The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c14.129.4

v1.c14.129.4

In the latter part of his reign Nepal appears to have been overwhelmed by a series of invasions by the fierce tribes of the western mountains, known as the Khaśas and Magars. Under their leaders Jayatāri and Mukundasena they are reported to have carried fire and sword throughout the Valley, burning villages, massacring its inhabitants, and desecrating its temples. The invasions probably began about the year 408 (A.D. 1287), and appear to have continued beyond 411 (A.D. 1290). According to the chronicles a *mahāmārī* or pestilence at last drove away from the Valley these unwelcome emigrants.¹ It is interesting to note that the region of Palpa, from which these invaders came, was also the stronghold of the Mallas and later on of the Gurkhas before they conquered the Bagmati valley. The period that followed the reign of Anantamalla was also full of troubles. But its outlines are extremely uncertain. From the Vaṁśāvalī of Bendall it appears that the next ruler was Jayānandadeva, for whose reign we have a MS. of the *Nāgānanda* dated in the year 438 (A.D. 1318).² He was succeeded by Jayarudramalla, who was the son of Jayatuṅgamalla, and had as his co-regent (*samrāja*) one Jayārimalla.³ According to the dates given in Bendall's Chronicle, Jayarudramalla was reigning in 440 (A. D. 1320), and died in 446 (A.D. 1326).⁴ The invasion of the Khaśas however had weakened Nepal so much that it was not long before it saw another invader, this time from the south.