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Introduction to Jayarajadeva
Jayarajadeva was the King of Nepal in the Early Medieval Period from 1347 A.D. to 1361 A.D. and ruled for 14 years as the Puppet Ruler of the Tripura Royal Family. He was the Illegitimate Son of Jayanandadeva, another King of Nepal.
The Reign of Jayarajadeva was overshadowed by Devaladevi, the Grandmother-in-law of Jayastithi Malla, and Another Prime Minister named Anekarama Vardhana.
During his reign, Shumshud-din Illiyas declared himself independent and successfully attacked and defeated Nepal.
Reign of Jayarajadeva

Jayarajadeva was born in 1317 A.D. as the illegitimate son of King Jayanandadeva of Kathmandu Valley. From a young age, he was involved in the politics of Nepal.
At the age of six years, he got the opportunity to travel throughout the key locations of Kathmandu Valley such as Tripura, Pharping, and Patan. He was close to the Vardhana Family led by Jyotirama who slowly developed into a powerful Family in Nepal.
The Opportunity for Jayarajadeva to become the King of Nepal arose after the death of Jayari Malla in 1344 A.D. Jayari Malla had ruled as the Puppet Ruler of Nepal for 24 years. The Death of Jayari Malla resulted in the emptiness of the Nepali Throne for Three Whole Years.
House Bhonta, House Tripura, and House Vardhanna were still in conflict with each Other. Nayakadevi was the Sole Ruler of House Tripura, the strongest Family in Nepal. However, Nayakadevi died 10 days after giving birth to her daughter Rajalladevi.
Then, Her Aunt Devaladevi assumed Power and changed the course of Nepali History forever.
First, she imprisoned and killed all the opposing members of the Other Houses of Nepal. He aligned herself with the Vardhana Family as well as House Bhonta which was led by Jayarajadeva. Then, the Three Families entered into an agreement with Each other.
In the Agreement, Jayarajadeva of House Bhonta was made the King of Nepal in 1347 A.D., three years after the death of Jayari Malla. Anekarama Vardhana of House Vardhana was made the Prime Minister of Nepal and his son was made the attendant of the King.
At last, Devaladevi acted as the Regent to the newly-born Rajalladevi and the de-facto Ruler of Nepal. With this Agreement of Three Families, Jayarajadeva became the King of Nepal despite being illegitimate.
Attack of Shamshud-din Iliyas
Shamshudin Iliyas was ruling the West Bengal Region of India under the Muslim Emperor Muhammad Tughlaq. He suddenly declared himself independent of his overlord in 1345 A.D.
After being independent, he attacked the already broken Tirhut Kingdom. In 1349 A.D. he moved forward to Janakpur, Sindhuli and then Banepa and finally attacked Nepal.
The Muslim invaders had no consideration for Nepal’s Heritage, Temples, or Culture for that matter. He destroyed the ancient temples of Nepal, looted all the treasures of Nepal that were highly valuable, destroyed the statues and images of Gods and Goddesses of Nepal, and then burnt the villages of Nepal before leaving.
Although the invasion length was Temporary, it was significantly harmful to the reputation of the already Broken Nepal. After losing battles to the Khas Malla Kingdom and Tirhut Kingdom, Nepal had to lose against a foreign Invader in the name of Shumshuddin Iliyas.
Entry of Jayastithi Malla
The Most Significant Event in the reign of Jayaraja Malla was the marriage of the Grand Daughter of Devaladevi named Rajalladevi with a man called Jayastithi Malla.
He influenced the Political Destiny of Nepal for 400 years despite ruling for 13 years only. He was one of the Greatest Kings of the Malla Dynasty and rightfully so.
Conclusion
The Reign of Jayarajadeva was significant for many reasons. First, the Conflict between the Great Houses of Nepal was ended by him. Second, Nepal had to endure a devastating Invasion by Shamshuddin Iliyas.
Third, Jayastithi Malla was married into the Tripura Royal Family by Devaladevi. Else, Jayarajadeva isn’t an Important King of Nepal.
References
Citation
Pokhrel, A. (2023). King Jayarajadeva – Itihasaa. Encyclopedia of Nepali History. https://itihasaa.com/malla-kings/jayarajadeva/