The Thakuri Period was an era of Nepalese history that lasted roughly from the ninth to the twelfth centuries CE. “Thakuri” is a term of respect given to historical kings in much later chronicles, not the name of a governing dynasty or ethnic group. For this reason some scholars prefer the terms the “post-Licchavi” or “transitional” period. Very few secular records survive from this period, and little is known about its political history. Nevertheless, the many Buddhist and Hindu pothi manuscripts and bronze statues attest to Nepal’s continued cultural output. During the Thakuri Period, Vajrayana teachings rose to dominance among Buddhists in the Kathmandu Valley.

Published November 10, 2022

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