| The word “Nepal” was derived from the word “Nepa” which refers to the Newar Kingdom of Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas, before the unification of Nepal. The Newars, a lingual community (derived from various ethnicities) of present day Nepal, are believed to be among the earliest settlers of the Kathmandu valley called "Nepa". The Nepal Sambat calendar, named after this Newar kingdom and devised 1100 years ago, is still one of the major calendars used in Nepal and testifies to its antiquity.
There are many other theories on the origin of word "Nepal". Some historians suggest that a Hindu sage named "Ne" established Kathmandu valley during prehistoric times and the word "Nepal" came into existence as the place protected ("pala" in Sanskrit) by the sage "Ne". Another legend ties the name to agriculture; "Ne" means wool in the Tibetan language and "pal" means house or godown. It is important to realize that "Nepal" was historically the name of present day Kathmandu valley only. The official calender of Nepal is Bikram Sambat, which was devised in 57 B.C.
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