Nepa (also known asNipa orNeepa) was a mountainous kingdom mentioned in the ancient Sanskrit epicMahabharata. Its modern equivalent is identified as theKingdom of Nepal, a country located in the mountainous terrain of theHimalayas.
Nepas was mentioned as a tribe who was under the sway of thePandava kingYudhishthira:- The Nipas, the Chitrakas, the Kukkuras, the Karaskaras, and the Lauha-janghas were living in the palace ofYudhishthira like bondsmen (MBh 2:49). Nepas gave tribute toYudhishthira during hisRajasuya sacrifice:- NumerousChinas,Sakas, Uddras and many barbarous tribes were living in the woods, while many Vrishnis,Harahunas, and dusky tribes of theHimavat, and many Nipas were residing in regions on the sea-coast, waiting with tributes at the gate (of kingYudhishthira) (2:5).
The Nepa king is mentioned in a list of kings whose acts lead to the destruction of their own race, much like in the case ofDuryodhana, whose acts lead to the destruction of theKuru race.
WhenDharma became extinct,Kali was born in the race ofAsuras flourishing with prosperity and blazing with energy. So was Udavarta born among theHaihayas, Janamejaya among the Nepas, Vahula among the Talajanghas, proud Vasu among the Krimis, Ajavindu among theSuviras, Rushardhik among theSurashtras, Arkaja among the Valihas, Dhautamulaka among theChinas, Hayagriva among theVidehas, Varayu among the Mahaujasas, Vahu among the Sundaras, Pururavas among the Diptakshas, Sahaja among theChedis andMatsyas and Vrishaddhaja among the Praviras, Dharana among the Chandra-batsyas, Bigahana among the Mukutas and Sama among the Nandivegas (5:74).
At (13:34) we found the following passage where Nepas are mentioned as Nipas:- The Bhrigus conquered theTalajanghas. The son of Angiras conquered the Nipas. Bharadwaja conquered the Vitahavyas as well as theAilas.