The History Of The Monarchy In Nepal

 

The history of Nepal cannot be separated from the monarchy. The monarchy is that form of government where the king is the executive head with or without a people elected government set up to support it. Tow warring dynasties namely the Shahs and the Ranas have influenced and shaped the history of Nepal in a big way. The Shahs united the nomads to form a nation now known as Nepal. The Ranas usurped the kingdom in the years that followed. The next years witnessed bloodbath between the two dynasties and the Kot massacre that is a black chapter in the history of the country. Later these two dynasties came into a matrimonial alliance and that ceased the enmity between the two.

 

This matrimonial alliance can also be seen in the national flag of Nepal. The two triangular portions of the flag represent the two dynasties. Over the years it had been witnessed that the most illustrious king in Nepal was Tribhuwan Bor Vikram Shah. He was a man who led the country to development and made major reforms in the country, Most of the buildings in Nepal have been named after him. He was succeeded by his son Mahendra Bir Bikram who had modern ideas and bought in many significant changes in the country.

 

The eldest son of Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah, Birendra Bir Vikram Shah succeeded him. Birendra Bir Vikram Shah was a man who followed his father’s footsteps and revolutionized the process of grass root democracy. The country had high hopes and faith in him until he was assassinated along with his immediate family in 2001. He was succeeded by his younger brother Gyanendra who was not really cut out to be a King as he was not aware of the changing times. Gyanendra scrapped democracy on the pretext of a possible onslaught by the Maoist rebels in Tarai. Wide and violent protests followed suit when the King tried to subdue the outburst with the help of the army. After this the king had to restore democracy under international pressure and he had to let go some of the executive powers that were entrusted on him.

 

Nepal has a rich history of kings and the country has witnessed people worshipping the monarch like a God to people going after his life. The next few years will also see the country witnessing more events and with the Maoists controlling the political scenario in the country Nepal has still got a lot to wait and watch for. The future of the monarchy today looks weak as the King with his actions has lost the confidence of the people. His February 1^st move has made him very unpopular and this is the reason why he now should emphasize on the ways on how he can rebuild trust in the people.

 

With the Maoists launching a People’s War against the monarchy, the future of the king looks bleak today. In the next few years Nepal may witness the abolition of the monarchial privileges and a new political era that brings in peace and reconciliation.

 

 

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