Introduction of King Nanyadeva

King Nanyadeva was the First King of the Karnat Dynasty who ruled the Tirhut Kingdom from 1097 A.D. to 1148 A.D. He constructed a Huge Fortress in Simra Van of the present Day Bara District and revived the ancient glory of the Mithila Region. He also attacked Nepal in 1111 A.D. but failed to conquer it according to Gopal Raja Bansawali.

King Nanyadeva has been mentioned in several historical documents as a courageous and abled King. The Geneology discovered by Upendra Thakur, C.P.N. Singh, Daniel Wright, William Kirkpatrick, and Bikramjit Hasrat all mention him.

He also protected, promoted, and revived the Glory of Ancient Mithila. He authored the famed “Natyashastra”. He promoted Wisdom and Art in the Mithila Region and secured Political Stability and Independence in the Terai Region of Nepal.

He ruled Tirhut Kingdom for 51 Years and his successor King Gangadeva took the position of His Father as the King of Tirhut Kingdom.

Rise of King Nanyadeva

Nanyadeva

The Childhood and early years of the life of King Nanyadeva aren’t well known. Before being the King of the Tirhut Kingdom, he served as the military commander of Vikramaditya, The King of the Chalukya Dynasty of Karnataka. King Vikramaditya had started an aggressive campaign in Nothern India.

He managed to attack and defeat King Rampal of the Gaud Dynasty. King Rampal ruled Bihar and the Mithila Region of the Indian Sub-Continent. The Military conquest of the Mithila Region was only possible due to The Great Leadership of Nanyadeva. Consequently, Nanaydeva was provided control of those areas.

Nanyadeva saw this as an opportunity to establish his Kingdom in Tirhut Region. He convinced his men to be part of his Kingdom. When the Chakulya Dynasty was dealing with conflicts, he declared the Tirhut Kingdom independent from Chakulya Dynasty.

He chose the Simraungaud Area of the Present Day Bara District near the Chure Hills as the Capital City. He built a great fort and Kingdom in the Simraungaud area with temples, buildings, and gates.

The Fortress of Simraungaud covered an area of 14 Koshas or 43 Km.

Reign of King Nanyadeva

Simraungaud established by King Nanyadeva

The Reign of King Nanyadeva for 51 years from 1097 to 1148 A.D. was relatively unstable. Tirhut Kingdom was always liable to attack from Other Dynasties. In 1111 A.D. he decided to attack Nepal.

Some Historians including William Kirkpatrick have mentioned that he succeeded in attacking Nepal and actually became the King of Nepal. Later Malla Kings like Pratap Malla and Siddinarsimha Malla claimed to be the descendants of King Nanyadeva.

Thus, it is likely that he exercised significant power over the Kingdoms of Nepal.

However, Historical Facts seem to deny these claims. In the Gopal Raja Bansawali, it has been mentioned that Sri Nara Malla deva cut the Doya (the Tirhut Kingdom was also known as the Doya Kingdom) with a sword.

Inscription of Andharastri

The Inscription of Andharasti mentions Nanyadeva as a worthy Kshatriya king, who, despite being a Paramara (Karnataka) Kshatriya, was revered as a god by his people. He was known for his achievements and bravery, and he turned the whole world into a servant of his region.

Although he faced some setbacks in wars, his political organization and administration were successful to a large extent

King Nanyadeva’s reign is considered important as it established Mithila Region as powerful. His descendants defeated and looted Nepal and its surrounding regions.

Conclusion

The Tirhut Kingdom, established by King Nanyadeva secured over two centuries of glorious dominance and victory throughout Nepal. The Malla Kings of Kathmandu Valley also claimed to be his descendants.

He was considered to be a great and courageous ruler by both the people and contemporary Kings. However, it is unclear whether he conquered Nepal, as some historians suggest. His Son Gangadeva ruled Tirhut after him.

Miscellaneous

References

  • Regmi, Dilli Raman. “Medieval Nepal” Four Volumes. Firma K, 1965-66
  • Shaha, R. (2001). Ancient and Medieval Nepal. India: Manohar.
  • Vajracharya, Dhanavajra, and Kamal P. Malla. “The Gopalraja Vamsavali” Nepal Research Centre Publications, 1985
  • Upadhyaya, Shankar Kumar. “Simraungaud Ko Itihas“. Siddhartha Books and Stationaries, 2056 B.S.
  • Thakur, Upendra. “Mithila Ka Itihas”. Maithili Academy, 1956
  • Sinha, C.P.N. Mithila Under Karnat’s. Janaki Prakashan, 1979

Cite

Pokhrel, A. (2023). King Nanyadeva – Itihasaa. Encyclopedia of Nepali History. https://itihasaa.com/tirhut-kings/nanyadeva/

FAQ’s

Who was King Nanyadeva?

King Nanyadeva was the First King of the Karnat Dynasty who ruled the Tirhut Kingdom from 1097 A.D. to 1148 A.D. He was a courageous and able king who constructed a Huge Fortress in Simra Van of the present Day Bara District and revived the ancient glory of the Mithila Region. He was also a military commander of Vikramaditya, the King of the Chalukya Dynasty of Karnataka.

What did King Nanyadeva achieve during his reign?

King Nanyadeva protected, promoted, and revived the glory of ancient Mithila. He also authored the famed “Natyashastra” and promoted wisdom and art in the Mithila region. Additionally, he secured political stability and independence in the Terai region of Nepal. King Nanyadeva ruled Tirhut Kingdom for 51 years.

Did King Nanyadeva conquer Nepal?

It is not entirely clear whether he conquered Nepal. The Gopal Raja Bansawali mentions that Sri Nara Malla deva cut the Doya, which was the Tirhut Kingdom’s other name, with a sword. Pro-Nepal Historians have denied it because of the lack of any concrete evidence.

Where did King Nanyadeva establish his capital city?

King Nanyadeva chose the Simraungaud Area of the Present Day Bara District near the Chure Hills as the Capital City. He built a great fort and Kingdom in the Simraungaud area with temples, buildings, and gates. The Fortress of Simraungaud covered an area of 14 Koshas or 43 Km.

What was King Nanyadeva’s legacy?

King Nanyadeva’s legacy includes establishing Mithila Region as a powerful and culturally rich region. His descendants defeated and looted Nepal and its surrounding regions. He also promoted Mithila Culture, which is still predominant today.