Patan is believed to have been founded by King Varadeva in 290 CE, with local legends tracing its origins even earlier; it was historically known as Yala in the Newar language and Patan in Sanskrit. The Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is said to have visited around 249 BC, erecting four stupas at the cardinal points of the city that still stand as markers of its ancient Buddhist heritage. During the Licchavi period (c. 400-750 CE) Patan emerged as a centre of trade and religion, with early inscriptions and stone sculptures indicating a thriving urban culture, and a Licchavi stele of King Amshuverma dated 605 was found at Bungamati. The Mallas later expanded the city into a medieval kingdom centred on the royal palace of Patan Durbar Square, and the 2017 local restructuring merged the district's former village development committees into six municipalities led by Lalitpur Metropolitan City.
Researched by the ChillNepal team from published sources. Spot something out of date? Tell us from the place's page.
