Administrative System of Nepal

Administrative System of Nepal

Administrative System in Ancient Period 

1. Kirat
2. Lichhavi
3. Malla

Administrative System in Post-Unification

1. Shah administration
2. Rana administration

Central and Sub-national Level Administrative System in Nepal

Central level: constitutional bodies, ministries and departments

Sub-national level – provincial level administration, and local level administration

Interrelationship and coordination between central and sub-national level administration.

 The context of Kirats ruling in Nepal before Licchavi Dynasty and after Mahispal or Ahir Dynasty can be found in different manuscripts. Mentioning the area between Sun Kosi and Tama Kosi as their native land, the list of Kirati kings is also given in the Gopal genealogy. Extended their kingdom as far as the Tista river in the east and the Trishuli in the west. By defeating the last king of Ahir Dynasty Bhuwansingh in a battle, Kirati King Yalung or Yalamber had taken the regime of the valley under his control. In the Hindu mythological perspective, this event is believed to have taken place in the final phase of Dwaparyug or initial phase of Kaliyug or around the 6th century BC. We can find descriptions of 32, 28 and 29 Kirati kings according in Gopal genealogy, languagegenealogy and Wright genealogy respectively. By means of the notices contained in the classics of the East and West, we are assured that Kiranti people was forth-coming in their present abode from 2000 to 2500 years back, and that their powers was great and their dominion extensive, reaching possibly at one time to the delta of the Ganges. Kirat came to Nepal in about 700 B.C. and ruled over it. They were short and had strong bodies, broad checks, flat noses, thin whiskers (dari junga), and dark eyes. They were well trained in the art of warfare, and were very skillful archers. They were the ancestors (purkha haru ) of the present day Kiratas: – Kulung, Thulung and Yellung.

1. Yalamber, the first Kirati king of Nepal belonged to the Yellung clan.
2. Kirati are very primitive tribes.
3. The Limbu, Sunuwar, Yakkha, Rai, few segments of the Bahing, Kulung, Khaling, Bantawa, Chamling, Thulung and Jerung and other related ethnic groups.
4. They had been mentioned as brave warriors in various ancient Mythological manuscripts.
5. The Kirats have been mentioned not only in the different genealogies of Nepal, but also in the Puranas. From the sources like genealogies, Pashupati Purana, Nepal Mahatmya, Skanda Purana etc.
6. Yalambar is regarded as the founder of Kirat monarchical dynasty. He was very brave. He had established the Kirat regime by defeating Bhuwansingh, the ruler of Mahispal dynasty.
7. In some contexts he is also found to be said as ‘Yalung’. It is also believed that Yal , the old name of Patan city was named after him.
8. The posture of Kirati king Yalambar is important in Kathmandu in historical as well as religious perspective.
9. He had made related to Indra Jatra, a popular carnival of Kathmandu.
10. Likewise, the head of ‘Akash Bhairab’, which is shown at Indra Chowk, is also worshipped as the idol of Yalambar.
11. Humati was the sixth King of Kirat dynasty. He has been mentioned as ‘Hunti’ in Gopal genealogy. Humati is regarded as the Kirati King contemporary to the period of war of
12. Mahabharat. Legends are found that during his regime a war was fought between Kiratfaced Mahadeva and Arjuna. But types of legends can be admitted only as fictions.
13. Jitedasti was regarded as seventh of Kirati Kings.We can find the context of visit of Gautam Buddha in Kathmandu during his period.
14. In some of the genealogies it is found that Ashoka, the emperor of Maurya, had come to Nepal during the regime of Kirati King Stunko.

Sthunko: On the basis of other evidences, Ashoka had visited only Lumbini and Kapilvastu. Obviously, In order to preach Buddhism, Ashoka had sent peoples to different countries. He might have sent somebody to Nepal.

Kirat ruled over and capital:

During this
1.Yalambar          2.Pari          3.Skandhar           4.Balamba           5.Hriti 6.Humati            7.Jitedasti    8.Galinja              9.Oysgja             10.Suyarma 11.Papa             12.Bunka    13.Swawnand     14.Sthunko          15.Jinghri 16.nane            17.luka        18.Thor                 19.Thoko              20.Verma 21.Guja            22.Pushkar  23.Keshu              24.Suja                 25.Sansa 26.Gunam       27.Khimbu  28.Patuka             29.Gasti

1. Long period altogether 29 Kirat Kings ruled over the country for 1225 years from 800 BCE to 300 BC.

2. When Kirats occupied the valley, they made Matatirtha their capital.

3. 28th Kirat King Patuka was ruling in the valley, the Sombanshi ruler attacked his regime many times from the west. Although he successfully repelled their attacks.
4. He was forced to move to Shankhamul from gokarna. He had built a royal palace called "Patuka" there for him.
5. The 'Patuka' palace is no more to be seen now except its ruins in the form of mound. Patuka had changed Shankhamul into a beautiful town. 
6. Kirats moved to the Eastern hills of Nepal and settled down divided into small principalities.
7. Their settlements were divided into there regions, i.e.
8. 'Wallokirat' that lied to the East of the Kathmandu,
9. 'Majkirat' or Central Kirat region and
10. 'Pallokirat' that lied to the far East of the Kathmandu valley. These regions are still heavily populated by Kirats.
    
      Major Kings of Kirat Period:

    1 . Yalambar

    Yalamber is regarded as the founder of Kirat monarchical dynasty. He was very brave. He had established the Kirat regime by defeating Bhuwansingh, the ruler of Mahispal dynasty. In some contexts he is also found to be said as ‘Yalung’. It is also believed that Yal , the old name of Patan city was named after him. The posture of Kirati king Yalambar is important in Kathmandu in historical as well as religious perspective. He has also been made related to Indra Jatra, a popular festival of Kathmandu. Likewise, the head of ‘Akash Bhairab’, which is shown at Indra Chowk, is also worshipped as the idol of Yalambar. Some of the sources of Nepal stated Yalamber as a Kirati King having some essence of lord Mahadeva.

    2 . Humati

    Humati was the sixth King of Kirat dynasty. Humati was regarded as the Kirati King contemporary to the period of war of Mahabharat. King Hunati was regarded as a good king.

     3 . Jitedasti

     Jitedasti was regarded as seventh of Kirati Kings. Visit of Gautam Buddha in Kathmandu during his period. Kirat kind welcomed Lord Gautam Buddha and Give due respect to Buddha and Buddhism.

     4 . Sthunko:

    Sthunko was regarded as 14th king of Kirat Period. In some of the genealogies it was found that Ashoka, the emperor of Maurya, had come to Nepal during the regime of Kirati King Stunko. On the basis of other evidences, Ashoka had visited only Lumbini and Kapilvastu. Obviously, In order to preach Buddhism, Ashoka had sent peoples to different countries. He might have sent somebody to Nepal.

    5 . Gasti

    Gasti was regarded as 29th and Last king of Kirat Period. Lichhavi kind had defeated the Gasti and started to rule in Kathmandu Valley.
    

    The Kirat Administrative system:

    (1) The polity:   

    In Northern Bihar there was the republican system of Lichhivis under the confederation called VIRJI SANGHA, which lasted 200 years. According to Babu Ram Acharya(Nepal ko Samchhipt Britant p.4) Under the influence of VIRJI SANGHA the kirat had also established a democratic political system in ancient Nepal. However After the conquest of VIRJI SANGHA by Ajatasatru, the king of Magadha the Kirat converted ancient Nepal into a Kingdom under monarchical rule.

    (2) Official Language:

    The name some of the offices of Lichhivi period was as Mapchok and Kuther that was originated in Kirat period which was derived from Kirat language. Therefore, in Kirat period the official languages was Kirati. But at the time of Kirat there were many Kirati Sanskrit scholars therefore they assume that the official language was Sanskrit.

     • Their languages belong to the Sino- Tibetan family of languages.

     • The original inhabitants of the dooars region of india, the Koch rajbangshi and mech, also claim to be kirats as do the bodokachari people tribes of assam. They derive their tittles from the original place of their dwelling, “Koch” from the koshi river, “mech” from the mechi river and “kachari” is derived from kachar, which means “river basin”. The basis of these claims relies on the fact that they are mongoloids.

     (3) Central administration:

    The central administration:

    • The King (The Hang)

    • Ministers (Tumyang)

    • Council of states (The Chumlung): The King (The Hang) , Ministers (Tumyangs), High-level Army Officers (Thaktumbas) and two other elected from people (Pasing Padang)

    (4)Some major policies of Kirat Rulers:

    • Relationship between Central and Local Administration;

    • Military Organization;

    • Administrative and Judicial Affairs;

     • Taxation Policy and

    • Some social and Religious Affairs

    THE HANG

     During the days of Kirata the administrative system was based on Monarchy with a strong democratic favor.

    • King (Hang) used to run the entire administration of the country from his royal palace located at Gokarna.

    • The king was head of the state as well as head of the government.

    • The king has legislative, executive and judicial powers.

     • The kingship was based on divine theory.

    • The king was considered as the representative of the God (Ningwaphuma).

    • Kirat king did not rule arbitrary.

    • Religious belief was that no decision will be made arbitrary, not by the force.

    • The king had to follow the traditions and beliefs.

     • The king had to take the interest of the people.

    COUNCIL OF THE STATE (The chumlung)

    • The king used to chairthe meeting.

    • The king ( Hang)

    • Tumyangs (Ministers)

    • Thaktumba (High-level army officers

    • Two others members (Padangs) elected by the people

    MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF COUNCIL OF THE STATE (The chumlung)

    • To advise the king,

    • To provide information the king

    • To formulate policies in national issues,

    • To enact rules and regulations.

    • To guide the entire administrative system of the country.

    TUMYANG(Ministers)

     • The ministers was appointed by the king.

     • They were also appointed the assistants and advisors of the state affairs by the king.

    AREA ADMINISTRATION

    Relationship between central and local administration:

     The country was divided into different districts named THUMS.

    Thums had autonomy in administration.

     Each THUM has a Governor.

    Governor was mini -king. The main functions of Thums:

    (i)                  Thum ( a cluster of villages)

    • Administrative system was largely based on principles of local autonomy.

    • Central administration covered mainly defense and foreign affairs.

    • In case of external invasion all the Thums under the guidance and leadership of the central government had to fight unitedly against the invaders.

    TREATY WITH ANY FOREIGN COUNTRY

    • The central government had to take Thums consent to sign a treaty with any foreign country.

    • Mini – kings of Thums enjoyed large extent of autonomy within their area or Jurisdiction. Their functions were to maintain law and order and settlement of disputes of the local people.

    MILITARY ORGANIZATION:

    • Compulsory military training to each 12 years old male Limbu;

    • To recruit one soldier (Thaksuwa) from the sons of each Limbu family once they attains the age of 18

    • To appoint one military supervisor (Thakpewa) for each village having 300 soldiers)

    • To appoint one Thaktumba for each group of five military supervisors commanding 1500 soldiers.

    • To allocate land to Thaktuma for the maintenance of their own livelihood as well as the maintenance of livelihood of other offices and soldiers under them ; and

    • To authorize the Thaktumba for the appointment and dismissal of army supervisors and soldiers

    • Kirata had systematic Military organization. It was based on sound principles and policies.

    ADMINISTRATIVE AND JUDICIAL AFFAIRS:

    • Primary function of Government.

    • To maintain peace and security.

    • Violence was considered SIN.

    • Who creates violence in the society were given severe punishment.

    • There was provision of death punishment.

    • Miscreant.

    • Criminals were forced to take oath ( sapath) before God not to repeat their crime.

     • Rebels ( bidrohi) were expelled ( niskasit ) from the country.

    • A thief was punished by forcing him to keep his hands in hot boiling water JUDICIAL

     • Judge was selected on the basis of his knowledge.

    LAW:

    1. Customary law and royal edicts were also sources of law.

    2. The Legal and Justice System of Kirat period can be understood from the Kirat Veda viz “Kirata Mundum.”

    3. Mundum was just like four Vedas of Aryans.The early 6th century B.C. has been accepted as the initial period of Kirat region in Nepal. In early Kirat society, the Mundum was the only law of the state.

    TAXATION:

    • Every person had to pay one tenth of the production of his land.

    • Taxes were on sale, production of the forest.

    CIVILISATION AND CULTURE:

    • The long rule of Kirats manifests that were strong and well organized people.

    • Policies on social affairs.

    • Their society, administrative system and economy were well organized. FREE AND OPEN SOCIETY

     • Kirats enjoyed a free and open society. There was no gender discrimination.

    • To facilitate justice system in the public, law courts were established at many places and effective laws were made to deal with crimes and offences.

    TRADE

    • Nepal had trade link with India, Tibet, then a free country and China.

    • Nepali businessmen carried out trade with these countries.

    • Nepal chiefly exported wool, woolen goods, timber and herbs.

    • Chanakya has mention in his famous book "Kautilya Arthasastra" that Nepali blankets had a big market in bihar then called Magadh.

    • As there was more financial prosperity in trade.

    BUSINESS

    • More people were engaged in business than in agriculture.

    • This factor also led the migration of people of different racial origin with their own customs and cultures to Nepal.

    • In course of time, these people merged into the main national stream and the part and parcel of one nation the helped to create and develop a healthy feeling of nationalism.

    RELIGION:

    • By religion, Kirats were originally nature worshippers.

    • They worshipped, the Sun, the moon, rivers, trees, animals and stones. Their primeval deities were Paruhang and Sumnima.

    LIBERAL

    • Kirats were quite tolerant and liberal to other religions. That’s why Buddhism flourished during the Kirat rule in Nepal. Buddhism had enkindled a new interest and attitude among the people.

    DEVELOPMENT:

    • Kirats had also built many towns. Shankhamul, Matatirtha, Thankot, khopse, Bhadgoan and Sanga were prosperous cities with dense population. • Thus it can be safely said that the Kirat period had paved the way for further development and progress of Nepal in all sectors in future.

    POLICIES ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS:

    a)Population

    b) Marriage and divorce

    c) Religious affairs

    A) POPULATION

    • Kirata had strong military system and they need to recruit more people to strengthen army.

     • They adopted policy of increasing population.

    • Non Limbu people were to be brought into the Limbu people.

    • Those people defeated by the Kirata were also to be converted into Limbu group and were allowed to settle in cultivated land.

    B) MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE

     Marriage:

     • The Limbu men were allowed to marry non Limbu women.

    • The council of state could legalize the marriage on the petition of their father.

    • The village headman had the authority to register the marriage.

     • They had to pay certain marriage registration fee.

    • The deputy headman would be the witness to such marriage.

    Divorce:

    • There were two types of divorce:

    • KHEMONG: divorce by husband on the ground of wife’s immoral character. • NAJONG: divorce by wife of husband’s immoral character.

     • The divorced wife would be considered as unmarried lady.

    C) RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS:

    • Main God: NIGWAPHUMA

    • God was to be worshipped for the protection of the family members, for the welfare of eldest member of a family and for the welfare of the neighbor and villagers.

    CONCLUSION

    The kirat period is the dawn of the Nepalese History. Lack of reliable evidence and inscriptions the kirat Period is a dark and prehistoric period of Nepalese History. No proof has been found regarding of the antiquity of the kirat People. Kitats are mentioned in the Mahabharat they are of Tibeto- Burman families living between the Himalayas and the genetic plain. Kirata rulers used to rule with the help of customary law based on traditions, socio cultural values and beliefs.Kirata administration was based on traditions, socio-cultural values and beliefs.