Licchavi (also
Lichchhavi,
Lichavi) was an ancient kingdom in
Nepal, which existed in the
Kathmandu Valley from approximately 400 to 750 CE. Centuries earlier, at the start of the
Buddhist era a powerful
republic known as
Licchavi existed in what is today
Kathmandu. There is no conclusive evidence of any ethnic or historic links between the two states. The language of Licchavi inscriptions is
Sanskrit, and the particular script used is closely related to official
Gupta scripts, suggesting that the other major kingdoms of the
Classical Period to the south were a significant cultural influence. This was likely through
Mithila - the northern part of modern
Bihar, India. The term 'Licchavi' probably derives from Rikshavi possibly
Sanskritized to Rkshvavati.
Riksha or
Rksha in
Sanskrit means
Star. A table of the evolution of certain Gupta characters used in Licchavi inscriptions prepared by Gautamavajra Vajracarya can be found online.