The Khas-Malla Kingdom, often referred to as the Khas Kingdom or Yatse in Tibetan, holds a significant place in the medieval history of the Himalayas. Emerging around the 11th century, this powerful kingdom flourished in the regions that now encompass far-western Nepal and Uttarakhand, India. Ruled by the Khas tribe, whose kings adopted the title “Malla,” the kingdom should not be confused with the later Malla dynasty of the Kathmandu Valley. From the 11th to the 14th centuries, the Khas Malla rulers expanded their influence through military conquests, cultural assimilation, and strategic alliances, shaping the history of the Himalayan region.

Origins of the Khas People

The origins of the Khas kingdom people can be traced back to ancient Indian mythology and historical texts. The Mahabharata references them as a prominent tribe of the northern frontiers. Inscriptions from the 8th to the 13th centuries , further validate their presence and dominance in the Himalayan region. The Khas Malla Kingdom was a loosely federated state, where independent principalities acknowledged the overarching authority of the Khas kings. This feudal structure allowed them to control vast and diverse territories, particularly around the Karnali River basin, which served as the heartland of their kingdom.

Rise of the Khas Malla Kingdom

One of the earliest and most influential rulers was King Nāgarāja, also known as Jāveśvara, who reigned in the 12th century. Originally from Khāripradeśa (present-day Ngari Province, Tibet), Nāgarāja expanded the Khas Malla Kingdom significantly. His conquests included the Jumla Kingdom and vast areas stretching east to the Bheri River, west to the Satluj River, and north to the Mayum Pass in Tibet. His establishment of Semjā as the capital strengthened Khas rule and laid the foundation for future expansions.

The Khas Malla dynasty continued to flourish under subsequent rulers, reaching its peak under King Prithvi Malla, who ascended the throne around 1413 A.D. He is regarded as the most influential Khas Malla ruler, overseeing an era of territorial expansion that included regions such as Guge, Purang, and parts of present-day Nepal. However, after his death, the kingdom fragmented into smaller states, eventually forming the Baise Rajya confederacy—22 principalities that maintained regional power but lacked the unity of the once-mighty Khas Malla Kingdom.

Cultural and Religious Legacy

The historical significance of the Khas Malla Kingdom is preserved through various inscriptions found on stone pillars, copper plates, and temple walls. One of the most notable inscriptions is the copper plate of King Krachalla, dated to 1223 A.D., housed in the Baleshwar temple in Sui, Kumaon. It details Krachalla’s military victories and his devotion to Buddhism, highlighting the deep religious influence within the kingdom.

Later rulers such as Ashok Challa and Ripu Malla further shaped the kingdom’s religious and cultural landscape. Ashok Challa, known as the “Khasha-Rajadhiraja” (Emperor of the Khashas), left inscriptions in Bodhgaya, Bihar, indicating the kingdom’s influence beyond the Himalayas. Ripu Malla’s inscriptions on the Ashoka Pillar in Lumbini and Nigalihawa reflect a gradual transition from Buddhism to Hinduism within the kingdom. By the late 13th century, under Prithvi Malla’s rule, this transition was more evident, as Hindu rituals and iconography became increasingly prominent.

The Sinja Valley and Linguistic Heritage

The Sinja Valley, the ancient capital of the Khas Mallas, served as a political, cultural, and linguistic center. It is recognized as the birthplace of the Khas language, the precursor to modern Nepali. Some of the earliest examples of Devanagari script, used to write the Khas language, date back to the 13th century and were discovered in archaeological sites across Jumla, Surkhet, and Dailekh districts. This linguistic development underscores the kingdom’s lasting impact on Nepal’s cultural identity.

Political and Administrative Structure

The Khas Malla kings adopted titles such as “Challa” and “Malla,” denoting their noble lineage and authority. High-ranking officials, known as “Rāulā,” played crucial roles in the administration, while titles like “Mandalesvara” and “Mandalik” were granted to powerful regional leaders, including royal princes and defeated kings who were integrated into the kingdom’s governance. This hierarchical structure helped maintain order and stability across the vast Khas kingdom.

The Decline and Legacy of the Khas-Malla Kingdom

Following Prithvi Malla’s reign, the Khas Malla Kingdom began to decline due to internal conflicts and external pressures. The once-powerful kingdom fragmented into smaller states, eventually forming the Baise and Chaubise Rajya confederacies. Despite its disintegration, the Khas Malla legacy endured in the form of language, inscriptions, and cultural traditions that continue to influence Nepal and the surrounding regions.

Conclusion

The Khas Malla Kingdom was a formidable medieval state that played a crucial role in shaping the history of the Himalayas. Its rulers, military conquests, cultural contributions, and religious transformations left an indelible mark on the history of Nepal and beyond. Today, the remnants of this once-mighty kingdom survive through inscriptions, linguistic heritage, and cultural traditions, ensuring that the legacy of the Khas Mallas remains an essential part of South Asian history.