Ancient History of Nepal: Kirat Dynasty

The Kirat Dynasty is one of the most powerful kingdoms, ruled for about 1500 years over Nepal. They were an indigenous ethnic group of Mongolian origin.

The reign of the Kirantis, which is believed to have started towards the end of Dhaparyuga, lasted for about 1500 years from 32 Kirati kings. The first king of the Kiratas was Yalamber, who defeated the king of the Mahispal dynasty, Bhuvan Singh, and established Kirat rule in Nepal.

Present Gokarna was their capital.

Even in the Vedic Sanatan Dharma “Veda of the World” written by Veda Vyas, the people living in this region are described as Kirats.

From the name of the king Yalambar, Patan is called ‘Yal’, Bhaktapur is called ‘Khop’, Kathmandu is called ‘Yus’, and also Upatyaka is called ‘Yalakhom’.

“Mahaguru Falgunanda” (1885–1949) was the religious leader of the Kirat people of eastern Nepal

According to (Bamsavali) of William Kirkpatrick, a European writer on the “An Account of Ancient History of Nepal“, there are 27 Kirati rulers in Yalokham (Kathmandu Valley), and 32 according to the Gopal Bamsavali. Although historians have their own views on the issue of hereditary rule, all historians have unanimously accepted that the ‘Kirat Dynasty’ was established.

Yalamber

Yalamber is also known as Akash Bhairav. He was the first king of the Kirat kingdom in Nepal. During his regime, the capital was Yalakhom, present-day Kathmandu. It is believed that he was barbaric of Mahabharat.

Things to know about the Kirat Dynasty

• king Yalamber was the first king of the Kirat Dynasty
• During the rule of the sixth Kirats king, it is believed to have been the Mahabharata war.
• During the rule of the seventh kirats king, Gautam Buddha visited Kathmandu and spread Buddhism.
• During the rule of the Fourteen kirats kings, Maurya Emperor Ashoka came to Nepal.
• Gasti was the last king of the Kirat Dynasty.