He succeeded his father Pratap Malla in 1674 as the King of Kantipur.
The Kingdom of Patan played an important role in installing Nripendra as the king of Kantipur.
[1] Nripendra was an insignificant king and the real control of the kingdom was exercised by Parthibendra Malla.
In fact, the Vamshavalis (genealogy) do not even mention Nripendra Malla being a king.
However, coins minted in his name, and documents addressing him with royal titles have been found which establish that he had ascended the throne immediately after his father's death.