Licchavi (also Lichchhavi, Lichavi) is an ancient kingdom in Nepal, which exists in the Kathmandu Valley from approximately 400 to 750.

Centuries earlier, at the start of the Buddhist era, a powerful republic known as Licchavi existed in what is today Bihar.

There is no conclusive evidence of any ethnic or historic links between the two states.

The language of Licchavi inscriptions is Sanskrit, and the particular script used is closely related to official Gupta scripts, suggesting that India was a significant cultural influence.

This was likely through Mithila - the northern part of modern Bihar, India.

The term 'Licchavi' term probably derives from Rikshavi possibly Sanskritized to Rkshvavati.

Riksha or Rksha in Sanskrit means Star.