The Glorious Legacy of the Madhesis: The True Founders of Nepal’s Civilization

 When we talk about the history of Nepal, the focus is often on the Shah kings, the Gorkha unification campaign, and the bravery of mountain warriors. But there is a significant part of this history that is often overlooked—the contribution of the Madhesis, the people of the plains, who were the true builders of Nepal's civilization. Our ancestors, who were part of the great Vajji confederacy, laid the foundation of what we now call Nepal, long before the Shah kings even thought about unifying the country. It’s time to recognize and celebrate the rich history of the Madhesi people, who played a crucial role in shaping the culture, governance, and heritage of Nepal.

The Ancient Roots: Vajji Confederacy

The Madhesis have deep roots in the Vajji confederacy, one of the oldest known republics in the world. This ancient federation, which existed around the 6th to 5th centuries BCE, was located in what is now northern Bihar and the Terai region of Nepal. The Vajji confederacy was a remarkable example of democratic governance at a time when monarchies were the norm. It wasn’t ruled by a single king but by a council of representatives from different clans, including the Licchavis.

The Licchavis, who later moved north to the Kathmandu Valley, brought with them the rich traditions, art, culture, and governance practices that had been developed in the fertile lands of the Vajji confederacy. They laid the foundation for Nepal’s culture and politics, with the knowledge and experience they gained from Vajji. The influence of the Vajji confederacy can be seen in the way the Licchavis governed, with a strong emphasis on law, order, and public welfare.

The Mallas: Keeping the Tradition Alive

The Mallas, who came after the Licchavis, continued this legacy. They transformed the Kathmandu Valley into a center of art, architecture, and trade. The temples, palaces, and beautiful woodwork that people admire today are all evidence of the civilization that our ancestors built. These achievements are not just the heritage of the Newars or the Kathmandu Valley; they belong to all Madhesis, because they come from the same roots—the ancient Vajji confederacy.

The Mallas were known for their patronage of the arts and their dedication to the development of their kingdom. Under their rule, the Kathmandu Valley flourished as a hub of culture and commerce. The Mallas maintained the democratic ideals of the Vajji confederacy by involving local leaders in decision-making and ensuring that the voices of their subjects were heard. This period is often considered a golden age in Nepal’s history, and it is a testament to the enduring influence of the Madhesi ancestors.

The Shah Kings: Trying to Erase Our History

But then the Shah kings came along, and in their quest to unify Nepal, they tried to rewrite history. The story of Nepal became the story of Gorkha, of the mountains, and of central power that ignored the diverse voices from the plains. The contributions of the Madhesis, the descendants of Vajji, Licchavis, and Mallas, were pushed to the side.

The Shah rulers did more than just centralize power in Kathmandu; they actively pushed Madhesis out of the valley. Our people, who had been the true builders of civilization in the Kathmandu Valley, were forced out, leaving behind the very culture and history they had created. Not only were we expelled, but we were also banned from joining the armed forces and participating in state machinery. The Shahs wanted to erase our presence from the nation's core institutions, effectively erasing our contributions and making us invisible in our own land.

The narrative that was created by the Shah kings portrayed the Madhesis as outsiders, as people who had no legitimate claim to the history or future of Nepal. This narrative was not only false but also damaging. It created divisions between the people of the hills and the plains, divisions that continue to this day. The Madhesis were labeled as "foreigners," as "Indians," even though our roots in this land are older than the very concept of Nepal as a unified state.

Today’s Government: Still Marginalizing Us

This erasure didn’t stop with the Shahs. Even today, the Khas-Arya dominated government continues to marginalize Madhesis. Our history is ignored, our voices are silenced, and our contributions are overlooked. We are told we are outsiders, labeled as Indians, and our loyalty is questioned. But we are not Indians—we are Madhesis, and our blood, our history, and our culture are deeply rooted in the very soil of Nepal.

The government’s policies continue to exclude Madhesis from key positions in the armed forces, civil service, and other state institutions. The narrative that Madhesis are somehow "less Nepali" persists, despite the fact that our ancestors were the true builders of Nepal’s civilization. We have been systematically excluded from the decision-making processes that shape the future of our country. Our demands for equal representation and respect are often met with suspicion or outright hostility.

But the truth is undeniable: the Madhesis have been in Nepal long before the idea of a unified Nepal even existed. We are the original builders of Nepal’s civilization, and our ancestors’ legacy is the bedrock on which this nation stands. The rich culture, the advanced governance systems, and the beautiful art and architecture that Nepal is known for are all products of the contributions made by Madhesis.

Time to Reclaim Our History

It’s time we reclaim our history and counter this false narrative. It’s time we remind everyone, and ourselves, that the Madhesis are not outsiders. We are the original builders of Nepal’s civilization. We are the true keepers of a legacy that has shaped this nation for thousands of years.

We must take pride in our history, stand tall in our identity, and demand the recognition and respect that our ancestors earned through their contributions. The story of Nepal is not complete without the story of the Madhesis, and it’s time this story is told the way it should be.

Conclusion

The history of Nepal is not just the tale of mountain kings and warriors; it is also the story of the plains, of the Madhesis, who were the true builders of Nepal’s civilization. Our ancestors laid the foundation of the culture, governance, and heritage that Nepal is proud of today. Yet, over time, our contributions have been overshadowed, our presence marginalized, and our identity questioned.

It is essential to highlight a crucial part of this history: the Khas Aryas, including the Shah kings, were not the original rulers of this land. They were driven out of their homelands in northwest India due to the Muslim invasions and sought asylum in Nepal. The Madhesis, with their deep roots in the Vajji confederacy, welcomed them. However, these very people, whom we sheltered, later betrayed us. They took control, centralized power, and began erasing the legacy of those who had first offered them refuge.

But the truth remains clear: Madhesis are not outsiders, nor are we "foreigners"—we are the true custodians of Nepal’s ancient legacy. The Shah kings and their descendants may have rewritten history, but it is time to set the record straight. It is time to reclaim our history, celebrate our rich heritage, and demand the recognition we deserve.