Nomenclature of the Country Nepal

There are various opinions regarding the nomenclature of Nepal:

· According to one of the mythological texts Nepal Mahatmya, the early settlement of this valley was made in the instruction and guidance of a sage named Ne. Ever after, it flourished in his care and protection. Because it was cared (palan) by Ne, it was called Nepal. Although sage Ne lived in Dumja (Sindhuli) at first, later he is supposed to have shifted to Mt. Chandrachud where he continued his meditation.

· There was an illustrious king called Nep in the Gopal Dynasty. The dynasty was called Nip; a word appeared in the Veda and Panini Asthadhyai too. As the valley was home (alaya) of the Nips, in time it became Nepalaya and then Nepal.

· In Sanskrit language, Nip means lap of mountains and ala / alaya means home. As this kingdom is a home in the lap of mountains, in time it is supposed to be the amalgamation of Nep and ala = Nepal as its name.

· In Kirant language, Ne means central and Pa means wool. Indeed, during the ancient time, wool in great quantity used to be produced and even exported to the neighbouring countries. Therefore, probably it is known as the central land.

· Newar, the indigenous inhabitants of this valley still call Nepa: that might have transliterated to Nepal.

· In Lepcha, the language of one of the ethnic communities, Nepal means sacred cave or holy place. Because Nepal has so many religious places, it might have been called so.

· Since the early days, present Kathmandu valley was called Nepal. After the unification too, King Prithivi Narayan Shah made it the capital. Therefore, the entire country adopted this name.