The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c14.42.1

v1.c14.42.1

For the next 200 years after the foundation of the era, however, we have no epigraphic records of the kings who ruled in the Valley.¹ But, fortunately for us, from the beginning of the 11th century almost a regular series of dates and names of Nepalese kings are found in the colophons of the numerous manuscripts preserved in Nepal and elsewhere. These colophons materially help us in checking the vagaries of the local chroniclers whose accounts also gradually assume a less legendary character as we advance beyond 1000 A.D. According to the "newly discovered" Vaṁśāvalī of Bendall, Rāghavadeva ruled for 46 years and 6 months, and was followed in regular succession by Jayadeva, Vikramadeva, Narendradeva, Guṇakāmadeva I, and Udayadeva. Their reign periods are given as 10 years, 8 years, 9 months, 1 year 6 months, 65 years 5 months, and 5 years 5 months respectively.² Amongst these successors of Rāghavadeva Guṇakāmadeva I appears to have been a vigorous ruler. In Nepalese tradition he passes as the founder of the city of Katmandu. According to Prof. Lévi, Kāntipura, the ancient name of the city, is related to the name Guṇakāma, *kāma* and *kānti* belonging to the root *kam*, *i. e.*, to love.³ About this period the chronicles place the foundation of the cities of Patan and Sanku. The foundation of these cities appears to have marked an epoch in the economic transformation of Nepal.