Jayaprakash Malla, the last king of Kathmandu, ruled from 1734 to 1768 AD, facing numerous internal and external conflicts. Described as a brave yet self-centered and despotic ruler, he endeavored to oppose Prithvi Narayan Shah but failed due to his mistrust of his close allies. Ascending the throne after his father Jagajjaya Malla's death in 1734, Jayaprakash Malla encountered immediate resistance from Khasa military officers, who preferred his brother Rajyaprakasa. This rebellion, which lasted four months, was just the beginning of his troubles. The nobility from his father's era also resisted his rule. Jayaprakash appointed Ranavira Thapa as Chief Officer of the Court, replacing the old noble Shuka Bha, which caused further dissent.
He was a devoted follower of the goddess Taleju Bhawani, whose temple is located in Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square. According to legend, Taleju Bhawani would visit Jaya Prakash late at night in human form to play dice with him. However, when the goddess sensed that the king was harboring inappropriate thoughts about her, she ceased her visits. Realizing his mistake, the king sought forgiveness through purification rituals. In a subsequent dream, Taleju Bhawani appeared to him and declared that she would no longer appear before him in human form. Instead, she instructed him to choose a young, pre-pubescent girl from the Shakya clan, one who possessed the thirty-two auspicious qualities, and establish her as the living goddess Kumari. Thus, the tradition of the Kumari in Kathmandu was initiated during the reign of Jaya Prakash Malla.
Jayaprakash's reign was marked by his relentless efforts to resist Prithvi Narayan Shah's advances, including aiding Kirtipur during Gorkhali invasions in 1757 and 1764, with support from Bhadgaun and Patan. Despite his efforts, Shah's strategy to isolate the Valley by forming alliances with southern kingdoms and the British East India Company undermined Jayaprakash's position. In 1767, Gorkhali troops launched a major offensive, capturing Kirtipur and ultimately defeating Jayaprakash and his allies, leading to the fall of the Malla dynasty and the establishment of the Shah dynasty in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Jayaprakash Malla's contributions include granting a charter to the Capuchin mission, allowing them to spread their teachings, which fostered international communication. He also minted numerous coins, though his resources were so depleted by wars and rebellions that he resorted to minting clay coins. Despite his efforts to unite the Mallas against Prithvi Narayan Shah, his reign is remembered as a tragic period filled with mistrust, rebellion, and murder. Jayaprakash's character was marked by bravery and patriotism, but his suspicion, irritability, arrogance, and cruelty made him many enemies.
His intolerant and corrupt administration faced numerous revolts, and his overbearing and suspicious nature played a significant role in the Malla dynasty's defeat by the Gorkhas. After being in exile for four years, he returned to power briefly in 1752 but was ultimately unable to prevent the Gorkhali conquest. His legacy remains significant in Nepalese history as a prominent but ultimately defeated ruler who faced immense challenges from both internal and external forces.
