The Khasa Malla were a kingdom in what is now western Nepal and Tibet, centered on the Karnali River valley. While a Himalayan people called Khasa are mentioned in ancient Indian texts, the organized Khasa Malla kingdom flourished roughly between the twelfth and the fourteenth centuries. Little is known about this kingdom, as written sources are limited to a few inscriptions and mentions in Tibetan chronicles, in which they are known as the Yatse kingdom. Nevertheless, the Khasa Malla had a unique culture of Buddhist bronze casting that combined Indic and Tibetan cultural elements. The Khasa Malla are not to be confused with the Malla Dynasty based in the Kathmandu Valley.

Published November 10, 2022

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