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Introduction to Jayanandadeva
Jayanandadeva was the King of Nepal during Early Medieval Nepal from 1308 A.D. to 1320 A.D. for 12 years. He was the Youngest Son of Jayabhimadeva, who ruled from 1258-1271 A.D. There are Four Documents found during the reign of Jayanandadeva’s Reign. He was also a Puppet Ruler of Jayarudra Malla.
Jayanandadeva was the son of Jayabhimadeva, the Leader of House Bhonta. House Bhonta was the most Powerful House in Nepal in the Early Medieval Period. They had entered into an agreement with Tripura Royal Family led by Jayasimha Malla.
After the kidnapping of Jayasimha Malla, Ananta Malla was put on the throne of Nepal by House Bhonta. After the death of Ananta Malla as well, the Conflict between House Tripura and House Bhonta reignited in Nepal. This Conflict settled after the rise of Jayastithi Malla.
Conflict Between House Bhonta and House Tripura
House Bhonta had an internal conflict as well. Before becoming the King of Nepal, Jayanandadeva had a large quarrel with his elder brother Jayadityadeva. Jayadityadeva had actually deposed Jayasimha Malla and made Ananta Malla the King of Nepal.
However, Jayanandadeva opposed Jayadityadeva and was kidnapped by him. Jayadityadeva died in 1292 A.D. and he became the Leader of House Bhonta.
After the death of Ananta Malla, the Puppet Ruler in 1308 A.D. the competition between House Tripura and House Bhonta started again. Jayatunga Malla led House Tripura whereas Jayanandadeva led House Bhonta.
Jayatunga Malla took several places in the Valley under his name. At one point, he even conquered Banepa, the Stronghold of House Bhonta. However, it couldn’t last long.
The Grandson of King Jayabhimadeva requested help from the Tirhut Kingdom because of the dominance of House Tripura. The Army from Tirhut Kingdom arrived in Kathmandu in 1311 A.D., occupied Patan, Destroyed Temples and Statues, imprisoned local lords, and set several buildings on Fire.
They even looted valuable treasuries and finally set off in 1312 A.D. causing huge damage in Kathmandu. The Army of Tirhut Kingdom belongs to King Harisimhadeva, the Last Tirhut King.
In 1312, Ripu Malla, the King of Khas Malla Kingdom also arrived in Nepal. He worshipped Pashupatinath Temple, and Syambhunath Temple and paid homage to Rato Machindranath Temple.
Pro- Nepal Historians have denied that Ripu Malla actually conquered Nepal. However, Ripu Malla actually created the system by which Kathmandu Valley had to pay taxes to Khas Malla Kingdom.
Reign of Jayanandadeva
Ultimately, After being wrecked and destroyed by Multiple forces, the Houses come to an agreement led by Jayarudra Malla, The Son of Jayatunga Malla. Finally, he allowed Jayanandadeva who was now quite old to become the King of Nepal in 1213 A.D.
The Reign of Jayanandadeva was quite eventless and in fact not recognized at all by many. He ruled Kathmandu Valley from the Palanchowk Region. He was simply a Puppet ruler with minimum to No Authority.
Therefore, Jayarudra Malla had to conquer many local feudatories and defeat Local Lords to cement the changes in Leadership.
Jayanandadeva was quite old during that time, but he was also powerless. Therefore, Jayarudra Malla withdrew his support from Jayanandadeva in 1320 A.D. and removed him as the King of Nepal.
Conclusion
As Ironic as it may sound, Jayanandadeva was the puppet ruler of Nepal for 12 years during Early Medieval Nepal, chosen by the House they were fighting against. His Reign was quite pointless and eventless.
He also falls among the Kings of Nepal who aren’t instrumental in History. Despite being the Younger Son of an Ex-King, he wasn’t able to directly certify his claim to the Throne but was chosen by the Same House they were fighting Against.
Therefore, we shouldn’t consider the reign of Jayanandadeva with much seriousness, but as a character that set the shape and role of the Medieval Politics of Nepal.
References
Citation
Pokhrel, A. (2023). King Jayanandadeva – Itihasaa. Encyclopedia of Nepali History. https://itihasaa.com/malla-kings/jayanandadeva/