The epic
Mahabharata
mentions the
Kiratas
among the inhabitants of Nepal.
Kirati king
Yalambar
had the dubious honor of being slain in the battle of the Mahabharata, in which gods and mortals
fought alongside each other. Legend credits him with meeting Indra, the lord of heaven, who ventured into the Valley
in human guise. It is said that during the battle of Mahabharata, Yalamber went to witness the battle with a view to take the side
of the losing party. Lord Krishna, knowing the intention of Yalamber and the strength and unity of the Kiratas
thought that the war would unnecessarily be prolonged if Yalamber sided with the Kauravas.
So, by a clever stroke of diplomacy, Lord Krishna cut off Yalamber's head.