A Short History of Nepal by renowned Nepalese historian Shreeram Prasad Upadhyaya is a marvelous updated account of Nepalese history ranging from Ancient to Modern times.
At the outset. Upadhyaya asserts that Nepal's history is unique and different from the rest of the world. In precise, smooth style, he sketches a chronological account of the major events that shaped the fate of present-day Nepal. The author discerns how the Gopal dynasty in Nepal represents agricultural age of human civilization. In the beginning Nepal valley (Kathasandu) is believed to be a lake. They say sage Manjushri from the North and Lord Krishna and his Gopals from the South made this valley suitable for human settlement. Upadhyaya also enumerates minute, forgotten details of the Vedic history that had great impact on the Nepalese way of life along with formation of civil court and their practices. In this context, he enumerates the particulars of the history in a nutshell. The essential facts and figures of the Gopals, the Kirats and the Lichhavis in ancient period, the Mallas in Medieval period, the Shahs and the Ranas of Modern period along with rulers of new Republic are described with enchanting historical records and anecdotes. If the Gopal period of Nepal was significant in the agricultural development, the Kiratas period played momentous role in the expansion of trade and industry. The Lichhavi period, be adds, was popular for moral values and the Medieval period for art and architecture. The modern period of Nepal saw many changes. Prithivinarayan Shah made great contribution by unifying Nepal. The Ranas, though ruthless and atrocious, played critical role in the preservation of national sovereignty and integrity. The democratic changes after the fall of the Ranas brought Nepal in touch with the outside world. The continuous struggle of the Nepalese has brought forth the current Republic form of Government. The people are keenly watching the activities of Federal, Provincial and Local Government, hoping that peace and prosperity will ultimately ushers in the world's youngest republic.
Upadhyaya also adds several significant historical documents and treaties including most discussed the 1950 Treaty of Sugauli, Boundary Treaty with China in Beijing, 1961 and some recent treaties. Short History of Nepal is a wonderful book meticulously sketching the major events in an empirical manner, performing the challenging task of introducing the great Himalayan nation to beginners as well as experts alike.
The history of Nepal is unique and different from the rest of the world. The Gopal dynasty in Nepalese history represents agricultural age of human civilization. It's believed originally the Nepal valley (Kathmandu) was a lake. The legend goes that Manjushri from the north and God Krishna along with other Gopals from south made this valley suitable place for human settlement.
The expansion of ancient city from Swayambhu (Self Creation) to Dev Pattan of Pashupati Nath was called Manju Pattan. Many people from south and north came to Kathmandu valley and started to cultivate the land. The two main rivers Bagmati and Bishnumati helped ancient farmers irrigate their lands. The land of the valley was fertile to produce enough food for the population. Therefore, the people had enough time to engage in creative ventures like developing art and architecture. They enjoyed several feasts and festivals.
Nepal is a birthplace of Hindu goddess Sita and Buddhist god Siddhartha Gautam Buddha. Therefore, the Hindu as well as the Buddhist all over the world visit Nepal to pay homage to their respective gods. In addition, the people from all over come to visit Nepal to trek and climb highest peaks of the world including Mount Everest.
The history of Nepal from earliest to modern times covers the history of the Gopals, the Kiratas and the Lichchavis in the Ancient period, the Mallas in the Medieval period, the Shahs and the Ranas in the Modern period and the Republic of recent times. The Vedic history had great influence on the Nepalese way of life. The culture traditions of the people of Nepal have great impact on the formation of civil court and their practices. The Gopal period of Nepal was important for agricultural development whereas the Kirat period was significant for the expansion of trade and industry. The Lichhavi period was popular for moral values and the Medieval period known for its art and architecture. The modern period of Nepal saw many changes. Prithivinarayan Shah made great contribution by unifying Nepal. The Rana period was significant for the preservation of sovereignty and integrity. The democratic changes after the fall of the Ranas brought Nepal in touch with the outside world. The continuous struggle and strife of the people of Nepal brought forth a Republic form of Government. The people now are watching the activities of Federal, Provincial and local Government very closely.
I have consulted many documents, books, journals, newspaper and online information to write this book. I also visited American Library, Indian Library, Tribhuwan University Library, Keshar Library, Dr. Dilli Raman Regmi Library, National Archive of Nepal, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Library Sigha Darbar, Parliamentary Library, Singha Darbar and Japanese Library to consult published and unpublished documents. I am very much obliged to these Libraries. I would like to thank Ministry of Foreign Affairs for providing me News Bulletin and published report of Ministry of foreign Affairs.
Hindu (886)
Agriculture (93)
Ancient (1022)
Archaeology (614)
Architecture (534)
Art & Culture (862)
Biography (598)
Buddhist (545)
Cookery (158)
Emperor & Queen (496)
Islam (235)
Jainism (275)
Literary (876)
Mahatma Gandhi (360)
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist