Dharmadev was the father of Manadev I. He was one of the Licchavi kings. He is described to have ruled for forty-one years. According to the Changu inscription of Manadev I, Dharmadev was the son of Shankaradev. Religios-minded, well-versed in Dardaniti (state craft) and Karmakanda (religious text), endowed with good virtues, King Dharmadev had expanded and protected Nepal. He was loved by his people by virtue of being a Rajarshi. Pure in mind and physique, bright as moon, well versed in Shastras, he worshipped the gods by performing Yajnas (religious rites).
So far all historians have only mentioned the sudden death of Dharmadev. No question is raised how it happened. Was it a natural sudden death? In this article it is assumed that Dharmadev was killed by his son Manadev.
