- Source: Sack of Kathmandu
Background
Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah, founder of Bengal's first unified kingdom, invaded Kathmandu in 1349, lured by reports of its wealth and golden temples. His army likely entered via Hariharpur, Sindhuligadhi, and Bhaktapur. Kathmandu's prosperity, admired by travelers, drew the sultan far from his Pandua capital to plunder the valley.
The Sack
Kathmandu experienced its first Muslim invasion under Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah, the sultan of Bengal. The valley was attacked, looted, and devastated, with temples and monuments, including Swayambhu and Pashupati, plundered. The invasion lasted seven days, sparing only the Changunarayan Temple, which the invaders failed to locate.