a surname and a dynasty adopted by the Kings, symbolizing the identity of a Brave Warrior. According to legend, the Malla dynasty were kings in ancient India. Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, passed away in Kushinagar, which was under their control. For roughly 600 years, from 1201 to 1779 CE, the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal was governed by the Malla dynasty. The dynasty, which was founded by Arideva Malla, is renowned for having made a substantial contribution to the growth of Newar civilization in Nepal Mandala, an area that became a sophisticated urban center and a crucial hub on the trade route connecting India and Tibet. The Malla period was characterized culturally by the support of Sanskrit and Maithili. The common people spoke Newari, but Maithili gained popularity in literary and courtly settings. The Kathmandu Valley was enhanced by this cultural diversity, which created a lively atmosphere that supported the growth of literature, art, and religious activities.

Where did the name Malla originated

Ari Malla loved wrestling, according to the historical archive Bhasabansawali. He reportedly learned that his wife had given birth to a son while he was wrestling.

In remembrance of the coincidence and with the hope that his son would share his strength, he named him "Malla." Additionally, it cleared the path for Nepal's Malla Dynasty to flourish.

Rise of Malla dynasty

Political unpredictability and outside obstacles defined the early Malla era. The Kathmandu Valley was threatened by Muslim invasions and regional conflicts, which led to times of unrest and adaptation. The Malla rulers showed tenacity in the face of these difficulties, gradually modifying and solidifying their authority.

Jayasthiti Malla, who ruled from 1382 to 1395, brought stability and unity to the valley. Jayasthiti Malla is well known for codifying laws from traditional dharma texts, creating a legal system that governed society and governed governance for centuries.

The architectural wonders of the Malla dynasty are among its lasting legacies. The artistic accomplishments of the Malla rulers are demonstrated by the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Silk, wool, salt, and medicinal herbs were among the goods that were traded along the trade routes that linked the valley with Tibet and northern India. The Malla kings created economic policies that encouraged urbanization and the growth of trade, and they also produced their own coins.

Fall of Malla dynasty 

Internal conflict and external pressure from growing regional powers such as the Gorkha Kingdom started to erode the Malla confederacy by the late Malla period. After being unified under the Mallas, the kingdoms of Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Patan began to declare their independence, which resulted in tense relations and disputes.

The Gorkha Kingdom's Prithvi Narayan Shah invaded the Kathmandu Valley in 1768–1769, which led to the Battle of Kirtipur and the Malla dynasty's demise. This signaled the end of Malla rule and the start of Nepal's unification under the Shah dynasty. At the end of the fifteenth century, YakshyaMalla governed over Kathmandu. . 

What was in the period of Malla 

In Nepal Mandala, the Malla era also saw a renewal of culture. Cities in the valley including Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon), Patan (Lalitpur), and Kathmandu (Kantipur), developed into hubs for intellectual and artistic interchange. Under royal patronage, artisans flourished and created beautiful stone, metal, and wood sculptures. This was the height of the unique Newar architecture, which is distinguished by elaborate wood carvings and temples built in the pagoda style.

A fundamental aspect of Malla culture, religious festivals combined Buddhist and Hindu customs. Festivals that celebrated local deities and strengthened ties within the community, such as Indra Jatra and Matsyendranath chariot processions, have become iconic cultural events. By incorporating religious rites into state administration and asserting their divine ancestry and role as guardians of dharma, the Malla kings strengthened their legitimacy in the eyes of the people.

kings during Malla Dynasty period 

Society during the period of Malla Dynasty

Traditional Hindu customs like polygamy, the Varnashram system, joint families, casteism, and the emergence of the Newari language dominated Malla society. The Newar and other caste-based communities were among the 36 sub-castes and four castes that made up the society. The Newari language became more popular than Sanskrit during this time, when the Kshatriyas were the ruling aristocratic class.

Families were governed by the joint family system, and young marriages were common. The practice of polygamy permitted a man to have multiple wives. During this time, Sati and bell marriage were also common practices. The Kathmandu Valley was dominated by a variety of festivals and customs, especially the Jatras.

Ghode Jatra, Indra Jatra, and Krishna Jatra were notable Jatras. Buddhism coexisted with Hinduism during the Malla period, which became the predominant religion of the Kathmandu Valley.

The Malla Society typically built three- to four-story homes with wooden doors and windows. The main food source was rice, with wheat, barley, and duck as supplements. The architecture and traditions of the upper class were greatly influenced by the Mughal Dynasty. The Malla Kings' ornamentation and attire were modeled after that of the Mughal Kings.

Economic condition during the period of Malla dynasty 

The Medieval Economy saw tremendous expansion and prosperity following the conclusion of the Early Medieval Period. Especially after the 15th century, Nepal's economy flourished thanks to a variety of industries, trade hubs, small enterprises, and an abundance of cash crops.

The trade between Tibet, Kathmandu, and India was facilitated by the Kashmiri Muslims, which significantly boosted Nepal's economy. The Mughal Emperor gave King Mahendra Malla of Kathmandu permission to mint coins, and for centuries his coins served as the accepted form of payment.

Nepal's main exports were wood, leather, sheep, and silk, which brought in a sizable sum of money from commerce. Nepal exported copper utensils, clay idols, brass, and other items because Tibet did not mint its own coins because of religious convictions. Land revenue and religious support were provided by the division of the land into Rajkshetra, Birta, Jagir, and Guthi. The Malla Kings made substantial profits from agricultural products by managing the land according to its productivity. Due to the lack of available land, animal husbandry received less attention than agriculture, which was the people's primary source of income.

During the Malla era, taxes were another significant source of funding for the government. Cash, property, and services taxes were the three main forms of taxation that were used. Lands, homes, and forts were subject to cash taxes even though money was hard to come by. The state also used "Jhara," or voluntary labor, to improve social and economic conditions.

Foreign Condition during the period of Malla dynasty 

The Indian subcontinent had a big impact on foreign policy during the Malla era. Nepal grew closer to Indian kingdoms following the collapse of the Kingdom of Tibet in the tenth century.

After Gayasuddhin Tughlaq attacked the Tirhut Kingdom, which was ruled by King Harisimhadeva, the Tirhut Prince and Queen fled to Nepal, where they eventually installed Jayastithi Malla. Additionally, Bhaktapur was attacked by Sultan Shamshuddin Ilyas, which led to the destruction and looting of significant Nepali wealth.  Since ancient times, Nepali swords and copper have been well-known throughout the Indian subcontinent. Under King Mahendra Malla of Kathmandu, Nepal also produced coins, which were used as the country's official medium of exchange until its unification.

In terms of religion, the Malla Kingdom of Nepal permitted a large number of Christian missionaries to reside in the Kathmandu Valley. Ippolito Desideri one of the most well known missionaries, wrote a great deal about Nepal. Many other missionaries traveled to Tibet and China and preached their faith in Nepal. Tibet and Nepal had regular scholarly exchanges on Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy.

The Kerung Kuti Pass was the entry point to China on the trade route that connected Nepal and Tibet. On their way to Tibet, numerous Christian missionaries, including John Cabral, Grober, Desideri, and numerous others, passed through Nepal. Nepal was also visited by Capuchin ministers.

The foreign relations of the Malla Dynasty were characterized by trade, commerce, war, border tensions, mutual cultural exchange, and religion.

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Frequently Akesd Question (FAQ's)

1. Which caste is Malla in Nepal?

The Malla caste in Nepal is part of the Chatharīya Shrestha

2. Is Malla a Newar?

Yes, Malla is a newar cast

3. Who defeated Malla dynasty?

The Malla dynasty came to an end in 1769 when Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha invaded the valley, thus inaugurating the Shah dynasty of Nepal.

4. Who is known as Malla?

In the Legacy of the Malla Dynasty, the Sanskrit warrior is referred to as “Malla.”

5. Who is the first king of Malla dynasty?

The first Malla king is Ari Malla (1207-1216)