Introduction
The Lichchhavi period is regarded as the 'Golden Era' of Nepalese history. Inscriptions studied by historians like Dhanavajra Vajracharya reveal distinct honorific titles adopted by rulers reflecting their power, religious inclination, or lineage pride.
Main Content
| King's Name | Major Titles / Honorifics Assumed |
|---|---|
| Vrishadeva | Rajottama (Best among Kings), Sugatasasanapakshapati |
| Shankaradeva | Shatruhridayeyoribhih (Unconquerable by enemies) |
| Dharmadeva | Shrimaddharmadeva, Rajarshi (Ideal King) |
| Manadeva I | Bhattaraka Maharaj Shree, Parachakrakama |
| Mahideva | Bhattaraka Maharaja |
| Vasantadeva | Paramadaivata, Bhattaraka Maharaj Shree, Paramadaivatabappabhattaraka Padanudhyata |
| Ramadeva | Bhattaraka Maharaj Shree |
| Ganadeva | Shree Ganadeva |
| Shivadeva I | Licchavikula-ketu, Bhattaraka Maharaj Shree |
| Anshuverma | Mahasamanta, Shree, Shreemaharajadhiraja, Shree Kalahabhimani |
| Udayadeva | Bhattaraka Maharajadhiraja |
| Bhimariunadeva | Bhattaraka, Maharaja |
| Narendradeva | Paramabhattaraka Maharajadhiraja, Licchavikula-ketu |
| Shivadeva II | Paramabhattaraka Maharajadhiraja, Licchavikula-ketu, Licchavikulanandarendu |
| Jayadeva II | Paramabhattaraka Maharajadhiraja, Parachakrakama, Kaviraja |
Meanings of Key Titles
- Bhattaraka: Honorific title denoting the reigning monarch.
- Paramadaivata: Title meaning 'Supreme Deity-like', widely used starting from King Vasantadeva.
- Licchavikula-ketu: Meaning 'Flag or Star of the Lichchhavi Dynasty', assumed by Shivadeva I, Narendradeva, and Shivadeva II.
- Mahasamanta: Title given to regional administrators/assistants; adopted by Anshuverma in his initial ruling period.
- Maharajadhiraja: High sovereign title used in the later Lichchhavi period to signify supreme sovereignty.
- Parachakrakama: Meaning 'Desirous of conquering enemy realms', assumed by Manadeva I and Jayadeva II.
- Shree Kalahabhimani: Famous title of Anshuverma meaning 'Proud of knowledge and arts'.
Source: Inscriptions of the Lichchhavi Period, Dhanavajra Vajracharya
Key Takeaways
- Vrishadeva was called 'Rajottama' and 'Sugatasasanapakshapati'.
- Anshuverma held titles like 'Mahasamanta', 'Shreemaharajadhiraja', and 'Shree Kalahabhimani'.
- The title 'Licchavikula-ketu' was used by Shivadeva I, Narendradeva, and Shivadeva II.
- 'Parachakrakama' was held by Manadeva I and Jayadeva II.
What to Avoid
- Do not confuse Anshuverma's title 'Shree Kalahabhimani' with Jayadeva II's title 'Kaviraja'.
- Do not mistake 'Mahasamanta' as a permanent supreme title; Anshuverma used it in his early administrative phase.
- Do not confuse the users of 'Licchavikula-ketu' (Shivadeva I, Narendradeva, Shivadeva II) with kings like Vrishadeva or Manadeva I.
FAQ
Q1: What does the title 'Shree Kalahabhimani' mean and who held it? It means 'Proud of knowledge and arts', and it was held by King Anshuverma.
Q2: Which Lichchhavi kings used the title 'Licchavikula-ketu'? Shivadeva I, Narendradeva, and Shivadeva II used 'Licchavikula-ketu'.
Q3: Which kings held the title 'Parachakrakama'? Manadeva I and Jayadeva II held the title 'Parachakrakama'.
Q4: What was the primary title held by Vrishadeva? He held the titles 'Rajottama' and 'Sugatasasanapakshapati'.
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