Eventually, the Licchavi ruler 

Gunakamadeva merged Koligram and Dakshin Koligram, founding

the city of Kathmandu.[19] The city was designed in the shape of Chandrahrasa, the sword of
Manjushri. The city was surrounded by eight barracks guarded by Ajimas. One of these barracks
is still in use at Bhadrakali (in front of Singha Durbar). The city served as an important transit
point in the trade between India and Tibet, leading to tremendous growth in architecture.
Descriptions of buildings such as Managriha, Kailaskut Bhawan, and Bhadradiwas Bhawan have
been found in the surviving journals of travellers and monks who lived during this era. For
example, the famous 7th-century Chinese traveller Xuanzang described Kailaskut Bhawan, the
palace of the Licchavi king Amshuverma.[20] The trade route also led to cultural exchange as well.
The artistry of the Newar people—the indigenous inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley—became
highly sought after during this era, both within the Valley and throughout the greater Himalayas.
Newar artists travelled extensively throughout Asia, creating religious art for their neighbours. For
example, Araniko led a group of his compatriot artists through Tibet and China. Bhrikuti, the
princess of Nepal who married Tibetan monarch Songtsän Gampo, was instrumental in
introducing Buddhism to Tibet.

Skyline of Kathmandu, circa 1793

Malla era