Archaeological discoveries in the eastern Terai around Sunsari, Morang and Jhapa indicate prehistoric and early historic human settlement, though the ethnic identity of the earliest inhabitants cannot always be established from the evidence alone. The wider Koshi region is traditionally associated with the Kirat/Kirata peoples, and the lowlands of Limbuwan — present-day Sunsari, Morang and Jhapa — were collectively known as Morang District since the time of King Mung Mawrong Hang in the 7th century. During the medieval and early modern periods the region was politically connected with Morang and Vijaypur, coming under the influence of the Sen rulers of Makwanpur and later the Sen polity centred at Vijaypur, while local chiefs and indigenous communities retained considerable authority. The Gorkha expansion under Prithvi Narayan Shah and his successors incorporated the eastern territories into the expanding Nepalese state, transforming the older political structure through conquest and administrative reorganisation. The area was originally part of Morang District and became its own district in 1962 when Nepal was divided into 14 zones and 75 districts.
Researched by the ChillNepal team from published sources. Spot something out of date? Tell us from the place's page.
