Though the people from the Malla dynasty were active in power also in some other areas, they didn’t come to Kathmandu valley until 1200 AD when King Ari Deva assumed the title and founded a new, highly accomplished dynasty. The Malla Period is a glorious era in the history of Nepal. Mallas developed trade and commerce, industry, religion and culture. They reached a high level of perfection in the fields of art and architecture.
The early Malla monarchs held absolute power by divine right: they were considered to be incarnations of Vishnu, as are the present Shah rulers. Although the Mallas were Hindu Shaivites following strict Brahmin rituals, they were tolerant of Buddhism, which was widespread at the court and among the people - especially in its Tantric form, the cult of Vajrayana.
A feudal administrative structure was imposed, dominated by an aristocratic elite whose powers at times overshadowed those of the sovereign. Below them, Brahmins and Chhetris monopolized all offices of profit around the palace. Next on the social ladder were the traders and farmers, divided into 64 strictly enforced occupational castes.
Some of the most popular kings of this period and their accomplishments are briefly described elsewhere. See Malla Jayasthiti, Malla Pratap, Malla Jaya Prakash, Malla Ranjit and Malla Siddhi Narsingh.
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