Nepali, also known as Gorkhali or Parbatiya, is an Indo-Aryan language that evolved from Sanskrit and has a rich history spanning centuries. Its roots can be traced back to the early medieval period, with the development of languages from the Prakrits (vernaculars of Sanskrit). The first traces of Nepali as a distinct language began appearing in the 12th century, when it was used for official purposes in the Malla Kingdom of the Kathmandu Valley. It gradually spread across Nepal, gaining prominence through royal patronage and religious texts, with significant influences from neighboring languages like Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Tibetan.
 

During the 19th century, with the unification of Nepal under King Prithvi Narayan Shah, Nepali became the official language of the newly unified kingdom. This development helped establish Nepali as a standardized language for communication, governance, and education throughout the country. In the 20th century, Nepali underwent further modernization, particularly with the influence of Western education and media. Today, Nepali is the official language of Nepal, spoken by millions both in the country and in communities abroad, and serves as a symbol of national identity.