Lesson 8 // History of Nepal

History of Nepal
Further Reference Microsoft Encarta 99 – Find: Nepal and Map of Nepal

Objective:

The student will list the major rulers of Nepal. The student will explain the impact isolationism had on Nepal and when it was abandoned.

Guided Practice:

1. Review the geography of Nepal. Discuss how the natural landmarks might affect the country.
2. Read the information on the history of Nepal either orally to the class or have each student read it independently.
3. Recap the major rulers of Nepal:

a. The Malla
b. The Muslims
c. The Ranas

Independent Practice:

1. The students will read the information of the history of Nepal.
2. The students will answer the questions that correspond to the reading.

Optional Extensions:

1. Have the students research the history of Nepal on the Internet or in resource books. With the information the students collect, have them make a class time line of events.
2. Contrast what was happening in the United States during important periods in Nepal's history.
3. Research one of the earlier dynasties of Nepal (The Gopals, The Kiratis, or The Licchavis) and write about their reign.

Reading and Questions:

The Kathmandu Valley has been the center of Nepalese life since before Christ's birth. Some early dynasty rulers were the Gopalas, the Kiratis, and the Licchavis. The Malla dynasty came into power in 1200 AD. Under the Malla kings, the culture of Nepal came into its own. One of the greatest Malla kings was Jayasthiti Malla. Under his reign, Nepal became a worldly and notable country in Asia. The Malla kings split the territory of the Kathmandu Valley between siblings. This proved to be disastrous because the territories began to try and outdo each other in all aspects of the Nepalese culture.

During this time of turmoil and infighting, the Muslims came into Nepal. After 10 years of skirmishes, the Muslims overtook the Mallas. By 1769, the Muslims (Shahs) ruled Nepal. The Muslims were dedicated to expanding Nepal, and the size of Nepal today is due much in part to the Muslims. During this expansion period, Nepal waged war with Britain. The British East India Company was expanding into the southern part of present day Nepal. Nepal and Britain were at war by 1814. Two years later a peace treaty was signed stating that Nepal could have the land, but Nepal and Britain would become strong allies.

Nepal went through a period of isolationism during the Rana reign. Jung Bahadur killed members of the Muslim government, with the exception of the Shah. The Ranas retained the Shah as leader in name only, but the true power of the country was Ranas. The Ranas forced Nepal to be closed off to the rest of the world.

The only exception to this isolation was along the border with Tibet where some communities were able to trade goods. This period of isolationism lasted until 1944 when King Tribhuvan was able to visit India and Europe. During this trip he was able to devise a plan with outside assistance, which would reinstate the monarchy rule. On February 18, 1951, the Ranas were defeated and the Muslim Shahs kingdom was reestablished. This ended the period of isolationism.

1. Who are three of the major rulers in Nepal's history and when did they rule?
2. What does isolationism mean? How did it affect Nepal? What was one reason that isolationism was abandoned?

References:

1. Lisa Choegyal, Insight Guides Nepal, Langenscheidt Publishers Inc., New York, 11378, p. 61-66.
2. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Copyright 1994-1999, Encyclopedia Britannica Inc.

AZ State Standard - SS3 E5 Describe natural and human characteristics of places and use this knowledge to define regions, their relationships with other regions and their patterns of change, with emphasis on:

PO 1 common characteristics of regions at local, national and international scales on the basis of climate, landforms, ecosystems and culture.

PO 2 patterns of climate, landforms and ecosystems in a region.

PO 4 the concept of region and how and why regions change.

PO 5 relationships and interactions among regions.