The existence of Nepal as an independent country is found in the ancient text Athrab Parisist written in 800-600 B.C. Neep Tribe of Gopal (Cowherd) established the monarchical system in their own way of governing the kingdom. The name of this country as Nepal is derived from the word Nep. Actually, Nepal is the combination of two words 'Ne' and 'Pal'. It means the place (pal) where Ne (Nep tribe) lives. However, there are so many controversies regarding the origin of the word Nepal. But no one can deny the fact that the origin of word Nepal is as old as the history of human civilization. Daniel Wright, a British Surgeon in British Residence, writes that eight Gopala rulers ruled this kingdom for 521 years. Gopal were replaced by Kirata tribe. Twentynine Kirate kings ruled Nepal for 1118 years, Gasti, the last king of kirata, was overthrown by Lichhavi tribe. The first inscription with the name of the king Mandeva and date 386 (464 c) was found in front of the Temple of Changunarayan near Bhaktapur. The name of three kings as Brishadeva, Shankaradeva, Dharmadeva and Mandeva are inscribed in the pillar inscription of Changunarayan. Many famous kings ruled in this period of history. That is why the period was called "Golden Age" in the ancient history of Nepal. Amsuvarma was the most famous king of the Lichchavi Period of Nepal. He constructed big palace called Kailashkut Bhawan. He used to rule from that palace. He composed a book entitled "Shawbda Vidhy". (Learning of word). He was also popular in India. Yuan Chawang, the Chinese pilgrim, praised the work of Amsuvarma. Bhrikuti, the Lichchavi Princess spread Buddhism in Tibet and China.

Lichhavis were overthrown by Malla Kings. This period is called medieval period in Nepalese history. This period starts with 880 CE and ended after the unification of Nepal in 1768. Ari Malla is regarded as the first Malla king of Nepal. Nepal was divided into a small principalities after the death of Yakcha Malla. Malla period in Nepalese history is famous for the preservation of art, architecture, culture and literature. Many wooden and stone palaces can be seen in Kathmandu valley as a historical monuments of Malla Kings. Pratap Malla used to compose poem, song and drama and played for the entertainment of his subjects. He was a good dancer of his time. He had constructed a big pond called Rani Pokhari in the heart of the city in memory of his dead son and to console his wife.