Arimalla

Arimalla , also known as Aridev Malla , was the first king of the Malla dynasty in the Kathmandu valley, also known as Nepal Mandala at that time.

Etymology of Malla Beginning in the early twelfth century, leading notables in Kathmandu valley began to appear with names ending in the term Malla, (literally wrestler in Sanskrit), indicating a person of great strength and power. Aridev was a great admirer of wrestling and was a wrestler himself, thus it is possible that he added the word Malla to his name and then the Malla dynasty came into existence. However, this is debated as the word Malla already existed before the Malla dynasty came into existence such as the place Mallapuri conquered by Manadeva.

Reign Although the cause of his reign is unclear, it is believed that he reigned from 1201 to 1216 and was succeeded by his son Abhaya Malla.