The Malla Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of Nepal c. 12011769. It was during their reign that the people living in and around the Kathmandu Valley began to be called 'Newars', meaning citizens of Nepal. The Mallas were the ruling clan of the Malla Mahajanapada. They have claimed Kshatriya status themselves. The first of the Malla kings came to power in Kathmandu Valley around 1200. The Malla period was a golden age that stretched over 600 years, though it was frequently blighted by fighting over the valuable trade routes to Tibet.