Introduction to Jitari Malla

King Jitari Malla was the son of King Ashok Challa and the Grandson of Krachalla who ruled Khas Malla Kingdom from 1286 A.D. to 1298 A.D. He was successful in defeating the Post-Dark Ages Kings of Nepal.

Jitari Malla has been provided a Courageous Epithet of Vijigishu Raja. He, further, respected Hindu and Buddhist Gods and Goddesses during his reign as a Khas Malla King.

Reign of Jitari Malla

Like his predecessors and successors, the facts about his Life as well as the details of his reign aren’t known. He succeeded his Father as the King of the Khas Region. During his rule, the Khas Kingdom had already reached the Gandaki River in the East.

Hence, Jitari Malla decided to take it a step further by attacking and defeating the Kathmandu Valley.

Although Ashok Challa could have first taken the Title of Malla, Jitari Malla is confirmed to have taken the title of Malla.

It is suspected that he took it as an honor for being courageous as well as defeating The Malla Dynasty. His fame was spread in various states of India including Nepalese territory.

Invasion of Jitari Malla Over Nepal

First Invasion

Because of the enormous strength of his army and huge powers to back him, King Jitari Malla repeatedly attacked Nepal. He gathered his forces and set out to attack Nepal in 1287 A.D., probably a year after being the King of the Khas Region.

A vicious battle began between the Troops of Khas Kingdom and Kathmandu Valley. During the fierce battle between the army of the Malla king and his Khas troops, nearly 800 Khas Troops were killed on the hill of Swayambhu.

Despite the great loss of his military power, he did not get disturbed and forced the soldiers and residents of the Kathmandu valley to hide food items and enter the forests of Nepal to protect themselves.

Many Historical Sources have mentioned that the Kathmandu Valley was surrounded by chaos, Destruction, and Irregularities after the First Attack of Jitari Malla.

Second Invasion

14 Months after his First Attack on the Kathmandu Valley, he attacked it again in 1289 A.D. because of the internal conflict of Kathmandu Valley. He set fire to villages and created terror. The second attack reduced the morale of the soldiers of King Ananta Malla of the Kathmandu Valley.

He entered Patan and did not succeed in looting, but it can be assumed that he completely conquered Kathmandu.

Third Invasion

King Jitari Malla invaded Kathmandu Valley for the Third Time in 1290 A.D. and visited Nuwakot, Pashupatinath as well as Syambhunath.

He also spread huge fire in the Kathmandu Valley and partook in the Politics of Kathmandu Valley. He also celebrated the easy victory and returned Jumla with glory behind his name.

Religious Greatness of Jitari Malla

The Kathmandu Valley was repeatedly invaded during this period. Sultan Shamusiddin of Bengal initiated Vandalism and Adultery in Kathmandu Valley. Harisimhadeva of Tirhut Kingdom also set monasteries and temples of Kathmandu Valley on fire.

Jitari Malla instead of destroying temples and civilizations worshipped Syambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Rato Machhindranath of Kathmandu Valley. The Dignity of Gods and each and every religion were maintained by him.

Conclusion

The Reign of King Jitari Malla was the Epitome of the Khas Malla Kingdom’s Power, influence, and opulence. He was succeded by King Ripu Malla.

Miscellaneous

References

  • Regmi, Dilli Raman. “Medieval Nepal” Four Volumes. Firma K, 1965-66
  • Adhikari, Suryamani. The Khas Kingdom. Nirala Publications, 1988
  • Subedi, Rajaram. “Karnali Pradeshko Madhyakalin Itihas”. Sajha Prakashan, 2054 B.S.
  • Petech, Luciano. Medieval History of Nepal Volume II. Rome, 1985
  • Vajracharya, Dhana Vajra. “Karnali Pradeshko Itihasik Ruprekha“. Bhim Prasad Shrestha, 2028 B.S.
  • Sangraula, Narayan Prasad, 2068, “Prachin tatha Madhyakalin Nepal,” Kankai Publishers and Distributors
  • Sangraula, Narayan Prasad, 2068, “Prachin tatha Madhyakalin Nepal,” Kankai Publishers and Distributors

Cite

Pokhrel, A. (2023). King Jitari Malla – Itihasaa. Encyclopedia of Nepali History. https://itihasaa.com/khas-kings/jitari-malla/

FAQ’s

What was Jitari Malla’s reign known for?

Jitari Malla’s reign was known for his conquest of the Kathmandu Valley, which was a significant moment in the history of Nepal. He also maintained the dignity of the gods and goddesses and raised the prestige of the Khas Empire.

What is the legacy of Jitari Malla?

Jitari Malla’s legacy includes placing various stone pillars at various places as a sign of his victory campaign and maintaining the dignity of the gods and goddesses. His nephew, Ripu Malla, succeeded him as the ruler of the Khas Malla Kingdom.

What was the religion of Jitari Malla?

Jitari Malla was a religious man who maintained the dignity of the gods and goddesses. He worshipped Syambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Rato Machhindranath of the Kathmandu Valley.

How many times did Jitari Malla invade the Kathmandu Valley?

Jitari Malla invaded the Kathmandu Valley three times during his reign – first in 1287 A.D., then in 1289 A.D., and finally in 1290 A.D.

What was the outcome of Jitari Malla’s invasion of Nepal?

Jitari Malla’s invasion of Nepal resulted in chaos, peace, and destruction in the Kathmandu Valley. He forced the soldiers and residents of the valley to hide food items and enter the forests of Nepal to protect themselves. Despite the great loss of his military power, he continued to attack the valley and raised the prestige of the Khas Empire to great heights.