Page 123 - Social Studies 4

oriGin oF
Lesson 2 Unit 6
tHe word ‘nePal’

Objectives:

On completion of this lesson, students will be able to:
• Write and elabrate the meaning of ‘Nepal’ and its origin.

We all know the name of our
motherland is Nepal. And, it is very
important for all of us to know how
Nepal is named. We can read about
Nepal and its facts in ancient books.
Nepal was in existence as early

as three thousand years ago. In
ancient times the Kathmandu valley
was called Nepal. There are different
beliefs and opinions about the origin
of the word “Nepal”. It is believed
that Nepal is named on the basis of
religions, races and languages.

According to the religious belief of
Hindus, Lord Krishna came to Nepal with some milkmen in Dwaparyuga.

The milkmen brought their cows with them. The milkmen were called
Gopals. It was believed that one cow used to give milk only at a particular
place everyday. One milkman saw this and tried to find the reason. Before
the milkman could find the reason, he was killed by some powerful rays
coming out from the shrine of Pashupatinath. Later the saint Ne made
Bhuktiman, the son of the milkman, the king of Nepal. It is said that
from the name of saint ‘Ne’, Nepal was named. In the same ways, the
Gopals(milkmen) were called ‘Nippa’ and then home was called ‘Aalaya’.
From the coinage of these two words ‘Nepal’ was named.

Megha's Integrated Social Studies - 4 119