Nepal in Pictures
How old is Nepal? After reading history books I have come to a conclusion that it is harder to date Nepal. Of course we can date modern Nepal, because unification of Nepal began in 1769 AD. But when did Nepal actually evolve?
From the chronicles of early rulers of Kathmandu valley, we can assume, historically of course, Nepal is at least two thousand years old. However, Nepal could be at least three thousand years old because it is mentioned in the Mahabharata, the Great Hindu Epic. Mahabharata is believed to have occurred in 1300 Before Common Era.
In archeological evidence, Nepal nation has existed since 4th century, in the inscription of Indian king Samudra Gupt in Allabadh. Earliest stone inscription found in Nepal was laid by King Mandev, dated 329 AD. It is said Maheshpals and Gopals ruled Nepal in the beginning. Kirat was the first well-established dynasty of Nepal. Then there were Lichhivies (4th or 5th century CE), Mallas and finally the Shahs. The Shahs ruled Nepal for 238 years.
A new era of democracy began after 1950 revolution but parliamentary democracy was short lived. A Royal take over in 1960 banned party politics in Nepal. In Feb. 13, 1996, Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) announced People’s War. After fighting for ten years with the government forces, the war ended in November 2006, and the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed.
Nepal was announced Federal Democratic republic in 2008.
Nepal is 147,181 sq km and 75 percent of the land is covered by mountains. Several of the world’s highest mountains stretch along Nepal-Tibet boarder including Everest(8848 meters), Annapurna I (8091 meters), Kanchenjunga (8568 meters), Makalu (8463 meters) and Manaslu (8163 meters). The country is sandwiched between two giants India and China.
