KATHMANDU: Nepal News takes pride in launching its History and Culture section, aiming to present the essence of Nepal’s significant historical milestones to a new generation. H
istory is more than a study of the past; it is a lens through which we understand who we are, where we come from, and where we might be headed. By exploring Nepal’s history, we uncover the foundation of modern Nepal and gain insights into the evolution of its society, culture, and governance.
Ancient Beginnings
The earliest records speak of the Gopalas and Mahishapalas as rulers with their capital at Matatirtha, southwest of the Kathmandu Valley.
From the 7th or 8th Century B.C., the Kirantis took over, with their famed King Yalumber even earning a mention in the epic Mahabharat. By 300 A.D., the Lichhavis arrived from northern India, bringing art and architecture to the valley, leaving behind landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Changu Narayan Temple.
The early Thakuri dynasty followed, fostering diplomatic ties, such as the marriage of Princess Bhrikuti to Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
The Mallas and Their Legacy
The Malla era (1200-1769) marked a golden age of creativity, organizing society, establishing grand temples and palaces, and introducing religious festivals.
After Yaksha Malla’s death, the Kathmandu Valley fragmented into the kingdoms of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan, coexisting with 46 independent principalities, including the emerging Gorkha Kingdom.
Unification Under Prithvi Narayan Shah
The ambitious King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha unified Nepal by 1769, establishing the Shah dynasty with Kathmandu as its capital.
His vision of an isolated Nepal safeguarded the country from external threats, notably the British Raj. The Gorkha state’s history, starting with Dravya Shah in 1559, saw steady expansion until Prithvi Narayan Shah’s decisive conquest of the Kathmandu Valley.
The Rana Era and Struggles for Democracy
The mid-19th century saw the rise of Jung Bahadur Rana, Nepal’s first prime minister to wield absolute power, sidelining the Shah monarchy.
The Rana rule (1846–1951) was marked by autocratic governance and isolation. In 1951, a democracy movement supported by King Tribhuvan ended the Rana regime. This ushered in democratic elections, though political instability persisted.
People’s Movements and Political Shifts
King Mahendra’s dismissal of Nepal’s first democratic government in 1960 led to decades of political repression. A People’s Movement in 1990 resulted in constitutional reforms, establishing a multiparty democracy.
However, the Maoist insurgency (1996–2006) and the tragic royal massacre in 2001 plunged Nepal into turmoil. King Gyanendra’s brief autocratic rule ended with the 2006 People’s Movement, reinstating democracy.
Abolishing the Monarchy and Drafting the Constitution
In 2008, the monarchy was abolished, and Nepal was declared a Federal Democratic Republic. The newly elected Constituent Assembly began drafting a democratic constitution, a process delayed by political disagreements until the devastating 2015 earthquake spurred urgency. On September 20, 2015, Nepal’s new constitution was promulgated, marking a historic milestone.
Rebuilding and Moving Forward
The constitution established Nepal as a federal republic with elections of new leadership. Since then, Nepal has undertaken democratic reforms and begun the arduous task of rebuilding after the earthquake’s devastation.
The journey of Nepal’s history offers a vivid tapestry of resilience, unity, and cultural richness that continues to inspire generations. Nepal News is committed to keeping these narratives alive, ensuring the past informs the future for all its readers.
