In recent years, Kathmandu has experienced a turbulent history
and political instability, marred by outbreaks of violence and protests
which have often caused considerable damage to buildings or caused
loss of lives. On June 1, 2001, a gruesome royal massacre occurred when
the Crown Prince Dipendra gunned down his immediate family consisting
of his father King Birendra, his mother Queen Aishvarya, his brother and
sister, and also five of his relatives at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace.
The Licchavis
from the Indo-Gangetic plain migrated north and defeated the Kiratas,
establishing the Licchavi dynasty, circa 400 AD.
