9781422278888

The sprawling and snow-covered range of the mighty Himalaya mountains dominates the landscape and the horizon from almost anywhere in Nepal.

giant neighbors. Nepal is a dream destination for tourists seeking spec- tacular scenery or a glimpse into unfamiliar lifestyles, but for those who live there, the country embodies a much more complicated reality. A Long History Archaeological evidence for human habitation in the country now called Nepal dates back thousands of years, while written records show that the area began to be controlled by family dynasties about the fourth or fifth century CE. The Malla dynasty was particularly long-lived, beginning in the 12th century and enduring until the 18th century. During this time, three main kingdoms were created in central Nepal—Bhadgaon, Patan,

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