King Jayasthiti Malla implements Muluki Ain legal code.
| Political | Legal Reforms |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published:
5 min read
Jayasthiti Malla, ruler of a unified Nepali kingdom, initiated a transformative moment in Nepal’s legal history by introducing the Muluki Ain legal code. Hailing from a lineage known for its administrative prowess, Malla sought to bring a unifying framework to his diverse realm. The Muluki Ain aimed not only to regulate social conduct but also to legitimize the authority of the state, bringing a degree of standardization amidst a multitude of tribal customs and localized laws.
This legal code was directed towards creating a systematic structure covering various legal domains - property rights, criminal justice, taxation, and more. By codifying these elements, Jayasthiti Malla intended to provide stability and predictability to governance, which also helped in limiting the arbitrary power of local chieftains and nobility. The reach of this code was ambitious, as it sought to touch all layers of society including nobles, priests, traders, and peasants, thereby laying down the groundwork for a cohesive legal identity for the kingdom.
The implementation of Muluki Ain had significant repercussions. Firstly, it played a crucial role in centralizing Malla's rule, cementing the idea of a unified state. Furthermore, it established a basis for legal and economic reform which would be pivotal to the governance of Nepal for centuries. The legal code clarified succession laws, thereby reducing conflicts over inheritance, which were rampant under the previously decentralized legal systems. It also provided standardized procedures for dispute resolution, thus enhancing the efficiency of judicial processes, which subsequently contributed to the stability of the realm.
The implication of Muluki Ain’s impact extended beyond the immediate practicalities of governance. By embedding a common legal structure, Jayasthiti Malla fostered a sense of communal identity and collective responsibility among the Nepali people, aiding in the development of national consciousness.
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Primary Reference: PDF generated by "Newgen_vijay"
Location : Nepal

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