Chapters
Introduction to Nagaraja
King Nagaraja, the first king of the Khas Malla Kingdom, established his reign in Sinja, Jumla around 1150 A.D. He expanded the Khas Malla Kingdom by conquering Western Tibet as well as the Karnali Region of Western Nepal.
His reign was founded on political stability and expansion. However, the details of his life, his reign, and his expansion aren’t well known.
Origin and Reign of King Nagaraja
King Nagaraja Originally belonged to the Khari Region of Tibet. He observed instability in the Central Administration of Nepal in the 12th Century and saw an opportunity.
Thus, He chooses the Javeshwor Region of the present Karnali Province as his Capital. Hence, He became the Founding King of the Khas Malla Kingdom. At that time, Jumla was known as Javeshwar Country. However, he alone couldn’t strongly cement his reign.
King Nagaraja established the kingdom in Jumla (Javeshwar) with the help of the Challa family who came from Kashmir. Later, he was called ‘Nagaraja Jowashwar’ because he ruled the Javeshwar region.
One of the Inscriptions of King Prithvi Malla of Dullu Region mentions that he became the king of the Khari region, and from there, he conquered the Jumla Javeshwar region.
After being the King of the Javeshwor Region, he established some rules and regulations that attracted more Population and mention to the State. He was invaluably assisted by Challa Family who had arrived from Kumaon Region.
The Challa Family helped Nagaraja to become the King of Nepal. Therefore, The descendants of the Challa Family became the King of the Khas Malla Kingdom.
It is known that he ruled Khas Malla Region from 1150 A.D. However the end of his reign and the limitations of his reigning period aren’t well known or Recorded.
Expansion of King Nagaraja
From Sinja, he extended his conquest campaign to Karnali province, taking Western Tibet and Nepal under his control. Within a few years, he increased the Geography of the Khas Malla Kingdom.
He succeeded in capturing all the territories in Dullu, Surkhet, and Doti. In Dullukshetra of Dailekh district, many records of Malla kings have been found.
Among them, the Kirtistambha record of Dullu, prepared by Prithvi Malla, mentions that King Nagaraja became the king of the Khari region, and from there, he conquered the Jumla Javeshwar region.
Assisted by the Challa Family who came to Jumla from Kashmir, his conquest campaign spread to Urai Bhanjyang, Lipulek, and Yarikshetra before gradually conquering Sinja.
The Lla and Challa Families assisted him to become King and consequently became Prominent in the Region after the death of King Nagaraja. The Important King after him was Krachalla.
Conclusion
King Nagaraja played a vital role in establishing the Khas kingdom, and his conquest campaigns helped the kingdom grow strong.
He conquered many territories and extended his reign even to Tibet. His reign was marked by political stability and expansion, and his legacy still remains today.
Miscellaneous
References
Cite
Pokhrel, A. (2023). King Nagaraja – Itihasaa. Encyclopedia of Nepali History. https://itihasaa.com/khas-kings/nagaraja/
