UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION

-Origin of Nepal- Nepal as a Sovereign Country

- Geography- Location
- Political History- Ancient Period, Medieval
Period, Shah Period, Rana Period
- Modern Nepal
 A: Origin of Nepal- Nepal as a Sovereign Country

• Nepal, country of Asia, lying along the southern slopes of the 

Himalayan mountain ranges. It is a landlocked country located
between India to the east, south, and west and the 
Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north.
• Nepal is a federal democratic republic.
• Nepal is a secular country.
• Nepal is a semi-feudal Country ( Feudalism + Capitalism).
• Head Of Government: Prime Minister.
• Capital: Kathmandu
• Population: (2022 AD.) : 291,92,480.
• Head Of State: President.
• Nepal is regarded as a culturally rich country. ( Multicultural, Multi-caste,
Multi-ethnic, Multi-racial, and Multi-Linguistic: Unity in Diversity)
 Origin Of Nepal:

• The History of Nepal has its proven records of as 5,000 years.

• The Gopal, Mahishpala, Kirants, Lichchhavi, the Mall and the
last shah dynasties have played their role one another.
• From the ancient time, the Kathmandu Valley has been the centre
because of the accessibility, suitable climate as well as fertile soil.
• According to Hindu Veda the name of Nepal was ‘Satawati’ in
Satya Yuga, ‘Tapoban’ in Treta yuga, ‘Muktisopan’ in Dwapar
yuga and ‘Nepal’ in Kali yuga.
• For the first time, the word ‘Nepal’ is found to have mentioned
Kurma part in ‘ Atharba Parisista’ of Atharva Veda written around
800-600 BC.
• According to the famous Nepalese historian Dhanabajra
Bajracharya the name of Nepal was given by the Gopal
Dynasty, who were the first ruler of Nepal. Nepal’s existence is
found to have been with the emergence of ‘Nepa’, the genus of
the Gopal dynasty.
• In Nepalese inscription the word ‘Nepal’ was first used by
Basanta Deva in 512 AD.

• In the ancient period , there is supposed to have been a big

pond in Kathandu Valley. Later, it flowed away and the first
settlement started in the valley. ( Manjushree and God
Krishna).
• The ‘Nagas’ were the first tribe and the Gopal were the first
dynasty to rule over the Kathmandu Valley.
1. On the Basis of Chronicle ( Bansawali):
- The First chronicle of Nepal is ‘gopalraj Bansawali’
- The Gopal came into the Kathmandu Valley from
Mathura, the had a capitan Sephard named’ Nepa’.
- ‘Ne Muni’ the son of Marichi Rishi. Ne Muni
protected the first settler and they put name ‘Nepal’
in the memory of ‘Ne Muni’ Rishi.
2. On the Basis of Langauage:

a. Tibetan Langauage- Ne (House) + Pala (wool)= Nepal

b. Newari Language – Ne (Middle)+ Pa ( Country)= Nepal
c. Lepcha Language- Ne (Holy) + Pala( Cave/ Settlement
area)= Nepal
d. Sanskrit language- Nipa (Slope)+ Ala ( land/place)= Nepal
e. Kirat language- Neyatha (cattle)+ pa (people)= Nepal
f. Limbu language- Nepal (Plain Land)= Nepal
• On the basis of Caste:
1. Nyarba Caste: Nepal and Newar words were
originated from the word ‘Nyarba’.
2. Nipa Caste: Gyan Mani Nepal, argues that the
first and second dynasties Gopal and Mahishapala
were of ‘Nipa’ caste.( Nipa ( Genus of Gopal)+ Ala
( Settlement place).
 Nepal as a Sovereign Country:
• A state is a centralized political organization that imposes and enforces
rules over a population within a territory. There is no undisputed
definition of a state.A widely used definition from the German
 sociologist Max Weber is that a "state" is a polity that maintains a 
monopoly on the legitimate use of violence, although other definitions
are not uncommon.
• Elements of State:
(1) population,
(2) territory,
(3) government,
(4) sovereignty (or independence).
The first two elements constitute the physical or material basis of the state
while the last two form its political and spiritual basis.
 Nepal as a Sovereign Country:
• Sovereignty is the supreme power of the country, in which no
individual, institution or any power become superior.
• Sovereignty is an English word which comes from the Latin word ‘
Superans’ that stands for super power.
• In general, supreme power of the State/country is called
sovereignty.
• According to Jean Bodin “ Sovereignty is the Supreme power over
citizens and subject understand by law”.
• According to Burges “Sovereignty is that unique, complete or
unlimited power than the person or community of the country”
• Sovereignty is a political concept that refers to dominant power or
supreme authority. In a monarchy, supreme power resides in the
"sovereign", or king. In modern democracies, sovereign power
rests with the people and is exercised through representative
bodies such as Parliament.
• Sovereignty has two aspects internal and external
1. Internally viewed, the state has supreme power over all individuals and
associations within its fixed area. It can compel obedience of its people
to its laws and commands. ( Internal Law formulation and Enforce it).
2. Externally viewed, the state is free from control of any foreign state or
alien rule. ( Develop International Relationship)
• The control and authority over the body politic are meant to be the
sovereign: the ‘'supreme''.
• Sovereignty is the "final and absolute political authority in the political
community, and no final and absolute authority exists elsewhere."
• Nepal, in its long history, has always stood as an independent, sovereign
country.
• Nepal did not loose its sovereignty to the British Empire because of bravery of
warriors. It is independent since the time in immemorial.
• We, the Sovereign People of Nepal, Internalizing the people's sovereign right
and right to autonomy and self-rule, while maintaining freedom, sovereignty,
territorial integrity, national unity, independence and dignity of Nepal.
• According to the constitution of 2072 BS, Nepalese people have full
sovereignty. It is declared in the article 2 of the constitution.
2. Sovereignty and state authority:
The sovereignty and state authority of Nepal shall be vested in the Nepalese
people. It shall be exercised in accordance with the provisions set forth in this
Constitution.
• Sovereignty lies in the hands of people and our constitution has guaranteed it.
The sovereign people of Nepal are free to make decisions on matters affecting
their lives. Peaceful pursuit of political objectives must therefore remain at the
core of our political discourse.
1. Ancient Period
- Gopal Dynasty
- Mahispal Dynasty
- Kirat Dynasty
- Lichchhavi Dynasty
2. Medieval Period
- Malla Dynasty
3. Modern Period
- Shah Dynasty
- Rana Period
- Rise of Democracy
- Panchayat
- Demolition of monarchy
- Federal Democratic Republic state.
 Geography and Location:
• Nepal is a county of geographical diversity.
• It shares its northern border with the Tibetan region of the People's
Republic of China, and its eastern, southern and western borders
with India.
• It is a landlocked country and the nearest sea Bay of Bengal is 1127
km from the eastern border.
• Nepal is divided into three geographical division: Mountain to the
north , Hills in the middle and Terai to the south.
• Total area of Nepal is, 1,47,181 sq, km.
• Nepal’s east west length is 885 km and north breadth is 193 km in
average.
• Nepal covers 0.03% to total land of the world and 0.3% of total
land of Asia.
• Shape of Nepal is rectangular.
• Nepal consists of Hill (68%), Terai (17%) and Mountain ( 15%)
among the total area.
Division of Districts:
1. Mountain Districts ( 21 Districts )
2. Hill Districts ( 28 Districts)
3. Inner Terai Districts ( 7 Districts)
4. Terai District ( 18 Districts)
5. Kathmandu Valley’s Districts ( 3 Districts)
Nepal is of roughly rectangular shape
At the foot of the Himalayas, Nepal is home to eight of the world's
ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest, the highest one in
the world.
• Nepal seems a very small country in the north-east of the world
map.
• It lies in the slope of Great Himalayas that runs through Asia.
 Political History Of Nepal:
- History is the study of life in society in the past, in all its aspect, in relation
to present developments and future hopes. It is the story of man in time,
an inquiry into the past based on evidence.
- Indeed, evidence is the raw material of history teaching and learning. It is
an Inquiry into what happened in the past, when it happened, and how it
happened.. History is, or should be an attempt to re-think the past.
- History aims at helping students to understand the present existing social,
political, religious and economic conditions of the people. Without the
knowledge of history we cannot have the background of our religion,
customs institutions, administration and so on.
- Henry Johnson: “History, in its broadest sense, is everything that ever
happened.”
- A study of the present in the light of the past:
- Objective record of happenings
1. The Ancient Period:
- The Gopal Dynasty
- Mahishpala Dynasty
- Kirat Dynasty
- Lichchhavi Period
2. The Medieval Period
- Malla Dynasty
3. Modern Period
- Shah Dynasty
- Rana Period
- Rise of Democracy
- Panchayat
- Demolition of monarchy
- Federal Democratic Republic state.
( Pre-modern 1825- 2007 and Post-modern history of Nepal after 2007BS)
 1. The Ancient Period : (The Gopal Dynasty, Mahishpala Dynasty, Kirat
Dynasty, Lichchhavi Period)

1. The Gopal Dynasty:

- The Gopals were the first rulers of Nepal.
- The Gopals came from Mathura with loard Krishna to the
Kathamndu Valley.
- They ruled over 500 years.
- The economy was based on animal husbandry basically of cows.
- Eight Gopal Kings ruled Kathmandu Valley for about 500 years.
Bhuktman ruled for 88 years.
- The society was open and no stratification. ( Egalitarian Society).
- The last King was Yakshya Gupta.
- According to the mythodological sources the palace of the Gopal
was at Matatirtha.
 2. Mahishpala Dynasty,
• The second dynasty to settle in Kathmandu Valley.
• The ruled for short time period for 111 years
( Kirkcaptrick)
• The economy was based animal husbandary basically
of Buffalo.
• Three Mahispal Kings ruled Kathamandu valley ( Bara
singh, Jaya singh, and Bhuwan singh).
• They entered into eastern Terai from India during the
Gopal Dynasty.
• There was egalitarian society.
 3. Kirat Dynasty:
• The First formally recognized dynasty who ruled a large portion of land
spanning from Sikkim in the east to Gandak in the west.
• Yalambar was the first king and he also look part in Mahabaharat war.
• 32 Kirat Kings ruled fro about 800 years.
• Kirat followed hereditary monarchical system.
• During the rule of the Kirats, Nepal made considerable progress in
the field of art and architecture, trade and commerce.
• The Kirats were not only good warriors but also good
administrators. Men and women were treated equally. Criminals
were given severe punishment
• Trade and commerce flourished under the Kiratas. Nepal had trade
relations with Tibet, China and India.
• The last King was Gasti.
 4. Lichchhavi Period:
•The lichchhavi period was the golden period in
Nepalese history.
•The lichchhavi came to Nepal from the Baisali of India.
•They were Surya (solar) clan.
•The Lichchhavi ruled in Nepal for more than 800 years.
•Supushapa was the first Lichchhavi king of Nepal.
Mana Deva was the most famous king of this dynasty.
•Jaya Deva-I, Haridatta, Brisha Deva, Shankhar Deva, Dharma
Deva, Mana Deva-I, Shiva Deva-I, Amshuverma, Narendra
Deva, Jaya Deva-II were the famous kings of Lichchhavi
dynasty.
• Social, economic, political aspect , language,
literature, art, and architecture were highly
developed in this period.
• Managriha, Kailashkut bhawan, bhadradhiwas,
Changunarayan temple were the most
important models of architecture of lichchhavis.
• Inscription of Thankot, Balambu,
Changunarayan, etc. were important inscription
of lichchhavi periods.
• Nepal was trade route to India, Tibet and China
in the Lichchhavi period. Nepali goods were
popular in India, Tibet and China.
• Nepal had good relation with her neighboring
countries during this period.
• Sanskrit was national language in Lichchhavi
period. The inscription and national documents
were written in Sanskrit language.
 Lichchhavi Civilization:
1. Political System( King, The Prince, Amatya
(Minister), Samanta (Feudal), Power Decentralization,
Panchali ( Local Administration).
2. Social System ( Multicultural, Multi-religion,
Polygamy, fest and festivals etc.).
3. Economic System ( Agriculture, Animal
husbandry, Business, cottage industries, Tax
collection)
4. Language, Literature, Art and Architecture.
( Sanskrit, Kirat language, Swaymbhunath Chaitya,
Boudhanath Stuppa, Changunarayan Temple etc.)
• Peace and prosperity prevailed in the Lichchhavi society.
• Language, art and architecture, education, industries were
flourished.
• The King and people were on legal system. There was
progress in every filed of society.
• The economy, trade and commerce, foreign relation,
religious harmony were also in top position.
• People got good justice from Panchali, which was the local
judicial unit. It was an example of direct democratic system.
• The people were happy under Lichchhavis. So, the
Lichchhavi period is regarded as the “Golden Age” in the
history of Nepal.
 
• The major reasons for the Lichchhavi period being called
as the “Golden Age/ period” of Nepal’s history are as
listed below:    
1.   Efficient and effective governance and administration
2.    Peaceful status
3.  Harmony
4.    Religious tolerance
5.      Development of Arts, crafts and architecture
6.      Tax revenues
7.     Stability
8.    Culture
9.     Matrimonial alliance and diplomatism
10.     Justice and Judiciary
11.   Internal and External security
 Some Importance Lichchhavi Kings:

1. Mana Deva ( 521-562 BS ):

2. Anshuverma ( 662- 678 BS):
3. Narendra Deva (699-735 BS)
 1. ManaDeva ( 521-562 BS ):
• The first testimonial , certified or authentic
king of Nepal. He is famous for the
Changunarayan inscription inscribed in 521 BS.
• Mana Deva was the most famous king of this
dynasty. Mana Deva built a famous palace
called “Mangriha”.
• Mana Deva also introduced Nepalese coins for
the first time, known as “Manaka”.
 2. Anshuverma ( 662- 678 BS):
• He was not from Lichchhavi dynasty, He was from
Thakuri dynasty. He was the first king to confer the title
‘Maharajadhiraja’.
• Another important Lichchhavi monarch was
Anshuverma who opened trade routes to Tibet. One of
his daughters, Bhrikuti, who was married to Tibetan
ruler Tsrong- tsong – Gompo, was instrumental in
spreading the Gospel of Buddha in Tibet and China.
• He built Kailaskut Palace.
• Anshuverma has been referred to as a man of many
talents in the accounts of the Chinese traveler Huen
Tsang, who had visited India in the 7th century A.D.
 3. Narendra Deva (699-735 BS) :
• He dismissed all the feudal rulers and became the
powerful king. He was in favor of people and
maintained religious harmony . He built
Bhadradhiwas
•   Narendradeva, another Lichchhavi king and son
of Udayadeva, initiated friendly relations with
China and his successors laid the foundations of
friendship with India by entering into matrimonial
alliances with the Indian royal families.
 MEDIEVAL NEPAL:

• In medieval period the date Nepal Sambat was used in

contemporary documents.( 879 AD).( Shankhadhar
Shakhwa).
• Raghab Deva was the first ruler of Medieval Nepal.
• In medieval period, First Nepal was divided into three
states: Doya state of eastern Terai, Khas Mall state of
Western Nepal and Malla state of the Central Kingdom
in the kathmandu Valley.
• Later, they divided into many small kingdoms like baise,
chaubise, and sen states in the eastern Nepal.
• The central state Kathmandu was also divided into
three small states Kantipur (Kathandu), Patan
(Lalitpur) and Bhadgaun ( Bhaktapur).
 The Tirhoot or Doya State( Simroungad: 1154-1381 BS):

•Simroungad was the capital of Eastern Terai state of medieval Nepal.

•Nanya Deva was the founder of that state and declared the
independence of the state.
•According to the pashupati inscription, after Nanya Deva, Ganga
Deva, Nrisimha Deva, Shaktisimha Deva, Bhupalsimha Deva and
Harisimha Deva ruled in Tirhoot about 227 years.
•It was strong and rich in education, art and culture.
•Doya state attacked Kathamndu Valley time and again, whenever
valley faces trouble.
•Harisimha Deva the last king of Tirhoot, also attacked to kathamndu
valley several times and took expensive metal and other valuable
goods.
 2. The Khas Kingdom ( 1207-1433):
• Nagraj was the founder of Khas Kingdom, which was in the
western part of Nepal in Karnali region.
• Sinza of Jumla was the capital of Khas Kingdom. This state had
come into existence in 1207 BS.
• It was called Khas Malla State. Khas is defined as a caste related to
chhetri of Arya race.
• At the beginning the Khas Malla state was powerful. Khas Malla
ruler also involved in attacking over Kathamdu Valley.
• Abhaya Malla was the last king of united khas Malla state. After
him, at first khas kingdom was divided into five feudal state and
they further divided into 22 states in Karnali Zone ( Juma, Jajarkot,
Doti etc. and 24 in Gandaki Zone ( Palpa, Parbat, Kaski, Tanahun,
Lamjung etc.).
• They also used to collect tax and revenue from the valley states of
they own.
 3. Malla Kingdom of Kathmandu
Valley( Nepalmandal):
• In Nepalmandal, Malla and Deva became king
alternatively in pre-medieval period. They had clash
and competition to capture the throne.
• Some time, there were dual and three king at the
same time. It made the state weaker.
• Ari Malla was the first Malla ruler of Kathamandu
Valley. He became the king in 1257 BS.
• Aabhya Malla, the son of Ari Malla, was also a
powerful king, but after his death the political
instability started.
 Jayasthiti Malla( 1382- 1395):

• He was a brave , perfect, strong and powerful king.

• He did many works for the people. There was no political
stability in Nepal before Jayashiti Malla.
• The state Kathmandu Valley was weak and unstable.
• He adapted Varnasram system, a system in which job was
classified and define based on someone’s birth and the
nature of work. It determine the caste system in Nepal.
( Four Varna: Brahmins, Chetri, Vaishya, and Sudra). The
Brahmins remain at the top ( Pure/ Touchabe) and the
Sudras at the bottom ( Impure/ Untouchable).
• Four varna and thirty - six castes .
• He divided the entire land into four categories : Abal, Doyam,
Shim and Chahar, based on the quality and situstion.
• He declared some people’s profession to measure a land. They
were called ‘Chetrakar’.
• He also established a Banking system of depositing land and
withdrawing money on a certain interest.
• Mana, Pathi, Kuruwa, Dharni, Bisauli, Sher, Tola were introduced
as the measurement units in trade.
• He also made some reforms in the state Judicial system. The
punishment system of criminals was physical torture and tit for
tat.
• He was very tolerant to other religion
• Sanskrit and Newari languages were equally used in the valley
during the time.
• He was an expert politician. He brought political stability in the
country. There was peace and prosperity in the country. He died in
1452 B.S.
 Yakshy Malla:
• Jayasthiti Mall had three sons; Dharma, Jyoti and Kirti
Mall.
• After the death of Jayasthi Malla ( 1452 BS) his sons
became joint King of Nepal. But the second son Jyoti
Malla was more ambitious, so he captured the throne
after three years.
• After the death of Jyoti Mallain 1465 BS, his son Yakshya
Mall became the king of Nepal.
• He was the last king of the united Kathmandu Valley.
• After his death the kingdom was divided into three
separate state: Kantipur(Kathmandu: Pratap Mall,
Jayaprakash Malla), Patan (Lalitpur; Siddhi Narasingha
Mall), and Bhadgaun (Bhaktpur: Bhupatindra Mall).
 1. Kantipur (Kathmandu),

• Ratna Malla: He was the first King of Kantipur.

He captured and established a new state Kantipur in
1514 BS.
• Mahindra malla: He was also another king of
Kantipur( Son of Narendra Mall). He became the
king of Kantipur in 1617 BS. His name was popular
in medieval period of Nepal because there was no
hunger and starvation within his kingdom during his
regime. He made sliver coin for the development of
international trade with India and Tibet.
• Pratap Mall: He was the most famous king of
Kantipur ( Son of Laxmi Narasingha Malla).
• He was a ambitious person, That is he had kept his
father in jail and started to rule the kingdom,
when he was just 18 years of age. He extended his
state to Kuti, Kerung, and Khasa.
• He built: Hunuman Dhoka, Kal Bhairab, Guheswari
temple, Rani Pokhari, Bajrayogini temples,
Budanilakantha temples etc. Kaji Bhim Malla was
a clever ambassador of Pratap Malla for Tibet. He
did a treaty with Tibet in the favor of Nepal
• Jay Prakash Malla: He was the last king
of Kantipur. He became the king of
Kantipur in 1791 BS. Prithvi Narayan
Shah, the king of Gorkha, extended his
kingdom during the time, so Jayprakash
Malla tried to save his state but he
became unable .
• He lost his kingdom and took shelter in
Bhaktpur. Prithvi Narayan Shah captured
Kantipur in 1825 BS.
 Patan (Lalitpur)
• Siddhi Narasingh Mall: He was the first king
of Patan. He was only 12 years old when he
became the king patan in 1675 BS. He was an
intellectual, wise, ambitious, diplomat,
kindhearted, poet, and qualified administrator of
patan.
• He Built: A beautiful shikhar style’s Krishna
Mandir with 21 golden spire (Gajur) in 1693 BS.
Taleju Bhawani Temple, Buddha Bihars, Ponds,
Taps etc.
 Bhadgaun (Bhaktpur).
• Bhupatindra Mall: He was one of the most
excellent king of Bhaktpur.
• He was an art-loving king. He made Bhaktpur a
beautiful city state.
• He built a beautiful 55 windows palace (55
Jhyale Durbar) in Bhaktpur.
• The Golden gate of Bhaktpur palace and highest
temple Nyatapol ( A FIVE STOREY TEMPLE).
• Image of Bhairab, Kumari, Durga etc.
 Shah Period:
• Kulmandan Shah was the first king of Shah
period. He became the king of Kaski.
• Drabya Shah, At first he became the king of
Ligligkot. The state was prized when he stood
first in an annual race competition organized
to choose a right king of Ligligkot of Gorkha.
So he was the first king of Shah Dynasty in
Gorkha state ( in 1616 BS).
• Ram Shah: He was very famous king of Gorkha. He
was a great reformer.
• He reformed in measurement system like Mana,
Pathi, Muri, Dhak and Taraju., .
• Weight measuring system: Lal, Tola, etc.
• He properly reformed in judicial system of Gorkha.
He made the provision of ‘ Pancha Valadmi’ to solve
the local disputes.
• The people said, ‘ Go to Gorkha if you are deprived
of justice’ (Naya napaye Gorkha janu).
 Major Features of Medieval Period:
• Society was depending on Varnashram system.
• Caste system was dependent upon their occupation.
• Joint Family system
• Polygamy
• Gurukul education and temples were the educational
centers.
• Economic: Agriculture, Animal husbandry and trade.
• King were the main source of law.
• Political system; Monarchical system.
• Art and Architecture.
 3.Modern Period:
• The history of Modern Nepal started from 1825
BS.
• The Date 1825 BS is famous in Nepalese history
because King Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered
Kathamndu in this date.
• Unification campaign started by Prithivi Naryan
Shah was continued by Pratapsing shah, Rajendra
Laxmi, Bahadur Shah, Ran Bahadur Shah and
Girwan Yuddha Shah.
Prithvi Narayan Shah:
• King Prithvi Narayan Shah (1723–1775) was
born in the Shah dynasty of Gorkha on 11
January 1723 (27 Poush 1779 BS) After the
death of Narabhupal Shah on 25 Chaitra he
became the king of Gorkha.
• He ascended to the throne of Gorkha kingdom
on 3 April 1743. He was interested in politics
and diplomacy and had interests in both
visiting and conquering other countries since
his days as prince.
• He defeated major principalities in wars and unified
them under his rule starting from the 1740s, and
eventually moved his Gorkha Kingdom‘s capital
from Gorkha region to Kathmandu in 1769. While he
was successful at conquering the Kathmandu valley
 and the Sen kingdoms further east, his efforts were
limited in the west of his homeland.
• He conquered some of the 22 principalities or
kingdoms, known as the (the baise rajya, and some
of the 24 kingdoms (the chaubasi rajya), which were
two sets of allies west of the King’s homeland of
Gorkha, in what is now called western Nepal.
•After capturing Pharping, Bode and Khokana, the Gorkhali troop
invaded Kirtipur in 1757 AD. The joint attack by the troop of
Jayaprakash Malla and the people of Kirtipur defeated the
Gorkhali troop very badly. The chief of army, Kalu Pandey died in
the battle.
•The Gorkha soldiers like Jeevan Thapa and Lata Khatri also died. It
was very difficult for Prithivi Narayan Shah to save his life too.
After that, Gorkha defeated Makwanpur at night on Bhadau 9,
1819 BS.
• On 4th Asoj 1821 BS, the Gorkhali troop under the command of
Surpratap Shah invaded Kirtipur for the second time.
•His eye was damaged in the war. Daljeet Shah was wounded and
several Gorkha soldiers died. The survived soldiers saving their
lives reached Dahachok. Gorkha then invaded Kirtipur suddenly
for the third time on Chait 3rd, 1822 BS and got victory over it.
•Kathmandu: 1825 BS.
•Victory over Lalitpur
• the Gorkha troop invaded and captured Lalitpur on Oct. 6th,
1768.
•Victory over Bhaktapur
•After Gorkha state had captured Kathmandu and Lalitpur, the
kings of the both states, Jayaprakash Malla and Tejnarsingh
Malla respectively went to the refuge of Ranajeet Malla, the
king of Bhaktapur.
•Prithivi Narayan Shah asked the king of Bhaktapur to hand
over both the kings to him. Explaining that it would not be
humanitarian to hand over those who had sought refuge for
life, Ranajit Malla did not accept the request from Gorkhas.
•So, the Gorkha troop invaded Bhaktapur on Kartik Shukla
Dwadashi 1826 BS. Finally, all the three kings of the valley
surrendered.
• This is not the nation gained by my trifle efforts,
this is the garden of all 4 main castes and 36 sub-
castes, and may all be aware of this. (transl. मेरा
साना दुखले आर्ज्याको मुलुक होइन यो चार बर्ण छात्तिश जात सबैको साझा
फू लबारी हो सबैलाइ चेतना भया।)
• He famously said, " प्रजा मोटो भए दरबार पनि बलियो रहन्छ
" (If the people are capable then the palace will
also remain stronger).
• Pratap Singh Shah, (1751–1777) was the
second King of Nepal. He was the eldest son of
Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king who first
unified Nepal.
• He became King at the age of 24 in 1775.
Pratap Singha Shah rules only up to 1777 for
36 months and died of natural causes at the
age of 26. He was succeeded by his two-year-
old son Rana Bahadur Shah.
• Rajendra Rajya Laxmi (13 July 1785) was the
consort of Pratap Singh Shah, King of Kingdom of
Nepal.
• During her eight years of regency, she contributed
to the unification of modern Nepal begun by
Prithvi Narayan Shah.She was the mother of
Nagendra Shah (died aged six months) and Rana
Bahadur Shah.
• Her husband Pratap Singh Shah became king at
the age of 23, and died when he was 25. Rajendra
Rajaya Lakshmi then became queen regent for her
son Rana Bahadur Shah.
 Rana Period:

• Rana era, (1846–1951) in Nepal, the period during

which control of the government lay in the hands of
the Rana family. Jung Bahadur (1817–77) seized power
in 1846 and made himself permanent prime minister.
• He was given the hereditary title of Rana. Under the
Ranas, Nepal maintained relations with the British, who
provided it with support. When the British withdrew
from India in 1947, the Rana family was exposed to new
dangers.
• They faced a revolution in 1950, and in 1951, under
pressure from India, Nepal’s King Tribhuvan took the
throne with restored sovereignty.
• The first series of Parvas (massacres) in Nepal, popularly known
as the three massacres gave rise to the century long dynastical
rule of the Ranas. This took place during the period
of Jung Bahadur Rana, the first Rana Prime Minister of Nepal,
who seized the opportunity to eliminate all his rivals and rose
to power.
1.  Kot Parva, was the first massacre through
which Jung Bahadur Rana rose to power starting the dynastical
rule of the Ranas.
• The mysterious death of Gagan Singh on the night of
14th September 1846 led to this massacre. The Queen became
furious at his murder and she summoned all the administrators
to the Royal court. One thing led to other and the court turned
into the grave of around 40 court nobles. 
• Jung Bahadur Rana seizing this opportunity eliminated all his
rivals and declared himself the Prime Minister of Nepal and the
Chief of Nepalese Army.
2. Bhandar Khal Parva:
• Kot Parva was followed by
the Bhandar Khal Parva that occurred on
17th Kartik 1903. After the rise of Jung Bahadur as
the new Prime Minister and Army Chief,
Queen Rajendra Laxmi felt he was threat to her
powers. She conspired to eliminate him and raise her
son to the throne. The conspiracy was also known as
the Basnyat Conapiracy for most of the participants
belonged to this noble clan. However, they were
betrayed and the instigators were rounded up and
executed that led to the Bhandar Khal Parva.
Through this Parva, Jung Bahadur Rana exiled the
King and Queen to Banaras.
3. Alau Parva
• The King began plotting his return from India
leading to the third massacre that
is Alau Parva through
which Jung Bahadur Rana charged the
King Rajendra of conspiring against the throne
and put him in house arrest in Bhadgaon formally
declaring his son Crown Prince Surendra as the
new King after which he became the most
powerful Prime Minister of Nepal.
• Jang Bahadur Rana (1846-1856, 1857-1877): Durbar High
School, Old legal code, 1854).
• Ranuddip Singh Rana (1877-1885): “Nepal Hulak Ghar” in
1878 A.D
• Bir Shamsher (1885-1901): Bir Hospital, 1974 BS., Bir
Libarary.
• Dev Shamsher Jang (1901): Gorkhapatra Prakashan,
Government time : 10-5, Govermant Vacation.
• Chandra Shamsher (1901-1929): Sati Pratha, Tri-Chandra
College, Map of Nepal.
• Juddha Shamsher (1932-1945): Nepal bank Establishment,
Development of small cottage Industries.
• Padma Shamsher (1945-1948): First Constitution of Nepal,
Padmakanya College.
• Mohan Shamsher (1948-1951).
POST- MODERN NEPAL:
 Revolution of 2007 BS:

• The Rana Regime collapsed from Nepal in 2007 BS.

• Ten Rana rulers over Nepal near about 104 years.
• During period, all the power of the nation was under the Ranas. People and
king became powerless. So, Nepalese people actively participated in the
revolution of anti-rana movement in 2007 BS.
• Lakhan Thapa, Upendra Bikram Shah, Madhave raj joshi ( Main Leaders of
anti-rana movement).
• Formation of ‘ Arya Samaj’.
• Siddicharan shrestha, Gopal Prasad Rimal, Devi prasad ( Also participated).
• Krishna Adhikarai: ‘ Makaiko Kheti’: published.
• Mass meeting, gathering, pompleting, writing against Rana rule.
• Labor Strike ( Biratnagar Jute Factory).
• ‘ Praja Parisad’: Tanka Prasad Acharya, , Dasharath Chand, Dharma Bhakta
Mathema, Sukra raj Shatri etc.
• They were suppressed by the Ranas and four people became the martyrs.
• B.P. Koirala also commanded the liberation Army
form Biratnagar.
• King Tribhuvan left the palace and took shelter in
Indian Embassy . Later he went to Delhi.
• A tripartite pact was made between the king,
Nepali Congress and the Ranas in Delhi in 2007 BS.
It is called ‘Delhi Agreement’.
• He returned to Nepal on 4th Falgun 2007 BS and
declered democracy on 7th Falgun 2007 BS. Thus ,
Rana rule ended in Nepal after 104 years.
• Cabinet formed by the coliation of Ranas and the napalm
Congresspassed first democratic constitution ‘ The Interim
constitution’ on 17th Chaitra 2007 BS.
• The Political history of Nepal from 2007 to 2017 BS was full of
political instability.
• The Coalition cabinet was dissolved on 1st Mangsir 2008 BS.
• The Constitution of Nepal- 2015 was promulgated on 1st Falgun
2015 BS.
• The first general election of parliament was held on 7th Falgun 2015
BS.
• The first elected government was formed under BP Koirala on 13th
Jeatha 2016 BS. Constitution of Nepal, 2019 BS.
• King Mahendra dissolved the elected government, suspended
parliament imprisoned prime minster and ministers and banned
political parties on 1st Poush 2017 BS. He started partyless Panchayat
system on 22nd Poush 2017 BS. The back to Village National Campaign ( Gaun
Pharka Abhiyan, 2024).
• New Legal Code, 2020 BS.
• Land Reform Policy, 2021 BS.
• Referendum was declared on 10th Baishakh 2037 BS in which
Panchayat system got 54.79% vote and Multi-party democratic system
got 45.21% vote.
• The ‘First people Movement ‘started on 7th Falgun 2046 BS.
• Maoist Insurgency, 2052 BS.
• There was Narayanhiti Royal Massacre on 19 Jestha 2058 BS and all the
Family members of King Birendra were killed there.
• The ‘second people’s Movement’ held on 24th Chaitra 2062 BS.
• Interim – Constitution, 2063 BS.( Secular Country, Social Inclusion,
Language, Gender Inequality etc. ).
• Dr. Ram Baran Yadav was declared as the first president of republic of
Nepal on 6th Shrawan 2065 BS.
• The constitute assembly declared the constitution on Ashwin 2072 BS.
• Nepal; Federal Democratic Republic Country.
 The First people Movement strated on 7th Falgun
2046 BS.
• A great revolution took place against Panchayat system by political parties and
Nepalese people in 2046 BS.
Causes of People's Movement:
1. Undemocratic nature of Panchayat system
2. People were deprived of human rights and fundamental rights
3. Corruption, smuggling and other activities increased in the country, and
4. Failure of Panchayat system to bring reforms in the country.
Consequences of the People's Movement of 2046 BS:
• End of autocratic Panchayat system and restoration of democracy,
• Interim government was formed from among the leaders of the various
political parties,
• Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 2047 BS was formulated,
• Absolute monarchy was changed into constitutional monarchy,
• Election of parliament was held and people got opportunity to choose their
government by themselves.
 Maoist Insurgency, 2052 BS.

• CPN (Maoist) had launched armed insurgency on

February 13, 1996 (Falgun 1, 2052 BS) and the war
continued for 10 years until the Comprehensive Peace
Accord was signed in November, 2006.
• Overthrow the Monarchal system and establishment a
‘people’s Republic’.
• On Mangsir 2062 BS a 12 point agreement was signed
among the seven party alliance and Maoist.
 The second people’s Movement held on 24th Chaitra 2062 BS.

• In April 2006, there was a country-wide people’s movement in Nepal, popularly

known as the  “Jana Andolan II,” against King Gyanendra’s direct rule
following a 12-point understanding reached between the Seven Party Alliance
and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), which was leading a communist
insurgency against the state.
• The 19-day-long Jana Andolan II (People’s Movement II) ended direct rule by
Gyanendra, forced him to return power to the reinstated parliament, and
created a conducive environment for the signing of the Comprehensive Peace
Agreement (CPA) between the government and the rebel Maoists in November
2006.
• The success of Jana Andolan II in thus ending the decade-long conflict that had
affected all parts of the country has thus been hailed by many as being
exemplary of the ways in which engaged citizenry and communities at the local
level can have an impact on the resolution and transformation of violent
conflict at the national level.
• What Led to the 2006 Democratic Revolution
in Nepal?
By Prof. Chaitanya Mishra

Political Transition in Nepal, 2006 ( 2062/63 BS).