According to historical records, the earliest civilization in Nepal developed around the 6th century B.C. and was confined to the Kathmandu Valley, which later became the capital city. The earliest rulers were known as the Gopals, who are believed to have migrated from India with cows. They were followed by the Mahispals, who also came from India and were associated with buffalo herding. Written history of Nepal begins with the inscription found at the Changu Narayan Temple, issued by King Mandev I (c. 464–505 A.D.) of the Lichhavi dynasty.
The Lichhavis are believed to have migrated to Nepal from northern India around 250 A.D. Their rule lasted for approximately 630 years. In the 12th century, the early Malla dynasty came to power and gradually expanded into a strong empire over the next two centuries. Eventually, this empire fragmented into several smaller principalities.
Before unification, Nepal was divided into many small states ruled by different kings. In 1768, Prithvi Narayan Shah unified these states into a single nation. During the reigns of his successors, Nepal’s territory expanded westward close to Kashmir and eastward to Sikkim, regions that are now part of India. Nepal signed a commercial treaty with the British East India Company in 1792, and again in 1816 following more than a year of conflict.