Page 137 - Social Studies 5

ANCIENT HISTORY OF
Lesson 3 Unit 6
NEPAL

Objectives:

On completion of this lesson, students will be able to:
• Describe various dynasties who ruled over ancient Nepal.
• Describe about socio economic conditions of those eras

In the beginning, Kathmandu valley was a lake. River Baghmati dragged
its way to the south and the water drained outside. The valley became
fertile and suitable for settlement and people started to live here.

Rule of Gopal dynasty

The Gopals came to the valley from Mathura

(India) and settled here. Due to plenty of
grasses grown in Kathmandu valley, they
started to rear animals. Animal husbandry

was their main occupation. Mainly, they
reared cows. They were also called ‘Neep or
Nep’. It is said that ‘Nepal’ was named after

their name. The first king of Gopal dynasty
was king Bhuktaman. There were eight Gopal kings who ruled over Nepal
for 521 years. The last king of this dynasty was Yaksha Gupta. They had

their residence in Matatirtha.

Rule of Mahispal dynasty

After the Gopal dynasty, Mahispal came to
power. They were also called Ahir or Abhir.
They were from the Plains of India. They

used to keep buffaloes. In sanskrit, buffalo
is called Mahis. So, they were called the

Megha's Integrated Social Studies - 5 133