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Name: Nepal: The Discovery of the Malla Author: Giuseppe Tucci Translated by: Lovett Edwards First published on: 1962 by E.P. Dutton & Co. Inc. Genre: Travel literature / Historical non-fiction (History) About the Author Giuseppe Tucci (1894–1984) was an Italian scholar and explorer famous for his studies of Buddhism, Tibet, and Himalayan cultures. He led several expeditions to Nepal and Tibet and wrote important books that introduced Asian religions and art to the Western world. Introduction to the Book Nepal: The Discovery of the Malla by Giuseppe Tucci is a scholarly, travel-based work that explores Nepal’s historical, cultural, and artistic heritage during the Malla period. The book is based on Tucci’s journeys through the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas, where he studied temples, inscriptions, manuscripts, and artworks. Through careful observation and research, Tucci highlights the contributions of the Malla rulers to Nepalese architecture, religion, art, and urban life. The book serves as a valuable resource for understanding how the Malla era influenced Nepal’s identity and preserved its rich cultural heritage. Plot The book documents Tucci’s extensive journeys across the Kathmandu Valley, including the ancient cities of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan, as well as their surrounding regions. During his travels, he examines temples, palaces, sculptures, inscriptions, manuscripts, and other cultural artifacts, linking them with the political, religious, and social history of the Malla era. Tucci offers insights into how the Malla kings promoted urban development, patronized art and architecture, and fostered both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, which collectively shaped Nepal’s unique cultural identity. Through his observations, he describes the layout of ancient cities, the symbolism in temple architecture, and the details of art and iconography. He also explores the role of religion in daily life and how political power and cultural expression were intertwined under the Mallas. The narrative unfolds as a gradual “discovery,” with Tucci connecting historical facts from monuments, inscriptions, and local traditions. He highlights not only the grandeur of Malla architecture but also the social and religious systems, the festivals, and the artistic creativity that flourished during their rule. The book portrays the Malla period as a golden age of cultural and artistic achievement, showing how its legacy continues to impact modern Nepalese society. Through this blend of travelogue and historical scholarship, Tucci provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of Nepal’s Malla heritage. Settings Geographical Setting: Kathmandu Valley – the main area of exploration, including the cities of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan. Surrounding regions, including smaller towns, temples, and villages preserving Malla-era architecture. Some areas near the Tibetan frontiers, showing cultural connections between Nepal and Tibet. Historical Setting: Focuses on the Malla period (12th–18th century CE), when the Malla kings influenced art, architecture, religion, and urban development. Tucci’s observations link his 1930s–1940s travels with historical remnants from the Malla era. Cultural Setting: Temples and religious sites – highlighting Hindu and Buddhist practices, rituals, festivals, and iconography. Palaces and royal courts – emphasizing Malla political history, architecture, and urban planning. Daily life – local traditions, crafts, and social systems observed during Tucci’s exploration. Atmosphere / Environmental Setting: Cities show rich cultural vibrancy, bustling streets, sacred spaces, and historic monuments. Tucci notes the artistic and spiritual ambiance of temples, stupas, and royal courtyards. Critical Analysis A Review and Critique of Giuseppe Tucci's "Nepal: The Discovery of the Malla". Giuseppe Tucci's "Nepal: The Discovery of the Malla" provides a comprehensive overview of the Malla Era (from about 1200 to 1650 A.D.). The book reviews the Malla Period (Approximately 9,000 Products) through travel accounts and scholarly research. The primary strength of Tucci's book is that it thoroughly catalogs temples, palaces, works of art, and inscribed artifacts demonstrating how the Malla kings influenced the cultural, religious, architectural, technological, and urban environments of Nepal. In addition to this, Tucci provides a wealth of information regarding Nepalese architecture, painting, and sculpture, but the author may exhibit a more Western-oriented viewpoint, focusing more on Nepal's elite artwork than on the daily lives of ordinary citizens. Nevertheless, this is an extremely valuable resource for people interested in the cultural history of Nepal, especially the Malla Period. Conclusion Nepal: The Discovery of the Malla by Giuseppe Tucci provides a thorough and insightful exploration of Nepal’s Malla period, highlighting the achievements of the Malla kings in art, architecture, religion, and urban culture. Through his travels and observations, Tucci preserves knowledge of Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and illustrates how the Malla era shaped the country’s identity. The Malla dynasty has an enduring influence on what we see today in Nepal - from the many amazing temples and palaces, to the numerous festivals and arts that are practiced today. Overall, it is an essential work for understanding Nepalese history and culture, combining scholarly research with vivid travel experiences to bring the Malla period alive for reader