Historical archives present a rather dynamic history of Nepal. After having gone through a number of dynasties like the Kiratis, Lichchavis and the Mallas, the 250 rivaling principalities within Nepal's boundary were united in 1768 A.D. by Prithivi Narayan Shah.
The Shah rule continued till 1846 A.D. until it was seized by Jung Bahadur Rana, who became the first Rana prime minister of Nepal. He heralded 104 years of the dictatorial Rana regime. A century of dominance, violation of human rights and uncertainty resulted in a mass revolution for democracy in 1951 A.D. However, this parliamentary government lasted only until 1960. It was then abolished in favour of the Panchayat System by King Mahendra. This system was again replaced by democracy and constitutional monarchy in the 1990 mass revolution.
Although it has come under a threat several times during the recent years with the royal massacre on 1st June 2001 and the Maoist attempts to bring in communism, this is the current political system of Nepal.
Major Works & Events » Conquered several states and united them into a mighty Gorkha Kingdom. » Established a sound administration with a stable economic base and laid the foundation of an independent country. » Gained victory over British and Muslim forces. » The nine-storey Basantapur Durbar, the seven storey Durbar, the Ranga Mahal and Tilanga House of Nuwakot were built. » Gave valuable advice, popularly known as "Divine Counsels" (Dibya Upadesh), to his successors.
In Details:
The history of modern Nepal begins with its unification by Prithivi Narayan Shah. Prithivi Narayan Shah was the son of Narbhupal Shah, a Gorkha king when Nepal was still divided into autonomous states. Seeing the perilous state that Nepal as a country was in, Prithivi Narayan Shah deCatIDed to unify it, thus becoming the most prominent king in the history of Nepal.
Prithivi Narayan Shah’s rule lasted from 1799 BS to 1831 BS. During this time, he conquered several strategic states in Nepal including the Kathmandu Valley, established an administrative base for economic and political stability in the country, and taught the Dibya Upadesh. Lines like “Nepal is a yam between two boulders’ and “Nepal is a garden of 4 castes and 36 sub-castes” from the Dibya Upadesh are widely used by Nepalis even today. During his reign, Prithivi Narayan Shah also contributed to the culture of Nepal by building the Basantapur Durbar, the Ranga Mahal and the Tilanga house in Nuwakot.
Today, Prithivi Narayan Shah’s contributions are commemorated on Prithivi Jayanti and the National Unity Day.
Major Works & Events » Maintained friendly relations with neighboring states and countries. » Waged war with Sikkim but failed to conquer it. » Commenced the custom of erecting a Linga (pillar) in the occasion of Indrajatra festival at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. » Organized a conference of Sanskrit scholars at Balaju in which scholars from 12 countries participated.
In Details
Pratap Singh Shah was the son of Prithivi Narayan Shah and his first wife Narendra Rajya Laxmi. He was the second Shah king but his rule lasted only for 3 years. Besides conquering Chitwan, his only major attempt to add to the territory of Nepal was an attack on Sikkim. However, when this attack failed, Pratap Singh Shah turned towards religion and academics. He started the custom of erecting the Linga during the Indra Jatra festival and organized international conferences of Sanskrit scholars. On the political front, he settled a major dispute with Tibet about counterfeit coins.
Major Works & Events » The valiant Damodar and Amar Singh Thapa invaded Garhwal, Almorah and Kumaon, and annexed them to the Kingdom of Nepal. » The Kingdom of Nepal's border extended from Kashmir to Sikkim, from the Himalayas to the border of Agra, Bihar and Bengal to the South. » After the death of Kantiwati, the king became mad with sorrow. He smashed many idols to pieces including Taleju. » The rate of interest was fixed for taking loans. » Several laws for the development of trade and industry were made. » He successfully reformed the system of measurements. » Dharahara and Sundhara were built. » Rana Bahadur was stabbed to death by Sher Bahadur (his step brother)
In Details
Rana Bahadur Shah, the son and successor of Pratap Singh Shah was crowned in 1834 BS, when he was still a child and until he was mature enough to take the responsibility of ruling the country, the political and administrative aspects of the country were controlled by his mother Rajendra Laxmi and uncle Bahadur Shah.
Despite repeated conflicts and rivalry between these two regents, they both contributed significantly to the process of unifying states that Prithivi Narayan Shah had not been able to conquer. Rana Bahadur Shah added to this until by the end of his rule in 1855 B.S, the states of Garhwal, Almorah and Kumaon were annexed to the kingdom of Nepal and Nepal’s territory stretched from Kashmir to Sikkim till the borders of Agra, Bihar and Bengal. Rana Bahadur Shah is remembered for his reforms in several economic aspects of the country: he fixed specific interest rates on loans in order to prevent unfair practices while lending money. In order to make the trade and industry in the country more structured and effective, Rana Bahadur Shah introduced several reformatory laws and regulations. He also built Dharahara and Sundhara, two landmarks that stand even today.
However, Rana Bahadur Shah’s reign is also characterized by violence and cruelty. He confiscated the Birta Land (trust land) of the Brahmans and banished all children suffering from chicken pox.
Major works & Events » Battle of Nalapani (Khalanga) » Battle of Jaithak » Battle of Jeetgarh » Battle of Devthal » Battle of Gadwan » Nepal-British war » Sugauli treaty was signed in favor of British, and Nepal suffered a great loss.
In Details
The successor of Rana Bahadur Shah, Girban Yudha Bikram Shah, is notable for the many battles that he fought. Palpa and Butwal were annexed to Nepal during his rule, thus signifying the completion of the unification process.
His 18-year reign from 1855 to 1873 BS was the time of the Nepal-British war when the British attempted to conquer and annex Nepal to the British India Empire. During this time, Nepal faced several battles including the famous Nalapani Battle, the Battle of Jaithak, the battle of Jeetgarh, the battle of Gadwan, and the battle of Devthal. Despite strong retaliation by the Nepali soldiers, the British army had an advantage of more sophisticated weapons and technology, and Nepal had to capitulate. Although Nepal remained a sovereign nation, it had to sign the Sugauli Sandhi, a treaty that caused Nepal to lose major territory that had been annexed during the Rule of Rana Bahadur Shah. The territory lost included the beautiful hill stations like Darjeeling and Sikkim and this was a major blow to the soldiers.
Major Works & Events » The country was given a number of economic reforms. » Slavery was abolished and roads were constructed for travelers. » The Cot massacre, the Bhandarkhar event and the Alou event took place. » The start of Rana regime. » Emphasis was given to inoculating children against small-pox. » English education was introduced in Nepal.
In Details
Following the devastating effects of the Sugauli Sandhi, Rajendra Bikram Shah deCatIDed to concentrate on internal reforms of the country rather than on increasing the territory. He introduced a number of commendable social amendments: slavery was abolished; English education was introduced and for the first time patients suffering from smallpox were inoculated. However, due to political unrest within the palace and conflicts in the royal family, the Shah rulers had weakened considerably and this paved a way for the Rana regime.
Around this time Jung Bahadur Rana, a shrewd member of the court started his play for power, initiating the Kot and Bhandarkhar Massacres during which several important members of court were murdered. This left Jung Bahadur Rana with immense political power and gave him the chance of becoming the first Rana prime minister of Nepal, thus heralding the 104 years of Rana Rule.
Major Works and Events » Roads from Kathmandu to Birjung and Bhaktapur to Thankot were built. » Swayambhu stupa was renovated. » The first census was taken. » The practice of taking life of women on charges of witchcraft was abolished.
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The establishment of the Rana regime curtailed the power of the Shah kings, so Surendra Bikram Shah’s tenure is not considered very important in the history of Nepal. Several important events that did take place during his rule include building of roads from Kathmandu to Birgunj and from Bhaktapur to Thankot, and renovation of the Swayambhu Stupa. The first census was taken during this time and the practice of prosecuting women charged with witchcraft was illegalized.
However, the credit for these reforms goes to the Rana Prime Ministers rather than Surendra Bikram Shah.
Crown Prince Trailokya Bir Bikram Shah
In Details
Trailokya Bir Bikram Shah was the son of Surendra Bikram Shah. He was highly educated and had good knowledge of literature and politics. During his pricehood he was planning to restore the political power back into the the hands of the royal family. He plyaed a key role in starting the movement against the Ranas that finally brought results two generations later. He might have succeeded had he not died a prince due to illness.
After his untimely death his brothers Upendra Shah and Narendra Shah tried to continue his movement but the Ranas imprisoned them on charge of plotting against the government and monarchy.
King Prithivi Bir Bikram Shah
• Birth: 1932 B.S. • Father: Trailoke Bir Bikram Shah • Ruled: 1938-1968 • Died: 1968 B.S.
Major Works and Events » Assassination of Ranodwip Singh. » Good supply of water and strict sanitary systems were applied. » The first automobile was brought in Nepal. » Improvement in military and judicial administration. » Along with slavery system, Sati custom was also abolished. » Nepal was recognized as an independent sovereign country. » A dreadful earthquake occurred which caused a heavy loss of life and wealth. » Nepal took part in the World War in favor of British. » Great patriots, Dharma Bhakta, Sukraraj Shastri, Dashrath Chand and Ganga lal Shrestha were sentenced to death. » High court was established. » Several schools and colleges were established.
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Prithivi Bir Bikram Shah ascended the throne while Nepal was still under the Rana rule. The period that he was on the throne is characterized by several social and infrastructural developments. Most of the credit for these improvements however, goes to the Rana rulers of the time.
Significant development works of this period include establishment of proper water supply and sanitation systems, and improvement in the judicial, military and administrative divisions of the country. Perhaps the most commendable social reform was the abolishing of the sati custom, a traditional practice according to which a woman had to burn alive at the pyre together with her dead husband’s body. Several educational institutes were opened around this time, together with the Supreme Court.
King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah
• Birth: 1963 B.S. • Father: Prithivi Bir Bikram Shah • Ruled: 1968-2011 • Died: 2011
Major Works and Events » Rana autocracy reached its end. » Several parties were established to end the Rana regime. » Delhi agreement (for the formation of a new ministry under the king's leadership was signed.
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Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah will always be remembered in the history of Nepal as the king who overthrew the autocratic Rana regime. Although sporadic public protests against the despotic Rana rulers were emerging in the country, the citizens of Nepal were not powerful enough to fight the oppressive force. King Tribhuvan took the bold action of openly defying the regime. His escape to India from internal captivity back home spurred a mass revolution in 2007 BS (1951 AD), which finally succeeded in ousting the Ranas from power. The result was the establishment of the first democratic government of Nepal. Today, this event is celebrated as the National Democracy Day.
King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah
• Birth: 1977 B.S. • Father: Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah • Mother: Kanti Rajya Laxmi • Ruled: 2011-2028 • Died: 2028
Major Works and Events » Diplomatic relationship was established with China on the basis of five major points. » Nepal became the member of U.N.O. in December, 1955 A.D. » First general election for the cabinet was conducted. » Planned mechanism of development started. » Diplomatic relations with numerous countries were established. » Panchayat was introduced in Nepal for the general welfare of the people.
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Following Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah’s establishment of democracy, the first general elections were held. But after several years of democracy, it became increasingly clear to Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah that Nepal was not ready for a democratic government. He thus abolished this system and introduced the Panchayat System. This put the political power back into the hands of the royal family. During his reign, Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah concentrated on international relations of the country. He established diplomatic relations with China and several other countries. Nepal also gained membership to the United Nations Organization.
King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev
• Birth: 2002 B.S. • Father: Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah • Mother: Indra Rajya Laxmi Devi • Wife: Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah • Ruled: 2031- 2058 • Died: 2058
Major Works and Events » His Late Majesty acquired his early education at St. Joshep's School, Darjeeling and higher education at Eton College, England, (1959 A.D.-1964 A.D.), University of Tokyo (Japan) and Harvard University (USA), (1967 A.D.-1968 A.D.). » On 1st Chaitra, 2011 (15th March,1955 A.D.), he was declared as the crown prince. » On 17th Magh, 2028 (1970 A.D.), he was declared as the Heir-Apparent to the throne of Kingdom of Nepal. » He announced Nepal as a democratic country in 1990 after a popular movement. » He announced a new constitution in 2047 (1990 A.D.) » Much emphasis was given on scientific methods of agriculture. » The industry in remote areas were more facilitated. » 20-year Health Plan was implemented to extend health services to the natives on large scale. » Panchayat system was abolished and Multi-party system was introduced. » New Educational System Plan was introduced.
In Details:
Birendra Bir Bikram Shah is perhaps the most well liked of the Shah Kings among Nepali citizens today. In 2047 BS (1990 A.D), when people were once again demanding democracy, he annulled the Panchayat System and introduced multi-party democracy, thus becoming a constitutional monarch. He played a major role in the development of Nepal, by emphasizing the use of scientific methods in agriculture, implementing a 20-year health plan aimed at reaching remote areas of the country, introducing a new educational plan to facilitate the literacy and educational level of the country. Birendra Bir Bikram Shah was murdered in the tragic Royal Massacre on 1st June 2001 AD.
King Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev
• Birth: June 27, 1971 A.D. • Father: Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev • Mother: Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah • Ruled: 2058-2058 (June 2, 2001 A.D.to June 4, 2001 A.D) • Died: 2058 B.S.
Major Works and Events » Acquired his early education from Budhanilkantha Boarding Secondary School and higher studies (GCSE/"O" and "A" Level) from Eton College, Windsor, UK, (1987 A.D.-1990 A.D.), BA from Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu Nepal (1991A.D.-1992 A.D.), MA in Geography (Distinction), TU, Kathmandu (1992 A.D.-1994 A.D.). He was preparing to submit Doctoral Thesis in the Department of Population, Tribhuvan University. » Received the Private Pilot License for AS 332L/L1 Super Puma, Department of Civil Aviation, HMG/N, 1993. » He was declared Heir Apparent to the Throne of the Kingdom of Nepal in 1972 A.D. » He was commissioned as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Nepal Army in 1990 A.D. and the patron of National Sports Council, Royal Nepal Golf Club and Nepal Olympics Committee. » King Dipendra was known as Dipendra Shah in Literary World.
In Details:
Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah was the king of Nepal for 3 days. Following the Royal Massacre on 1st June 2001 AD, where the entire royal family was shot, Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah was declared the king, while still in coma. Unfortunately, he didn’t recover from the coma and passed away on June 4, 2001 AD.
Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah was known for his literary skills.
King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev
• Birth: 23 Ashad 2004 (7th July 1947 A.D.) • Father: Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah • Mother: Indra Rajya Laxmi Devi • Wife: Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah • Ruled: 22 Jestha 2058 - 15th Jestha 2065
Major Works and Events » He has been crowned twice. He was declared King by then Rana Prime Minister in 7th November 1950 till 7 January, 1951, at the age of four after King Tribhuvan and then Crown Prince Mahendra secretly left Kathmandu for India to return in 1951 » Studied in St. Josheph College, Darjeeling, India and Graduated from Tribhuwan University on 2026 B.S. » One Son (Paras Shah) and One Daughter (Prerana Rajya laxmi Shah). » King Gyanendra is well known in Nepal for his conservation works. » He is a leading figure in the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation and has worked closely with the World Wildlife Fund. » King Gyanendra is known as G. Shah in the literary world.
In Details:
Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah, the son of Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah and brother of Birendra Bir Bikram Shah was crowned following the Royal Massacre. This is the second time that he is holding the crown. The first time he ascended the throne was at the age of 4, when King Tribhuvan and Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah left for India during the mass revolution in 2007 BS (1951 AD). King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah is popular for his contribution to environmental conservation. Besides managing King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation, he has also worked closely with the World Wildlife Fund.
• Birth: 1779 B.S.
• Birth: 1808 B.S.
• Birth: 1832 B.S.
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• Birth: 1886 B.S.
• Birth: 1932 B.S.
• Birth: 1963 B.S.
• Birth: 1977 B.S.
• Birth: 2002 B.S.
• Birth: June 27, 1971 A.D.
• Birth: 23 Ashad 2004 (7th July 1947 A.D.)