Jayatunga Malla

Introduction to Jayatunga Malla

Jayatunga Malla was the son of King Jayasimha Malla and married Padumalla Devi, with whom he had a son and a daughter. Jayarudra Malla was their son and Devaladevi was their daughter, who later became the last queen of Harisimhadeva.

Despite not being a king himself, Jayatunga Malla was referred to as a kingmaker in Nepal during 1308 A.D. He led the Tripura Royal Family during the puppet reign of Ananta Malla and Jayanandadeva. Both of them were installed as puppet kings by the Tripura Royal Family.

After the puppet ruler Ananta Malla’s death, there was a power struggle between Jayatunga Malla and Jayasaktideva. He launched a military campaign and managed to conquer places such as Bhaktapur and Banepa. However, Jayasaktideva gathered military support from the Tirhut Kingdom, which arrived in Nepal and looted Nepal.

The battle continued for years until both houses reached an agreement in 1313 A.D. He made Jayanandadeva the puppet king of Nepal under his rule. Unfortunately, He died soon after and was succeeded by his son, Jayarudra Malla.

Jayarudra Malla is known for establishing himself as a powerful leader of the Tripura Royal Family and bringing stability to Nepal for a temporary period.

Family of Jayatunga Malla

Jayatunga Malla was the son of King Jayasimha Malla who ruled Nepal for 1271 A.D. to 1274 A.D. He was also married to Padumalla Devi. They had a son and daughter together. The Name of the Son was Jayarudra Malla whereas the Name of the Daughter was Devaladevi.

Jayatunga Malla was also the Father of Jayarudra Malla, the greatest Member of the Tripura Royal Family, and Devaladevi, the Last Queen of Harisimhadeva. In Chronology written by King Jitamitra Malla, he has also been mentioned as the King of the Early Medieval Period. However, he wasn’t the King but the King Maker of Nepal during 1308 A.D.

Rise of Jayatunga Malla

After the Famous Puppet Ruler Ananta Malla’s death, there was a big struggle for power between Jayatunga Malla and Jayasaktideva. He started a military campaign inside Nepal, conquering places such as Bhaktapur and Banepa.

Jayasaktideva also brought some military power and requested help from the Tirhut Kingdom to prevent the fall of his power. The Army from Tirhut Kingdom arrived, looted Nepal, and inflicted chaos upon Nepal. This battle continued for years until 1313 A.D.

After 1313 A.D., both houses agreed. Jayatunga Malla decided to make Jayanandadeva the Puppet King of Nepal under him. Unfortunately, Jayatunga Malla soon died and was replaced by his son Jayarudra Malla who is known to have established himself as a Powerful Leader of the Tripura Royal Family and brought stability to Nepal for a temporary period.

Conclusion

Jayatunga Malla paved the way for his Son and Family to be Powerful King Makers of Kathmandu Valley. The Females of the Tripura Royal Family, including Padumalladevi, Devaladevi, and Nayakadevi, became Nepal’s de-facto rulers.

He should be remembered as the man who changed the History of the Early Medieval Period and Introduced Jayastithi Malla to Nepal because of his younger daughter Devaladevi who had great links with the Tirhut Kingdom from where Jayastithi Malla actually belonged. Therefore, he is a less-known but deserving figure in the Early Medieval History of Nepal.

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