The Royal Palace supposedly dates back to the Licchavi period (5th-13th century); but; with the exception of a few inscriptions; there is little substantial evidence for this. In the earliest inscription; which hails from the year 643 CE and which was found at the Keshav Narayan Chowk; Licchavi King Narendra Deva announced the abolition of three types of taxes; presumably making him popular with his subjects. This indicates that there may at the time have been a palace at the site of Keshav Narayan Chowk; which is part of the present royal palace complex.

The royal palace as seen today in Durbar Square has its origins in the 14th century; however; the most active building period was the 17th century. Pictures From Asia Rainer Krack