Etymology

Etymology

“Ne” Muni

Local legends say that a Hindu sage namied "Ne" established himself in the valley of Kathmandu in pre-historic times and that the word "Nepal" came into existence as the place protected ("pala" in pali) by the sage "Ne". According to the Skanda Purana , a rishi called "Ne" or "Nemuni" used to live in Himalaya. In the Pashupati Purana, he is mentioned as a saint and a protector. He is said to have practised meditation at the Bagmati and Kesavati rivers and to have taught there. It is also known as Gorkha Land. It is said that during the WORLD WAR brave Nepali showed their unexpected bravery so Nepal is also known as the ‘GORKAH LAND’.

Origin of Nepali

The word "Nepal" is believed by most scholars to be derived from the word "Nepa" which refers to the Newar kingdom, the present day Kathmandu Valley. In early Sanskrit sources (Atharvaveda Parisista) and in Gupta period inscriptions, the country is referred to as Nepala. The Newars of present day Nepal, the inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley and its peripheries, were referred as "Nepa-mi" (citizens of Nepa) before the advent of Shah Dynasty. Citizens of Nepal are also Gorkhali.