Science

The British troops were all full of praise and admiration for such a great quality of soldier with
fierce fighting skills found in Captain Balbhadra Kunwar. Just because of the presence of a single
man Captain Balbhadra, British troop expert in modern warfare couldn’t go near the fort. The
British authority decided to put up (erect) a war-memorial at Nalapani to pay tributes to brave
Nepalese soldiers and their captain Balbhadra Kunwar (often misspelled and mispronounced as
Bulbudder Singh or Balbudder Thapa).
The inscription on the war-memorial goes like this, “As a tribute of respect for our gallant
adversary Bulbudder Commander of the fort and his brave Gurkhas who were afterwards while
in the service of Ranjit Singh shot down in their ranks to the last man by the Afghan artillery.”

Words and terms you would like to know

Viceroy (n.): a governor who represents a sovereign in a province, colony, or country
Warehouse (n.): storage building, large store
Perpetual (adj.): lasting for all time
Dejection (n.): sadness, great unhappiness
Setback (n.): something that delays progress (success)

Activities

1. The British in those days wanted to dominate and subjugate Nepal to serve their political and
economic interest. Collect reports, analysis and other proofs in support of this observation. Write
an editorial to be published in a national daily on this subject.

2. The British East India Company decided to erect a war-memorial in Nalapani in honour of Captain
Balabhadra Kunwar and paid tributes to his gallantry in Anglo-Nepal War. By implication, this is
also the tribute to Nepalese soldiers who fought valiantly with ‘never-say-die approach’. Discuss
it in detail in your class.

3. Nepal could have avoided the Anglo-Nepal War with careful diplomacy and use of right words
at right time. Do you think it was possible or war was inevitable (certain) any way? Explain with
facts and illustrations.

4. Do you think the ghost of Anglo-Nepal War is still haunting Nepal’s political and economic
activities? Discuss in the class and share the conclusion in writing.

Exercise

1. Describe the full scenario in which Nepal was making claims to control Butwal and Syuraj.
Narrate on what basis the British East India Company was refuting the claim made by Nepal.

2. Give reasons why Balabhadra Kunwar just refused to surrender in front of the British troop in
Anglo-Nepal War.

3. Illustrate the fighting-feats of gallantry demonstrated by Captain Balabhadra Kunwar in Anglo-
Nepal War.

4. Explain the circumstances in which Major General Gillespie got killed in the battle of Khalanga.
5. Both economic and political causes of Anglo-Nepal war are closely interconnected. Critically

analyze.
6. Highlight the major consequences of Anglo-Nepal War on Nepal.

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Lesson Anglo-Nepal War and Stories of
Brave Nepalese Soldiers
6

The then Prime Minister of Nepal Bhimsen Thapa was in overall command of the Nepalese army
and he was guiding other Nepalese commanders on various fronts around the border from east,
to south and then to the west. A total of 17,000 Nepali soldiers were facing 40,000 British troops
along a 1,500 km frontier. Bhimsen Thapa had deputed commanders at all the fronts to defend the
sovereignty of Nepal. His own youngest brother Ranabir Singh Thapa was guarding Makwanpur
Fort. General Amar Singh Thapa was stationed at Malaun Fort and his son Ranajor Singh Thapa
at Jaithak Fort to lead the Nepalese soldiers. Balbhadra Kunwar was defending the strategic
garrison at Nalapani in Garhwal and Col. Ujir Singh Thapa was deputed in Palpa. Bhimsen
Thapa always believed in military supremacy of Nepalese soldiers and felt that Nepal was strong
enough to withstand the British invasion. But when General Ochterlony, the commander of the
British troop, came conquering up to Makwanpur so close to Kathmandu, Bhimsen Thapa agreed
to sign the Sugauli Treaty to save the sovereignty of Nepal.

Bhakti Thapa facing a British Cannon in the Anglo-Nepal war
Following are the brief details of major battles around the border-fronts in which Nepalese
soldiers demonstrated their valour:
1. Amar Singh Thapa in the Battle of Malaun-Ramgarh: General (Bada Kaji) Amar Singh Thapa
was in charge of all the war-fronts in western part of Nepal during Anglo-Nepal War. He himself
was stationed in Malaun fort in Ramgarh. Bada Kaji Amar Singh Thapa is famous as “Living Lion
of Nepal” because of his extraordinary quality as a soldier and as a war-strategist in the battle. He
had played a leading role in battlefields during the unification campaign of Nepal and had forced
all the Baise and Chaubise states in the western part of Nepal to accept defeat to be the part of
Nepal. He had already played his role in extending Nepal’s boundry up to Kangra in the west.
Amar Singh Thapa was supervising and directing the preparations and confrontations of various
battles in entire western front during the Anglo-Nepal War. Major General David Ochterlony
had the British troops consisting of 7000 soldiers at the western front to fight the battles against
the Nepalese soldiers under the command of Bada Kaji Amar Singh Thapa. Amar Singh Thapa

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couldn’t succeed against the British soldiers who not only outnumbered the Nepalese soldiers but
were also equipped with all kinds of modern weapons and destructive ammunitions (explosive
materials). After having received news of a series of defeats at various fronts in western Nepal
in the hands of British forces, he felt disheartened and extremely sad. At the top of it, when he
heared about Kingdom of Nepal signing the Treaty of Sugauli, he couldn’t resist himself and
declared a final quit from military and public life. He decided to retire and lived in solitude in
Gosain Kunda (Rasuwa District) where he finally died.
2. Ranajor Singh Thapa in the Battle of Jaithak: The Battle of Jaithak was the second in a series
of battles in Anglo-Nepal war after the Battle of Nalapani. Ranajor Singh Thapa, son of Bada
Kaji Amar Singh Thapa, was in command of the Nepalese troops there. His father Amar Singh
Thapa had ordered him to occupy the surrounding heights near Nahan town (now in Himachal
Pradesh) in the west and the fort of Jaithak.
Major-General Martindell took over the command of the British troop and captured Nahan on 24
December, 1814 and was about to attack on Ranajor Singh’s positions. The British troop totaling
1500 in number couldn’t win over the Nepalese soldiers just 500 in number led by Ranajor Singh.
Despite making attempts for nine times to conquer the fort of Jaithak, the British troop didn’t
succeed to make the Nepalese soldiers leave. When the British troops exhausted their bullets with
no result on the Nepalese side, Nepalese soldiers had decided to move out of Jaithak fort in order
to dupe the British soldiers. Nepalese soldiers surrounded the British soldiers and killed three
of the British commanders. According to James Prinsep, the scholar and historian, the British
soldiers decided to retreat finally to Nahan.

3. Bhakti Thapa in the Battle of Deothal: Bhakti Thapa was 74 years old when Anglo-Nepal War
broke out. He was guarding Deothal-fort located in the middle of Kumaun and Garhwal. The British
troop began to invade Malaun-fort; Bada Kaji Amar Singh Thapa was looking for better option to
stop this attack. Amar Singh deputed Bhakti Thapa to lead the Nepalese soldiers and sent him to
win the Deothal-fort. It was one of the most daring attacks ever made by the Nepalese troop in the
history of Nepal. It was April 16, 1815 when Bhakti Thapa with his Nepalese soldiers (about 400 in
number) marched out of the Malaun fort before sun-rise at 3.15 am. The British troop (about 3,500 in
numbers) had already taken position on hilly slopes at Deothal to stop Bhakti Thapa and Nepalese
soldiers. Totally charged and fired up, Bhakti Thapa exhorted the Nepalese soldiers, “Brave soldiers!
Go on marching; never stop till you win.” It was very intense emotional battle for the Nepalese
troops in which 700 Nepalese soldiers died in the battle-field to become martyrs. Bhakti Thapa
received bullet in his chest and he too died in the battle field to gain martyrdom. From the British
side, all the cannon-soldiers lost their life except one.
Major General Ochterlony was totally fascinated by the level of energy and feelings with which
Bhakti Thapa fought the battle. He paid respect to the sentiment of patriotism which Bhakti Thapa
demonstrated during the fight. He wrapped up his dead body with shawl to show respect to the
great soldier and handed over to the Nepalese side. The British even used the citation “The Bravest
of the Braves” for the Nepalese legend Bhakti Thapa. Despite receiving defeat in the battle, the
British East India Company realized the truth that Nepal is the land of brave soldiers.
4. Ujjirsingh Thapa in the Battle of Jeetgadh: Ujjirsingh Thapa was the son of the Nayansingh
Thapa who was the brother of Bhimsen Thapa. So, Ujjirsingh Thapa was the nephew of Bhimsen
Thapa. Ujjirsingh was appointed the Governor of Palpa. He had deployed his 1200 troops in
many defensive positions including Jeet Gadhi, Nuwakot Gadhi and Kathe Gadhi. Jeet Gadhi
or Jeetgadh fort is located in south-west direction of the Tinau River in Butwal. Major General
George Wood was contemplating to invade the fortress of Jeet Gadhi. Col. Ujjirsingh Thapa
came to know about it and attacked on the British troop before they could attack on the fortress.

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Nepalese soldiers were very disciplined, motivated and combative under Col. Ujjirsingh Thapa.
They attacked two times on the British troops and won over them. Finally, the British troops
abandoned the idea of conquering Jeet Gadhi and retreated to Gorakhpur. Col. Ujjirsingh Thapa
had made us very proud and had uplifted the morale of Nepalese soldiers.

5. Ranabir Singh Thapa in the Battle of Parsa Makwanpur: Ranabir Singh Thapa, the youngest
brother of Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa, was in the command of the Nepalese soldiers to defend
the region of Parsa Makwanpur. Major General Marley had more than 12,000 troops with modern
weapons ready under his command to march towards Makwanpur Gadhi. Colonel Ranabir Singh
Thapa was ready for the final clash (battle) with about 4,000 troops with old rifles and a few pieces
of cannons. Major General Marley was planning to capture Kathmandu Valley and therefore had
divided the British troops into three groups in order to move from three different directions. Ranabir
Singh Thapa came to know about this nasty military plan and immediately took decision to attack
on the British troops stationing in Parsa without delay. He deputed Shamsher Rana and Sarvajit
Thapa to lead the Nepalese soldiers in order to launch direct attack on the British troop. This was
something unexpected for the British troops and they ran away from Parsa leaving behind huge piles
of weapons and ammunitions. Nepalese soldiers caught hold of all the weapons and ammunitions.
Governor General Warren Hastings (Earl of Moria) was very angry with the incompetency shown
by Major General Marley and therefore he suspended him by appointing Wood new General.

Words and terms you would like to know

Garrison (n.): a body of troops stationed at a military post
Retreat (n. + v.): troop withdrawal, move back
Fascinate (v.): captivate, to hold somebody’s attention

Activities

1. Enact a drama in your class showing acts of bravery of the Nepalese soldiers at several fronts and
the retreat of the British troops during the Anglo-Nepal War.

2. Study deeply about the unification campaign of Nepal consulting various books and sources
of information. Also meet historians and analysts to discuss with them not only the unification
campaign but also the details regarding Anglo-Nepal war. Write down your conclusions and
share them in the class.

3. “Age is not the criteria of showing bravery and fighting gallantly in the war if one is full of
emotions of courage, fearlessness and patriotism.” Write a letter to your friend who is living
abroad mentioning about the feats of Bhakti Thapa in Anglo-Nepal War.

4. Let us suppose that you were deployed at the western front of Nepal during Anglo-Nepal War and
the Nepalese troops were placed under your command. Explain what kinds of army-arrangement
and war strategy you would have made to defeat the British East India Company.

5. As the war-memorials with the inscription paying tributes to martyrs from Nepal who laid their
lives in Anglo-Nepal war have been erected in Darjeeling, Dehradun and other places in Himachal
Pradesh, Government of Nepal should also build war-memorials in honour of our brave soldiers.
Write a letter to the Prime Minister of Nepal demanding for such war-memorials to remind us of
the past glory to uplift the nation’s morale.

Exercise

1. Describe the reasons why Bada Kaji Amar Singh Thapa is called “Living Lion of Nepal”.

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2. Explain why it was essential to defend the fort of Malaun.
3. The Nepalese troops got defeated in the western fronts of Nepal but the Nepalese troops posted

impressive victory in mid-fronts of Nepal at places like Parsa and Butwal (Jeetgadh). Critically
analyze the various reasons behind this and write down your colclusions in minimum of four
points.
4. Sketch the map of Nepal before the Anglo-Nepal War and the map which exists now after the
Anglo-Nepal War. Observe the differences between them and explain the differences in words
with your opinion at the end.
5. Narrate a story on how the Nepalese soldiers had earned victory over the British troops in the
Battle of Jeet Gadhi during Anglo-Nepal War.

Community Work

There are always people around us living in our own village, town and in neighbourhood who are rec-
ognized for their zeal and intense feelings for their motherland and for their fellow countrymen. They
do not ask for money or reward for the services and contributions they make towards the country
and for the fellow citizens. We recognize them as patriots. No matter what may come their way, these
patriots stand for all the good causes which take the country forward on the path of development and
fight against any bad things which eat up the glory and pride of the country. Meet such people and
interview them with the help of written and unwritten questions. Highlight their moments of pride
where they did something for which they feel great. Also share their frustrations and helplessness
where they feel restless and end up locked up in the cage of disappointments.

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Lesson Rise of Rana-Rule & Reasons for
Its fall (End)
7

Rana dynasty was established by Jung Bahadur Rana. His original name was Bir Narsingh
Kunwar. He was born as the eldest son to Bal Narsingh Kunwar and Ganesh Kumari (also known
as Raksha Kumari) on Asar 7, 1874 BS (June 18, 1817). His mother was the niece of the then Prime
Minister of Bhimsen Thapa and the daughter of Nainsingh Thapa. Mathbarsingh Thapa who
rose to power during the reign of King Rajendra Bikram Shah was his maternal uncle (MAMA in
Nepali). His father Bal Narsingh Kunwar had killed the murderer of the then King Rana Bahadur
Shah in the court. That murderer was none other than the half-brother of the King Rana Bahdur
Shah. His father was rewarded with the position of Kaji for his act. The post of Kaji was hereditary
in his family. Father of Jung Bahadur Rana was the great grandson of Ram Krishna Kunwar, a
great military leader during the reign of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Thus, the family in which
Jung Bahadur Rana was born provided him a golden opportunity to have direct access to the
palace and to remain near the power centre in and around the King, Queens and Princes.
Born in a privileged family, Jung Bahadur Rana joined the military service at the age of sixteen.
Being related to Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa as his maternal grandson, Jung Bahadur Rana
lost his job after Bhimsen Thapa was toppled down (thrown out of power). He got his job back as
Kaji and began to function as a bodyguard of the King Rajendra Bikram Shah after his maternal
uncle Mathbarsingh Thapa gained power as Prime Minister of Nepal. Jung Bahadur Rana was
very ambitious, risk-taking, daring and player of master moves according to situations. Through
his shrewedness and manipulations, Jung Bahadur Rana went on to grab the top position of being
the Prime Minister of Nepal on Asoj 1, 1903 BS (September 15, 1846). Jung Bahadur Rana had laid
down the foundation for the system of dynastic rule of Prime Ministers chosen on hereditary
basis as being the brother of outgoing Prime Minister. For the first time in the history of entire
world two parallel dynasties were functioning as heads of State....one was the dynasty of Shah-
Kings with no executive power at all and another one was the dynasty of Rana Prime Ministers
functioning next below the King with all the executive powers. Shah-Kings during the Rana rule
were just the nominal heads of the state while Ranas were the real executive heads of the state.
This system continued for 104-long years until it was forced to end in 2007 BS (1951 AD). Rana
regime is widely known for its misgovernance, total dictatorship, suppression and exploitation
of masses in Nepal.

King Rana Bahadur Shah King Rajendra Bikram Shah King Surendra Bikram Shah

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Causes for Emergence of Rana Rule

The following were the main causes for the emergence of Rana Rule in Nepal.
1. Political Instability: Right after the sudden death of King Pratap Singh on Marg 6, 1834
(November 17, 1777), Nepal’s court began to face power struggle in absence of assertive and
decisive King. Infant Kings were installed on the thrones with real executive powers lying in
the hands of the regents and the appointed Prime Ministers. After the fall of Prime Minister
Bhimsen Thapa, political situation in the court saw a series of events which weakened the
stronghold of Shah-Kings over the Kingdom of Nepal. In the period of nine years, excutive bodies
of ministers were formed and dissolved for as many as eight times. It was a show of shameless
display of power lust to be in the power corridors at any cost. There was total disregard for
human values, personal and public morality, family relationship, and human sentiments and
sensibilities. Murders, conspiracies and propagandas became the daily routine in the King’s
court. Kingdom of Nepal in those days witnessed total abuse of powers and degeneration of
public administration. Several groups in the court were trying to grab power like Ranas, Thapas,
Pandeys and Basnayats. Political factionalism divided the loyalty of courtiers and therefore,
several groups were operationg in the King’s court. Jung Bahadur Rana emerged victorious when
he sided with Prince Surendra Bikram Shah, the eldest son of King Rajendra Bikram Shah. Others
were trying to side with Rajya Laxmi – the junior Queen who wanted to crown her own son
Ranendra Bikram Shah as the King of Nepal.
2. External Intererence in the Internal Affairs of Nepal: Treaty of Sugauli signed by Nepal to
end the Anglo-Nepal War had authorized a British resident to settle permanently in the court of
Nepal. These British residents used to favor or disfavor a group active in court politics according
to their own interest and political convenience. The British East India Company through these
British residents didn’t want to lose grip and control over Kathmandu and hence remained
always active in making or breaking factions. They even influenced and controlled queens and
princes looking for British support to remain in the power against hostile courtiers (Bhardars).
After the end of Anglo-Nepal War, British presence became the symbol of international approval
because Nepal didn’t have such kinds of external exposure before. They played psychologically
on the minds of Bhardars and never attempted to patch up the factions together in the court. The
British residents widened the differences between the groups of nobles (Bhardars) in order to
retain the British influence over them.
3. King Rajendra’s Weak Personality and Bad Governance: After the sudden and early death
of his father Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah, there was no alternative left except to place three-
year old Rajendra Bikram Shah on the throne as King of Nepal. His reign saw the rise of the
Ranas and fall of Thapa family including two Prime Ministers namely Bhimsen Thapa and his
nephew Mathbarsingh Thapa. King Rajendra was a weak and incapable ruler. He could not take
important decisions on his own as a result of which both of his queens Samrajya Laxmi and Rajya
Laxmi were active in palace politics. Both of them wanted to have maximum influence over King
Rajendra Bikram Shah to tilt the ‘royal power’ to their own personal advantage. There were clear
divisions in King’s court because of his two queens. Bhardars were divided in their loyalty and
King Rajendra Bikram could not pacify the disputes between the queens. Thapas supported the
senior Queen Samrajya Laxmi while Pandeys sided with the junior Queen Rajya Laxmi in this
power struggle within the palace. Some courtiers (Bhardars) supported Prince Surendra Bikram
Shah independently as the rightful claimant to the throne. After the death of the senior Queen
in 1841 AD, the junior Queen Rajya Laxmi wanted to have all the political powers in her hands.
As King Rajendra Bikram preferred to keep himself away from the political power, he made the
greatest mistake of his life which worsened the political atmosphere of Nepal. King Rajendra

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Bikram delegated all his executive powers by a Royal Proclamation to the junior Queen Rajya
Laxmi. It proved political a disaster for Kingdom of Nepal. She became the absolute ruler of
Nepal and started making ways for her son Ranendra Bikram Shah to become the King of Nepal
by sidelining the ‘heir apparent’ Prince Surendra Bikram Shah. This led to a series of conspiracies
and political murders in the court. Presence of hostile groupism brought political opportunity for
Jung Bahadur Rana when he decided to side with Surendra Bikram Shah. He began to play his
political cards which finally threw King Rajendra Bikram and junior Queen Rajya Laxmi out of
power. A series of murders of Bhardars and three PARVAS which followed helped establish Jung
Bahadur Rana as the most powerful man of Nepal and that helped him to start the era of Rana
dictatorship in Nepal.
4. A Series of Murders of Bhardars: The King’s court in Kathmandu was divided into groups and
hatching conspiracy against each other was common in those days. The Pandey group in the court
was demolished after Mathbarsingh Thapa became the Prime Minister of Nepal. Later on, Gagan
Singh Bhandari and Jang Bahadur Rana hatched a plan together to murder the Prime Minister
Mathbarsingh Thapa. Mathbarsingh Thapa was called to see Queen Rajya Laxmi in Hanuman
Dhoka Durbar for addressing a complaint on Jestha 6, 1902 (May 19, 1845) at 11 PM in the night.
That proved the last night for him as he was murdered by both Gagan Singh and Jung Bahadur
Rana. After this high profile political murder, the powerful Bhardar Gagan Singh was killed on
Bhadra 31, 1903 at 10 PM in the night. General Gagan Singh Bhandari was protected by the Queen
Rajya Laxmi and had emerged as the most powerful man after the Queen. Historians write about
the involvement of Jung Bahadur Rana in this murder. Queen was very much disturbed with this
murder and this set the stage for Three Parvas beginning with Kot Parva first.

5. Three Parvas:

Kot Area in Hanuman-Dhoka Durbar Army marching towards Kot

A. Kot Parva: Junior Queen Rajya Laxmi was furious on the murder of her trusted man. She
took an oath to get hold of the murderer and take revenge on him. She ordered Jung Bahadur
Rana to be present in the Kot. Kot was a place where arms and arsenals for Nepalese army
were kept (stored). General Jung Bhadur reached the Kot with three army battalions according
to his plan and surrounded the area. He ordered his men to allow the entry to all the Bhardars
inside the Kot but did not let them exit except on the order of Queen or himself. Queen directed
Jung Bahadur Rana to catch the culprit – the murderer of Gagan Singh. Accordingly, Jung
Bahadur Rana made an announcement for all the Bhardars to be present in the Kot before the
Queen without delay. As Jung Bahadur had already expected untoward incident at Kot, he had
ordered his army and brothers to surround the wall-boundry of Kot-area and wanted them
to wait for his final instruction. After all the Bhardars got assembled in the Kot, Queen Rajya

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Laxmi asked Jung Bhadur, “Who is the murderer?” Jung Bahadar immediately indicated towards Bir
Keshar Pandey. Queen ordered Commander-in-Chief Abhiman Singh to behead Bir Keshar Pandey.
But Abhiman Singh made some excuses and tried to divert the attention of the Queen. Situation
was very intense as accusations and counter-accusations were being hurled at each other. In the
meantime, Abhiman Singh attempted to flee from the spot but he was caught at the exit-gate and
killed by army-men and brothers of Jung Bahadur Rana. After receiving the hint from Jung Bahadur,
all the army-men and his brothers entered the main area inside the Kot and killed 55 important
courtiers (Bhardars) then and there. The incident took place on Asoj 1, 1903 (the night of September
15, 1846) and is known as Kot Parva in the history of Nepal. Amongst those who were killed in a
single night in Kot included Prime Minister Chautaria Fateh Jung Shah, his son Chautaria Khadga
Bikram Shah, Bir Keshar Pandey and all others from the enemy camp of Jung Bahadur Rana. More
than 600 people were either exiled or chose to live away from Kathmandu fearing their lives. The
Kot massacre cleared the ways for Jung Bahadur Rana to climb up the ladder of power and he was
appointed as the Prime Minister and the Commander-in-Chief of Nepal by Queen Rajya Laxmi.
B. Bhadarkhal Parva: Queen wanted Jung Bahadur Rana to play like a puppet in her hands. But
Jung Bahadur was far more independent and judicious than she had expected him to be. Queen
had only one agenda and that was to crown her own son Rannedra Bikram as King of Nepal by
removing the obstacle of Prince Surendra Bikram Shah. Therefore, Queen Rajya Laxmi expressed
her desire to Jung Bahadur Rana and wanted him to eliminate (kill) the heir apparent Surendra
Bikram Shah. Jung Bahadur Rana refused to oblige the Queen calling her desire as extremely
inappropriate from all the angles. He even warned the Queen not to ever think on this line in future.
Queen was deeply hurt as her hope to replace Surendra Bikram Shah was dashed on the ground
by Jung Bahadur Rana. Therefore, she hatched a conspiracy to kill Jung Bahadur by organizing a
feast and serving poisoned food to him. She deployed Birdhwoj Basnet to execute the conspiracy of
killing Jung Bahadur by poisoning his food. According to the plan, a feast was to be organized in the
Bhandrkhal garden (part of Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square) and an invitation was sent to Prime
Minister and Commander-in-Chief Jung Bahadur Rana. Both the sons of Late General Gangan Singh
Col. Badri Singh Bhandari and Captain Wazir Singh Bhandari were also with Queen Rajya Laxmi to
execute this conspiracy. According to the plan, Col. Badri Singh would bring selected army soldiers
approximately 40-50 in number and surround the Bhandarkhal garden where Jung Bahadur and his
brothers were to be invited. In case they survived food poisoning or some kind of confusions arose,
Badri Singh and his army men would kill the Ranas there.
As Jung Bahadur had his trusted spies placed in all the corners of Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, the
conspiracy was revealed to him by Pundit Bijay Raj Pandey. After receiving the formal invitation
from the Queen Rajya Laxmi to join the feast in the Bhandarkhal garden, Jung Bahadur Rana
collected all his brothers and confidants to make six companies of army ready with weapons and
marched towards the Bhandarkhal garden. Sardar Birdhwoj Basnet presented himself to welcome
Jung Bahadur Rana on the way to Bhandarkhal garden. Looking at him, Jung Bahadaur exclaimed,
“You are the one who want me to be poisoned to death and become the Prime Minister.” Jung
Bahadur got him beheaded on the way and reached Bhandarkhal with six companies of his army.
He caught other 33 opponents who were somehow left in Kot Parva and killed them in Bhadarkhal
garden. This incident known as Bhandarkhal Parva took place on Kartik 17, 1903 (October
31, 1846). Many Bhardars belonging to Basnet caste/clan got killed there in the hands of Jung
Bahadur’s army and brothers, therefore, some historians referred to it as Basnet Parva too. Jung
Bahadur Rana took control of entire area in Bhandarkhal garden and arrested the Queen Rajya
Laxmi. Captain Wajir Singh, youngest son of Late Gagan Singh, was also arrested. Queen Rajya
Laxmi was slapped with the charge of sedition and treason. She was exiled to Kashi (Banaras,
India). As a former legitimate King of Nepal Rajendra Bikram Shah had confirmed the position
of Jung Bahadur Rana as the Prime Minister of Nepal. King Rajendra Bikram Shah expressed

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his desire to go for pilgrimage to Kashi. Jung Bahadur Rana received his voluntary resignation from
the position of “Shree-5 Maharajadhiraj” in favour of Prince Surendra Bikram Shah making sure
that Rajendra Bikram Shah returned in time or else Surendra Bikram would become the King.
C. Alau Parva: King Rajendra Bikram Shah reached Kashi (Banaras) along with Queen Rajya Laxmi
and her two sons. All those Bhardars who were either exiled or escaped to India got assembled in
front of the King. Some selected people were dispatched to Kathmandu from Kashi in order to kill
Jung Bahadur Rana by the King and his exiled Queen. Jung Bahadur Rana came to know about this
plot of killing him. Now he left all hopes from the side of King Rajendra Bikram Shah and decided
to coronate Prince Surendra Bikram Shah as King of Nepal. Thus, Jung Bahadur Rana enthroned
Prince Surendra Bikram Shah as King of Nepal on Baisakh 31, 1904 BS (May 13, 1847) with the tiltle
“Shree-5 Maharajadhiraj”. Rajendra Bikram Shah was no longer the King now. On the other end,
Rajendra Bikram Shah collected all the like minded Nepalese soldiers and sympathizers and decided
to fight a battle against Jung Bahadur Rana to wrest his lost Kingdom from him. Rajendra Bikram
with his troop got stationed at Alau (near Birgunj) with full preparation to attack on Kathmandu.
Jung Bahadur assigned Senior Captain Sanak Singh the task to dispel Rajendra’s troop from Alau.
Captain Sanak Singh led the Gorakhnath Brigade to Alau on July 27, 1847 (Shrawan, 1904 BS) to
attack on Rajendra’s troop. Gorakhnath Brigade killed 250 rebel soldiers without losing a single
life from their own side. Captain Sanak Singh arrested the Ex-King Rajendra Bikram Shah who was
trying to escape riding an elephant. He was brought as captive to Bhaktapur and remained in house-
arrest till his death. Jung Bahadur Rana emerged as the real executive head of Nepal with unlimited
power in his hands.

Appointed Prime Ministers (Not democratically elected by the People) of Nepal

PM Bhimsen Thapa PM Mathbar Singh Thapa PM Jung Bahadur Rana

6. Red-Stamp (Lal-Mohar): Jung Bahadur got Red-Stamp (Lal-Mohar) under his authority and
received the title Rana-ji. Lal-Mohar was the stamp used to validate “Royal-orders” defiance or
disobedience of which was considered as the crime agaist the state. Using the Lal-Mohar, a royal-
order was passed to declare Jung Bahadur Rana as “Shree-3 Maharaj” of Kaski and Lamjung.
Jung Bahadur Rana was vested with special powers and privileges by this Lal-Mohar and that
continued to his descendents (dynasty) too in times to come during the Rana regime.

7. Nuptial Relaonships with Royal Family: Maharajah Jung Bahadur Rana had many wives.

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Except few marriages, most of his marriages were meant for political alliances with various noble
houses. For example, he had married a sister of Fateh Jung Shah, one of the victims of the Kot
Massacre. Jung Bahadur married his main wife Bada Maharani Hiranya Garbha in January 1854
A. D. She gave birth to four daughters all of whom were later married to the royal princesses such
as Crown Prince Trailokya Bikram and his cousin Dhirendra Bikram. He even married an Indian
princess from Coorg (– a royal state in South India in Varanasi). His eldest son 8-year old Jagat
Jung was married to King Surendra’s eldest daughter Tika Rajya Laxami who was 6-years-old
at the time of marriage. His next son Jeet Jung too was married with King Surendra’s middle-
born daughter Narendra Rajya Laxami. In this way, he established nuptial relationships with the
descendents of Royal family of Shah-Kings and reduced all the chances for future revolt against
the dynastic Rana-regime. He made it sure that both future Kings as well as Prime Ministers of
Nepal must have the lineage of Rana’s family. Thus, he emerged more powerful than ever before
as even King was bound (limited) by nuptial relationships.

Fall or End of Rana Rule

Jang Bahadur Rana laid the foundation for all powerful dynastic-rule of Rana Prime Ministers
in Nepal. He himself ruled for 30-long years and died a natural death on Falgun 13, 1933 B.S.
(February 25, 1877). Unfortunately, none of his own sons could claim to power and compete
against powerful sons of Dhir Shumsher Rana. Finally, after a brief interval of eight years of
Ranodwip Singh Kunawar as Prime Minister of Nepal, Bir Shumsher Rana occupied the position
by murdering his own uncle Rannodwip Singh. He was the eldest son of Dhir Shumsher Rana.
Then after, Nepal saw the rule of Dhir Shumsher’s sons – the rule marked by total dictatorship,
feudalism at its peak, disrespect to women, loot of Royal treasury and rule by creating fear
and so on. Rana regime finally fell under its own weight of ignorance, greed, exploitation and
debauchery.

Assassinated PM Ranodwip Singh Bir Shumsher Rana with Wife and brothers

The following are the main reasons behind the fall of Rana’s dictatorial regime.

1. Family Feud and Struggle to become Prime Minister: The post of Prime Minister was made
dynastic in which only brothers would inherit the power in accordance with the rolls mentioned
in the written document. That became the bone of contention and thus created dispute, rivalry
and family murders inside the Rana clan. After the death of Jung Bahadur Rana, family discipline
in Rana’s joint family was replaced by jealousy, conspiracy and murder. Jagat Jung, the eldest son

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was chased for his life never to return to Kathmandu. Similarly, Prime Minister Ranodwip Singh
Kunwar was murdered by his own nephews (sons of Dhir Shumsher Rana). Once again, courts
of Shree-5 and Shree-3 were the hot-spots of conspiracy and dirty politics. The Parvas in 1938 BS
and in 1942 BS made Dhir Shumsher’s sons very powerful.
2. Exile of C-Grade Ranas: The Prime Minister Chandra Shamsher Rana (1901-29 AD) in the
‘succession roll’ had categorized the Rana families into A, B and C classes based on marriages
between the castes of equal status and between those of unequal status. Such formal categorization
led to deep rivalry among various classes of Ranas for power. The ‘C’ class Ranas were excluded
from the Rolls meant to select the Prime Minister. They were not even considered fit enough for
higher administrative posts. Some of them were even exiled from Nepal. Thus, all the C-class
Ranas turned against the Rana-regime and supported the anti-Rana movement. Some of them
even joined the Nepali Congress – the politically popular organization in those days.

3. Revolts, Rebellions and Movements against Rana-Rule: Revolts and rebellions against Rana-
rule began to happen right from the time of Jung Bahadur Rana. For example, Bhotu Singh, Lakhan
Thapa and others had already raised their heads and voices against the Rana-rule. Further ahead,
Nepalese soldiers came back to Nepal all awakened with the burning spirit of democracy and
individual independence after taking part in two World Wars (World War-I and World War-II).
While fighting at foreign fronts around the world like in East Asia, Northern Africa and Europe,
Nepalese soldiers realized the level and the state of misgovernance, helplessness of the people and
feudalism present in Nepal. These soldiers began to organize the movement against corruption-
ridden Rana-rule and took part in the agitation protesting against people’s suppression by Rana’s
administrators having no written laws or code of conduct to restrain (control) them.
Quite a good number of politically conscious and educated Nepalese people in those days had
joined the Indian National Congress, while others joined the Communist Party of India. B. P. Koirala
was active in India in recruiting young Nepali under Nepali Rastriya Congress (Nepali National
Congress) as early as January 1947. Other important parties formed in Indian exile in the late 1940s
were the Nepali Prajatantrik Congress (Nepali Democratic Congress) and the Nepal Communist
Party. They had learnt the art, skill and wisdom to launch decisive movement there in India. They
were inspired and motivated by the success of Indian National Congress and other revolutionary
political parties in overthrowing the British Empire from India. Thus, a series of political movements
started in Nepal against the Rana’s regime like CHARKHA Movement by Tulsi Mehar Shrestha who
passionately spoke for women’s uplift and their economic independence, attempts of Prachanda
Gorkha and Praja Parishad in toppling the Rana-regime, Library Parva, Jayatu Sanskritam and so
on.
4. Rebellion of King Tribhuwan and Taking Political Asylum in India: Shah Kings were
desperately looking for escape from power-less life under Rana dictators. Shah Kings were placed
under total control by these Rana Prime Ministers. Therefore, the then King Tribhuwan had been
supporting the political parties (particularly Nepali Congress) and the people in their struggles
to topple down the Rana regime. Ranas didn’t like the activities of King Tribhuwan and therefore
tightened their control over him making him just like a captive. King Tribhuwan had already
emerged as the focal point (rallying point) against the Rana’s movement in Nepal. Finally, King
Tribhuwan left the DURBAR on Kartik 21, 2007 BS (November 6, 1950) and took political asylum
in INDIA. Political situation in Kathmandu began to worsen when the then Prime Minister Mohan
Shumsher Rana dethroned King Tribhuwan and placed his second grandson child Gyanendra
as the titular King of Nepal. International community refused to recognize the move and put
pressure on Mohan Shumsher to negotiate with the original King Tribhuwan.
5. Armed Struggle launched by Nepali Congress: The “Liberation Army” (Mukti Sena: armed

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wing of the Nepali Congress) launched an armed revolution to bring down the Rana regime.
About two hundred armed volunteers of Mukti Sena attacked and captured Birgunj during
the night of November 10-11, 1950 (Kartik 26, 2007). Rana’s army and the Mukti Sena went on
fighting for almost a month. Many numbers of villages fell under the control of the Mukti Sena.
Rana’s army could not fight back to take away those villages from the Mukti Sena.
Seeing no prospect for victory, Prime Minister Mohan Shamsher Rana requested the Government
of India to mediate in the situation to find a political solution. Accordingly, Government of India
offered the service of mediation in New Delhi. And “Delhi Agreement” was signed between three
parties namely King Tribhuvan, Ranas and the Nepali Congress on Magh 29, 2007 (February
12, 1951). King Tribhuwan returned to Nepal as the original (not titular) Head of the State on
Falgun 7, 2007 and declared the end of 104-year of Rana-rule by taking first step towards bringing
democracy in Nepal.

Words and terms you would like to know

Coronate (v.): invest with legal power; enthrone
Wrest (v.): to gain control or power
Shrewedness (n.): quality of being clever, crafty and probably accurate
Grab (v.): seize something, to take something violently or dishonestly
Factionalism (n.): the existence of groups and the presence of conflicts between them within a larger
group
Debauchery (n.): immoral behavior
Massacre (n.): the vicious killing of large number of people
Bone of Contention: matter of dispute
C-Grade Ranas: C-Grade Ranas were those whose mothers were not given respectful and higher status
in their palace

Activities

1. Do self-research on Jung Bahadur Rana to find out details regarding his ancestry, childhood and
main personality traits. And fill up the blanks given below with adequate description wherever
required:

Jung Bahadur Rana
Date of Birth (in BS): ............................
Place of Birth: ........................................
Father’s Name: .........................................
Mother’s Name: ..........................................
Name and Details of Maternal Uncle and Father: .................................
Details of Important Events in the Childhood: .......................................
Secrets and the factors which led to the post of Prime Minister: .....................
Year of Death (in BS): ..................................
2. Collect all the dates and events connected with the rise of Ranas in Nepal and then draw a time-

line.
3. Make a table of all the dates and events given in this book right from the death of Jung Bahadur

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Rana till the final/formal end of Rana rule. Draw a time-line based on the dates-events shown in
the table.
4. Make a list of four positive and four negative qualities (personality-traits) of Jung Bahadur Rana
and explain them with reasons and appropriate illustrations why you chose them in your list.
5. Enact a drama in your class showing (highlighting) the situation of Raj-Durbar (King’s Court)
before the Kot-massacre took place.
6. Prepare a dialogue on Bhandarkhal-Parva and Alau-Parva and play radio-drama (voice-
simulation and creating effects on audience) in the class.

Exercise

1. Explain in detail the main causes (reasons) behind the rise (establishment) of Rana-rule in Nepal.
2. Rana’s regime is projected as the dark period in the history of Nepal. Give reasons why it is so.
3. The presence of Jung Bahadur Rana during the reign of Rajendra Bikram Saha in those days was

both essential and good for Nepal. Critically evaluate the observation and draw your conclusions
at the end.
4. The Royal politics in the palace after the death of Rana Bahadur Shah is responsible for the political
rise of Jung Bahadur Rana. The character like Jung Bahadur could have never succeeded to rise
in the presence of Shah King like Prithvi Narayan Shah. Analyze with appropriate evidences and
illustrations.
5. Ranas were themselves responsible for their fall (end). Yes, they are themselves to blame for the
end of their regime. Describe how it is so.
6. Explain the role of Nepali Congress, King Tribhuwan and C-grade Ranas in ending the Rana’s
rule.
7. Explain the details of all the three PARVAS and their significance in making Jung Bahadur Rana
as the most powerful man of Nepal of his time.
8. Rebellions and protests began to happen right from the start of the Rana rule but they didn’t
succeed to bring the Rana regime down. Why didn’t these rebellions and protests against the
Rana rule succeed? Give four reasons.
9. Find out why most of the Nepalese who were exiled by the Ranas used to go towards Kashi
(Banaras) in India.

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Lesson

8 Reforms of Rana-Rule on Nepal

During 104-years of Rana’s rule, all the political powers and authority were vested in the hands
of the Prime Minister. Ranas were “all in all” and were placed above the law in Nepal. They
had established complete control over the administration of Nepal and thus they were absolute
dictators. They just looked after the interest of their own children, other family members and
relatives. They didn’t show any worthwhile (genuine) concern towards the welfare of the Nepalese
people. They neglected the development of the common men and women of Nepal. They used
to brutally exploit and suppress the right demands and voices of the people of Nepal. Ranas
used to spend money/wealth from the national treasury for their own personal expenditure.
The speed and pace of development was extremely slow. Ranas had denied even basic human
rights of modern age like freedom of speech and expression, freedom of movement, freedom to
establish institution, freedom to have religious belief and practice the same, etc. to the people of
Nepal. Because of their backward approach to govern the country, Nepal never found favourable
environment to progress. There was no written law in practice to follow strictly at general level.
Neither did rule of law exist in Nepal then. Rana’s words were the ultimate laws, no matter what
they spoke and under what circumstances they spoke. Their words were final like engravings
on the stone. Rana’s mouth hurled the words as the final dictates to be followed without asking
for explanation or clarification. Even grave and severe punishments like life-imprisonment and
death were awarded if Ranas desired so.

Divide and Rule Policy of Rana Rulers

As the British East India Company was ruling over India by dividing the society, Ranas too adopted
the same policy of ‘Divide and Rule’ in Nepal. Ranas allowed the external interference in Nepal by
pleasing the British East India Company and favouring them. Ranas created frictions (divisions)
between castes, communities and ethnic groups. Ranas shattered “Unity in Diversity” – the vital
characteristic of Nepalese society. Ranas encouraged and promoted immoral behaviours in Nepal
and established many social evils. They openly promoted child marriage, unmatched marriage,
polygamy (marrying many wives), violence agaist women and demeaning women by lowering
their respect and so on. Ranas allowed second marriage in case child is not born to a woman (wife)
without making sure if the woman is biologically fit or not. Ranas had dprived common men and
women of education. This is why literacy rate of Nepal was just 2 percent till 2007 BS. People of
Nepal were living in extreme poverty. However, Ranas took some steps towards improving the
social and economic conditions of Nepal in order to prolong their stay in power. These steps are
highlighted as main achievements (or contributions) of Rana rule in Nepal.

Achievements under Rana rule

1. Social Reforms: After returning from Europe’s tour, Jung Bahadur Rana got the first written
law (Muluki Ain) issued in Nepal in 1910 BS. Muluki Ain brought legal uniformity in entire
Nepal. An unmarried woman (daughter) staying with parents till the age of 35 years was
made eligible to get her share in the parental property. Chandra Shumsher banned the SATI-
PRATHA in 1977 BS by enacting a law on it. Similarly, slavery was abolished on Mangsir 14,
1981. Dev Shumsher started the publication of Gorakhapatra – the first newspaper of Nepal.
Bir Shumsher established Bir Hospital and Bir Library. Ranas established first English Medium
School in Thapathali Durbar known as Durbar High School in 1910 BS to educate just Rana’s children
and their relatives. However, that became the first official effort in Nepal to start English education.
Dev Shumsher opened up more than 100 PATH-SHALAS all over Nepal to spread education in rural

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parts of the country. Girl’s schools and Tri-Chandra College were also established. The SLC (School
Leaving Certificate) Board was created in 1990 BS.
2. Economic Reforms: During Rana rule, there was nothing special and specific regarding scientific
pattern of economic development of the country. Ranas used to take away national capital (wealth)
out of the country and deposited it as their own money (wealth) in foreign banks. However, there
are some works done by Juddha Shumsher in the economic sector which need special mention
here. Juddha Shumsher established the Agricultural School in Nepal. He founded the Industrial
Council to protect the interests of industries in Nepal. Judhha Shumsher’s special interest towards
establishing industries in Nepal brought Jute Mills in Biratnagar, and other industries like Cotton
Mill, Juddha Match Factory, and several other small and cottage industries in Nepal. He allowed
first banking service to start in Nepal on Kartik 7, 1994 by establishing Nepal Bank Limited. Chandra
Shumsher paid his attention towards irrigation and hence constructed ‘Chandra-Nahar’ to benefit
Saptari from the Triyuga River. During this time only, paper currency of demoninations of Rs. 100,
Rs. 10 and Rs. 5 were introduced in Nepal to ease commercial transactions in trade and business.

Activities

1. If you were present during the Rana rule, what kind of suggestions and advice would you have
given to the existing Rana Prime Minister to bring reform in the political sector?

2. Why do we call Rana’s 104-year long rule as the dark age of Nepal? Discuss with your friends in
the class by making pairs. Reward the best presentation and the answer given in front of the class.

3. Complete he table below:

S.No. Rana Prime Ministers Kinds of Reforms

1. Jung Bahadur

2. Bir Shumsher

3. Dev Shumsher

4. Chandra Shumsher

5. Juddha Shumsher

6. Padma Shumsher

4. Write down what types of rites or traditions or any other things started by Rana Prime Ministers
are still being followed.

Exercise

1. Explain why Ranas were said to be above the laws. Or, Give reasons why laws didn’t apply to
Ranas.

2. Present good and bad aspects of the Rana rule in a table.
3. Rana’s works in the field of industry is commendable and praiseworthy. Critically comment.
4. What do you understand by the term “Divide and Rule”? How far did it apply to Rana Prime

Ministers in matter of governing Nepal?
5. Examine the impact of Muluki Ain, 1910 BS on the then Nepalese society.

Community Work

Rana rule in Nepal was traditionally backward, feudal, dictatorial and autocratic regime. To have
more clarity and relevant illustrations regarding this, organize a meeting with historians, intellectuals
and experienced elders and discuss with them on various aspects of Rana rule. Note down the gist of
the discussion. Prepare an analytical essay on the topic and send it for publication to a national daily
or a magazine or just write it in your personal blog inviting comments from the readers.

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Lesson Industrial Revolution and Its
Effects
9

Introduction

Industrial revolution is the astonishing progress and transformation that took place in the
Britsh industry, agriculture and in the field of science (and technology) from the middle of the
eighteenth century till the middle of the nineteenth century (1760-1840 AD). Since the progess
and transformation in fields of agriculture, industry and even in human pattern of living was so
fast-paced during this period, it was given the term “Industrial Revolution”. Industrial revolution
has impacted all aspects of human life. Industrial revolution happened in England first in the 18th
century, then set out to Europe and from there spread to other parts of the world. Industrial
revolution brought a drastic change in the production-method of both goods and services. The
process of change from an agrarian, handicraft economy to one dominated by industry and
machine-manufacture was witnessed clearly. Industrial revolution resulted in the widespread
replacement of manual labour by machines and changed the society both significantly and rapidly.
The change in the nature of production due to new discovery of scientific laws and inventions
began to have an impact on working and living pattern of the people ......In less time and with less
energy, more goods and services with comparatively higher productivity and efficiency started
coming in the market. Goods which used to be made at home or in small workshops began to be
manufactured now in the factory. The surrounding areas in and around the factory began to take
the shape of cities. Thus, Industrial Revolution led to the growth of cities. Cities started attracting
people from the rural areas in search of work and the urban communities began to spring up in
Britain and other European coutries and in the rest of the world.

Almost every aspect of daily life was influenced in some way or the other by Industrial Revolution.
It affected behavioural pattern and thinking of people besides rewarding more wealth and
prosperity to them. Scientific research and analysis (investigations) were encouraged. Because
the main foundation of Industrial Revolution was to adopt new inventions and technologies to
lessen the investment of human time and energy in oreder to produce more goods and services
with better quality in large numbers. People started having more leisure time to devote their
attention to other areas of human life. Industrial Revolution has not ended yet as many countries
in the world have not got industrialized even in the 21st century.

The Industrial Revolution marks a major turning point in history not just for Britain and Europe
to begin with but for the whole world. No doubt, Industrial Revolurion changed Britain from
being the agricultural country (agrarian society) to the major industrial country (industrial
society). Britain emerged as the most powerful country in the 18th & 19th centuries because of
the power of science and technology. Industrial Revolution in Britain started with small level of
inventions in textile industry to increase the production level to meet more demands and make
more profits. But a series of small inventions in textile industry branched out to iron-making
(metallurgy), steam power (railway-engine) and machine tools in different areas like agriculture,
mining, transportation, communication and so on. Thanks to Industrial Revolution, the world
of production, distribution and consumptuion changed beyond imagination with its effect on
political and socio-cultural life of the people in the world.

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Major Inventions in Main Areas and Their Achievements

1. Flying Shuttle: There was a great demand to increase the supply of cotton-textile clothes in Britain.
British textile traders and producers were under great pressure as manually woven textile used to
take more time and it was just impossible to increase the volume of production of textile clothes to
meet increasing demands. All the cotton and woolen textile manufacturers in Britain were feeling
the pressure of demands to increase their supply but the existing style of production didn’t allow
them to do so. The son of a woolen manufacturer, John Kay, was working in his father’s mill and he
faced the same problem as to how to increase the production of threads to produce large volumes of
clothes. While trying several techniques, Kay chanced upon inventing “Flying Shuttle” in 1733 AD.
The invention of ‘Flying Shuttle’ allowed a single weaver to weave fabrics of any width and that too
much more quickly than two weavers could do it before. John Kay’s invention became very popular
amongst the woolen and cotton manufacturers in Yorkshire (England) and his invention increased
yarn-consumption like a sale of hot-cake in the textile-manufacturing market. A new vigour and
energy was visible all around in textile industries of England in knitting and weaving out of yarn
(threads of wool, cotton, or synthetic fibre). But the true importance of “Flying Shuttle” was in its
possibility to convert it into spinning machine operating automatically driven by power.

Flying Shuttle invented by John Kay Spinning Jenny (By James Hargreaves)
As it was expected, improvement in the technology of the ‘Flying Shuttle’ came in the form of
“Spinning Jenny” which received further improvement in the form of Waterframe Loom and
Spinning Mule. These inventions in those times transformed the textile industry in Britain in
particular and Europe in general beyond recognition.
2. Spinning Jenny: Since the demand of textile went on increasing, much better technology was
needed to produce more yarns at higher speed. James Hargreaves, himself a weaver and carpenter
in Lancashire (England), started thinking to improve upon the technology of Kay’s invention – the
Flying Shuttle. He was successful in inventing the Spinning Jenny in 1764 AD. Spinning Jenny was
a machine that could spin a number of threads at once. Spinning Jenny was the hand-powered
multiple-spindle machine for spinning wool or cotton. This machine could spin thread as high as
eight times the human hand could do.
3. Water-Frame and Spinning Mule: The Water-frame was developed by Richard Arkwright in
1767 AD. Sir Richard Arkwright was an inventor and a leading entrepreneur of his time. He is also
known as “the Father of the Industrial Revolution” because he is the creator of the modern factory-
system by combining capital, power (water-energy), machinery and labour (skills). He invented the
spinning-frame powered by water popularly known as “Water-Frame or Waterframe”.

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Arkwright’s Waterframe Samuel’s Spinning Mule Cartwright’s Power Loom
Samuel Crompton, an English inventor, made improvement on the technology given by James
Hargreaves and Richard Arkwright. He combined both the technology and invented the Spinning
Mule in 1779 AD. The Spinning Mule was a hybrid just like a mule is – a machine that brought a big
change in the industry all over the world. In Spinning Mule, Samuel Crompton created a hybrid of
Arkwright’s water-frame and James Hargreave’s spinning jenny.
Edmund Cartwright, an English inventor of the first wool-combing machine, happened to visit Sir
Richard Arkwright’s cotton-spinning mills in Derbyshire, England. He saw a machine there for
weaving fabric (cloth). Edmund Cartwright decided to make a similar machine for weaving and
this is how he invented a crude power loom in 1785 AD. His “Power Loom” was a mechanized
loom driven by water-energy. Invention of “Power Loom” was a major contribution in weaving
industries in those days. Later, his invention was improved upon to make the operation of Power-
Loom completely automatic.
4. Steam Engine: James Watt was a Scottish inventor who improved upon the technology of existing
Steam Engine originally invented by Thomas Newcomen in 1712 AD. Thomas Newcomen, a British
inventor, had created the first practical steam engine for pumping water from mines. James Watt
added more power (energy in operation) to the existing Steam Engine and made it extremely useful
for being used in production or manufacturing goods in big factory and industry. Watt’s invention of
extra-powerful ‘Steam Engine’ in 1769 AD came up as the mechanical workhorse (power-supplier)
of the Industrial Revolution. Watt’s Steam Engine established itself as the efficient and reliable
power-house of energy to run the industries and therefore, changed the economies of continents
not just Britain or Europe alone. These engines could be set up at a place where water and coal or
wood fuels were available. The stationary steam-engine became the prime feature of the Industrial
Revolution in increasing the volume of production in industries. Gradually, these steam-engines
were aaplied to the vehicles such as trains popularly known as the railway locomotive.

Watt’s Steam Engine Engine in Vehicle Stephenson’s Railway Locomotive

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5. Safety Lamp: The ‘Safety Lamp’ also known as the ‘Davy Lamp’ was invented by Sir Humphry
Davy in 1815 AD. It was used in coal-mines to reduce the danger of explosions due to the presence
of methane and other inflammable gases. The lamp was also helpful in detecting the presence of
gases inside the coal-mines. The flame of Davy’s Safety Lamp would burn higher with a slight blue
color coming in contact with inflammable gas mixtures. In case the mine-air had little or no oxygen,
the lamp’s flame would get extinguished. Thus, Safety Lamp provided a lot of safety to miners.

Davy’s Safety Lamp Bessemer’s Convertor for making Steel

6. Iron or Steel-making (Metallurgy): Sir Henry Bessemer, an English inventor, developed the steel-
making process in 1856 AD by taking away impurities from the iron-ore (or pig iron). The Bessemer
process of steel-making involved using oxygen in air supplied to the molten pig iron (iron in rough
or crude form) to burn off (take away) the impurities and then finally create steel. The Bessemer
process was the first ever cheap method for the mass production of steel from the molten pig iron at
large scale in industry. The mass production of ‘iron and steel’ scaled up the level of development by
manufacturing ships, bridges and other iron-related building constructions and so on.

6. Railway Locomative Engine and Rail: George Stephenson, an English civil engineer and
mechanical engineer, built the first inter-city railway line in the world to use steam locomotives.
George Stephenson is famous as the “Father of Railways”.

Stephenson’s Locomotive constructed in 1816 AD Stephenson’s Rail patented in 1816 AD
George Stephenson along with his son Robert Stephenson established the first locomotive-engine
company in the world, headquartered in Newcastle (in northeastern England). This new company
produced the first locomotive engine for sale in 1825 AD. The production of ‘new-design engine’
made the locomotive practically very useful for movement of goods and passengers. Finally, the

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railroad transportation was born on September 27, 1825 when the first public passenger train pulled
by Stephenson’s locomotive engine ran in Enbgland carrying 450 persons with a speed of 36 miles
per hour. The railroad building project started by Stephenson’s Company spread throughout
Britain, Europe, and North America in a rapid manner. It completely revolutionized the medium of
transportation in the world.
7. Electricity, Telegram, Telephone, and Radio-Wireless: Benjamin Franklin, an American
inventor, constructed the first ever electrical battery in 1748 AD. He believed that electricity could
be harnessed from lightning and rightly so he devised an experiment to prove his theory in 1752
AD. Franklin’s electrical experiments helped in invention of the lightning rod which proved very
beneficial in protecting buildings from lightning.
Samuel F. B. Morse, an American inventor, had contributed to the invention of a single-wire electric
telegraph system. Telegraphy is the technique of long distance transmission of textual or symbolic
(only in written form) messages from one end to the other end. Using this technique, Morse himself
sent the first telegram in the United States on January 11, 1838. Morse’s idea of using electricity to
communicate over distance was a great gift to the world as it bridged the gap of distance and time
by introducing instant messaging which helped in trade, business, politics and other social affairs.
Alexander Graham Bell, a Scottish-born scientist and inventor, was the citizen of United States. He
invented telephone in 1876 AD. The telephone was the first device in the history of mankind that
helped people to talk directly with each other without having any barrier of geographical distance.
Today, we all know very well what telephone means to us in our daily life and how telephones have
become essential for conducting businesses and running the government and households.
Michael Faraday, an English scientist, is best known for his work regarding electricity and
magnetism. Faraday through his scientific research established that there was close relationship
between magnetism and rays of light. He proved that magnetism could affect rays of light and
thus, developed the electric motor technology. Faraday’s efforts made electricity practically useful
in various technologies currently used by all of us.
Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian inventor and electric engineer, invented “the wireless telegraph”
by using radio-waves through an instrument which was named as Radio in 1895 AD. Marconi’s
invention brought unimaginable positive change in human life. Using the wireless technology now,
information is sent through invisible waves in the air. The information for wireless transmission
may include data, voice, and video.
Besides above inventions and innovations mentioned above, Industrial Revolution has affected
the field of agriculture too. Traditional agriculture has given way to scientific and research-based
agriculture with use of modern tools and technology. The area of animal-husbandary in agriculture
witnessed a series of experiments to improve upon the breed of cattle and similar experiments in
technique of domesticating them.

Impact (Effects) of Industrial Revolution on Human Society

We have already studied why and how Industrial Revolution occurred. Now, it’s time to consider
its effect on human society. There are mixed baggage of both positive and negative effects of
the Industrial Revolution on the huiman society. Instead of producing goods at home at small
scale level, the production of goods began to take place in factory during Industrial Revolution.
Production of more quantity of goods brought more wealth to producers (manufacturers). But,
the working conditions of the people (labourers or workers) deteriorated as a result of their
exploitation in the hands of capitalists (owners of industries or factories). Industrial Revolution
brought a great amount of wealth and power to Great Britain throughout the 19th century.
However, Great Britain used this newly gained wealth and power to spread the imperial control

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over different continents by converting several countries in Asia and Africa as its colonies to exploit
their raw materials and economic resources to feed and benefit their factories and industries.
Other European countries like France, Germany, Netherlands, and Portugal and so on were also
busy spreading their imperial hold in Africa and Latin America by installing an exploitative
economic system in colonies dividing the society in two classes – capitalists (bourgeoise) and
workers (proletariat). The class-conflict arose in the society which organized the workers together
against the wealthy class who were not ready to give up their share of profits for the welfare of
the people as a whole. Rapid industrialization gave rise to the process of urbanization which led
to emergence of many numbers of towns and cities. Migration of the people in search of economic
activities from rural areas to urban centres went on without check. Industrial Revolution brought
changes in demographic profile all over the world. Most of the people used to live in villages
before 1760 AD but Industrial Revolution pulled them to urban areas from their rural habitat.
This trend of migration brought a total change in social structure in which people from different
backgrounds and cultures started settling together in and around the factory living regimented
life. Working at home was no longer possible as place of work was away from home and men
would work for 12-15 hours in factory and women would look after home. Some exploitative
manufacturers would employ even women and children and would make them work for more
than 15 hours a day in the factory.

Industrial Revolution took the political powers away from the hands of the feudal lords to the
capitalists and middle class people. Quite naturally, in social and economic conditions like these,
new organization of Labour Unions and political ideologies of Communism and Socialism
were born in order to protect the interest of the masses (ordinary people). Industrial Revolution
destroyed cottage and home-based industries and increased unemployment as introduction of
machine and technology in work-place displaced human-hands. Power of wealth and misuse of
science and technology made rich European countries greedy and exploitative. These European
countries started imposing and setting up their imperialism in Asia, Africa and Latin America by
suppressing the native people there.

Words and terms you would like to know

Agrarian (adj.): dominated by or relating to farming or rural life; relating to land and cultivation
Spring up (v.): emerge rapidly
Spindle (n.): thread-spinning rod on spinning wheel
Inflammable (adj.): easily set on fire; quality of catching fire easily

Activities

1. Describe why Industrial Revolution happened in Britain. Find out the reasons from different
sources and write down by giving relevant illustrations.

2. Explore the reasons why Industrial Revolution in England started with “Textile Industry”.

3. Industrial Revolution had contributed immensely in spreading imperialism and creation of
colonies leading to brutal exploitation of poor countries all over the world. How far do you agree
with the observation? Present your views with examples and appropriate reasons.

4. Development in the field of agriculture during Industrial Revolution had influenced the growth
of industries too. Prepare an editorial explaining the essence and implication of the statement and
send it to a national daily.

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5. Do research on your own about the life and works of the scientists, inventors, innovators and
engineers of your choice. Make a file compiling the life and works of these people and write a note
on how they inspire you to be creative, inventive and innovative in your life. Share it in the class.

Exercise

1. Explain the meaning of Industrial Revolution and its significance.
2. Write down the impact of Industrial Revolution on social dimension of human society.
3. Industrial Revolution had changed the political and economic systems of the world. Highlight the

effects of Industrial Revolution on politics and economy in human society.
4. One scientific invention or innovation inspires another invention on similar line or in the same

direction. How far is this true? Illustrate with appropriate examples.
5. “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Justify the statement in light of a series of inventions

which came up to launch the Industrial Revolution.
6. What is telegraphy? How did Morse’s invention lead to having modern telephones in our hands?

Examine with scientific explanation.
7. Bring out the differences between the nature and type of inventions made by Michael Faraday

and Benjamin Franklin.
8. George Stephenson would not have become “the Father of Modern Railways” without the early

contributions made by James Watt. Analyze it withy appropriate illustrations.
9. Fill up the blanks below:

S. No. Invention Scientist/Inventor Year of Invention
1. .................... John Kay .....................

2. ..................... ......................... 1767 AD

3. Spinning Mule .......................... .......................
4. ......................... .............................. 1785 AD

5. ........................... James Watt ......................

6. Safety Lamp ........................ ........................
7. ........................ Henery Bessemer .......................

8. ......................... ............................... 1876 AD

9. Radio ........................... .......................

10. What is factory? How was it different from earlier method (style) of production? Give reasons
why the production (manufacturing) in the factory-system created the differences (gap) between
the owners and the workers.

11. Both capitalism and socialism are the products of Industrial Revolution. Examine the truth of the
statement by making clear the meaning of capitalism and socialism.

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Lesson

1 0 Geneology & Family Tree

Geneology means the history of a particular family showing how different members of the
family are related to each other. Geneology is the study of families in order to trace their lineage
and history. Geneology has become very popular now as a family and the members of a family
show an interest to know the root from where they have branched out. Now a days, maintaining
family-trees (also known as geneology-chart) has become a norm (general practice). There are
professional genealogists who conduct oral interviews, maintain historical records, do genetic
analysis and keep other relevant reports to get information about a family and show kinship
and pedigrees of its members. Genealogy is not a new activity. Neither is it confined to just
a particular culture or a country. It is popular with all the cultures across the continents. It is
because every human being is interested to know his/her past, present and future. Geneology
serves all the three purposes: the Past (Where do I come from?), the Present (Who am I? Why am
I here?), and the Future (What will happen to me?). These fundamental questions are the essential
parts of any genealogical research.

Geneological chart (family tree) with just names and dates does not tell much about family
history like who actually were all those ancestors, what were they doing for survival and living,
where and in what manner they lived, etc. Family tree does not have all the answers for all these
questions in detail. For getting such details, one requires family history based on a lot of research
giving a wider picture about a family’s past (history) with total description of ancestors’ life.
Geneological chart (family tree) is required first before one starts to do research to get details on
family history. Therefore, family tree makes the task easy for family history. It is because pointers
with directions in which research will proceed are already present.

There are scores of reasons which motivate people to do their own ancestral research to make
genealogical chart or family tree. There can be any one or more reasons to go for one’s own
geneology. These reasons may be to validate family stories, to know if any famous person existed
in ancestry, to check any kind of medical history of diseases, to solve land ownership problems,
to search for biological parents, to collect evidence of paternity, to understand the heritage, to
preserve family traditions and so on. We all have a basic desire to know where we come from and
why we are the way we are today. Some people have very specific reasons for tracing their family
tree. Our present and future are determined to a lesser or greater extent by the family we are born
in and ancestry that we belong to. It gets broadened into family, sub-caste, caste, community,
religion and finally into nation. Geneology reveals all these.

It is not that easy to make a geneology as it appears above. Making a perfect family tree demands
energy and devotion to the task. Various genealogical sources such as birth and death records,
marriage certificates, census, and others have to be consulted to make family trees. Just for
example, a marriage certificate discloses the names of the bride and groom and the date of their
marriage along with their occupation and address, witness names as well as the names and
occupation of the fathers of the married couple. A little more depth of research discloses the
information regarding pattern and standared of living of the newly married couple to prepare
the family history.

318 Nova Social Studies Grade-9 >>

Family Tree of Bhimsen Thapa

Bir Bhadra
Thapa

Satyarupa Amar Singh ?
Maya Thapa

Bhimsen Nain Singh Bhaktawar Amrit Singh Ranbir Singh Ranbam Ranzawar
Thapa Thapa Thapa
Thapa Singh Thapa Thapa Thapa

? (son) Lalita Devi Janak Kumari Dirgha
Pande Kumari
Pande Pande

Steps involved in making Geneology: How to make Geneology
Geneology of any person helps us understand the relationship of a person with other family
members through time and it discloses information on similar relationship amongst the ancestors of
a person for several generations. It depends on for how many generations one is trying to explore
information. It may be for 3 generations or 6 or 9 generations or even more than that. Now, the
question is how to create geneology which dates back centuries covering all the relevant information
on present as well as past generations. Let us suppose that you have to make your own geneology.
How would you do it? Here are the guidelines for you. Go step by step in the following manner:
STEP 1: Start recording what you already know. Write down information about your family
members such as their birthdays, marriages, children, etc. Talk to your parents to get information
about their parents. If grandparents are alive, go and collect information about their grandparents
and parents. This is how yoy go back to at least our great-grandparents. If possible, go further back
based on your research.
STEP 2: Talk to your relatives, especially the older ones like aunts, uncles, grandparents’ brothers
and sisters and so on. Don’t forget to take notes when talking to your relatives and be prepared for
some errors which come up while verifying the facts. In this way, the information received from
your relatives can save a lot of time for tracing your ancestors’ records in birth and death certificates,
marriage registers, military records, immigration records and other valuable genealogical sources.
STEP 3: Organise information you have gathered from talking to your family and relatives. Now
focus on one side of your family...either father’s side or mother’s side. After completing and verifying
all the information and details for one side of the family, switch over to the other side of the family. If
you want to gather and arrange the details for both the sides, go for it. Most people choose to follow
the male line because it is easier to find ancestors in patrilineal society and you do not need to record
maiden (first) names. As you can see above, in Nepalese society, even married women used to live

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totally dependent life on the husband; geneology shows the names of males in strict patriarchal
society. You can follow the same with addition of names of married women.
STEP 4: If you want your family tree to reach back to the ‘Middle Ages’, you need to check the
details of birth, death, marriage and similar registers of your ancestors or get dependent on
information provided by the older members of your family. For example, your great-grandfather’s
birth certificate reveals who were your great-great-grandparents, full and maiden (first) name of
your great-great-grandmother, etc.
STEP 5: Verify new information you get about your ancestors in order to authenticate the relatedness
of yours with your ancestors. Otherwise, you will jump on to ancestors belonging to other’s family.
Organise the gathered information into a family tree chart of your choice.

Learn to make 'Genelogy'
You can make simple family tree with names in words. But if you want to show more details as
family history then relevant symbols disclosing several details are needed in the pedigree chart. You
can use following symbols in your family tree (pedigree chart) for clarity to start with:

320 Nova Social Studies Grade-9 >>

Note: Pedigree chart is used for both humans as well as animals in order to understand the family
history with the help of symbols. Male means father and female means mother in human family.
The word mating means marriage in human society. Affected individual means presence of genetic
disorder (disease) passed on through either of the parents or both of them. There are various other
symbols to disclose background of family history but those symbols are not required at this level of
study.

Words and terms you would like to know

Pedigree (n.): the line of ancestors of a person; a table showing the line of ancestors of a person
Paternity (n.): fatherhood or ancestry
Patrilineal (adj.): tracing descent through males (father side)

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Activities

1. Make a geneology of Shah-Kings of Nepal from Prithvi Narayan Shah down to the last King
Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah. Share this genealogical chart of Shah-Kings in the class.

2. What can one learn from the study of pedigree and geneology? Discuss it in the class- and draw
common conclusion. Share the conclusion in the class.

3. Make a geneology of your own from both the sides: mother side as well as father side and show
the same to all the class-mates.

Exercise

1. What is pedigree? Explain how pedigree-chart discloses the family history.
2. Give reasons why one should study one’s own pedigree.
3. Compare and contrast your personal geneology to that of your friend’s geneology. Find out the

differences in family history in two genealogies and point out the similarity, if any.

Community Work

Meet the person of your sub-caste (same GOTRA) living in your village or in any other urban areas.
Ask about your common ancestors from whom you all descended. Prepare a family-tree depicting the
common ancestors and the descendents till the present generation.

322 Nova Social Studies Grade-9 >>

Lesson Our Ancestors: Pathfinders for
the Present Generation
11

Nepal is a unique country in the world with religious and cultural diversity all around having
its own original traditions. Nepal’s history has been divided into three parts: ancient period,
medieval period and modern period. Nepal has witnessed change in social norms and mores,
traditions, rites and rituals and overall pattern of human life over the course of time right from
ancient to medieval and then to modern period. Our ancestors had been practicing different
traditions, social norms and life-styles which have not yet become irrelevant, at least some of
them need to be revived without delay. They are not completely out-dated and totally unscientific
even from skeptics’ angles. Basic values of Nepalese society and family stand for security, love,
sharing and cooperation in unit called family or community called society. Our ancestors were
the best examples for developing and nurturing these values in different stages of their life in
different historical periods. We can still learn from them how to develop these values in daily life
by adopting traditions, rites and rituals carrying the message of respect, love, cooperation, non-
violence, sacrifice of materialism and so on. Therefore, all of us who are living in the modern era
must not think that everything that is old deserves rejection. We in the present generation must
be cautious before we say or do something which goes against our heritage or is an attack on our
past. Both heritage and our past are inseparably connected because the heritage is our past and
the past belongs to our ancestors. It is quite simple, if we speak against our own national and
community heritage, we are speaking against our own ancestors and showing disrespect to them.
No heritage can be bestowed upon us without the tireless works of our ancestors behind it. And,
if we have taken benefits of language, culture, religion and many other such things given to us by
our heritage, then it is just impossible to ignore the contributions of ancestors who have created
the heritage in which we are born and grown up.
In this context, Social Studies teacher Mr. Nityanand Jha organizes a class discussion by involving
students who were ready for learning more on the topic. Mr. Nityanand Jha walks in to the
classroom..........
Neha Guni: Good Morning Sir! We were waiting for you.
Teacher: Very Good Morning to all of you. I am glad to see the full strength of the class today.
Let’s start our discussion on the topic, “Our ancestors: Pathfinders for the Present Generation”.
You may raise questions to begin the discussion.
Neha Guni: Sir! In what kind of social-structure did our ancestors use to live?
Teacher: Looking back at our history, ancient people in Nepal used to follow VARNA-system
known as VARNASHRAMA. Our ancestors were Hindus and even today around 81.3% of the
total population follows Hinduism. But, Hinduism as a way of life has influenced all the people
of Nepal irrespective of any divisions. The Rig Veda enjoins that human society be divided into
four VARNAS. Our ancestors belonged to any one of the four VARNAS according to the type of
work they did and temperament (quality of mind) they displayed. These VARNAS were: Shudras
(Artisans and Workers), Vaishyas (Farmers, Merchants and Business People), Kshatriyas
(Warriors, Police and Administrators) and Brahmans (Priests, Teachers, and Intellectuals).
Therefore, Varna-system is not considered as rigidly structured man-made institution. Varna-
system is the inherent nature of human society and Nepal followed the same in ancient time.
Lord Krishna teaches in GITA that people are given to a particular Varna based on two criteria:

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GUNA (his or her personal qualities/temperament) and KARMA (his or her aptitude for a work).
Therefore, VARNA-system or VARNASHRAMA was a quite scientific division of people living in
ancient society. Each Varna accommodated the corresponding (similar) type of person and it had
nothing to do with the birth of a person.

Caste System

Shashi Bhusan Mahato: Are you talking about the caste that we follow at present as social-structure
in Nepal? Isn’t it that Varna-system and caste-system are similar if not the same?

Teacher: This is the greatest misunderstanding we find at present. The current caste-system has
nothing to do with the original Varnashrama-Dharma (Varna-system). Original Varna-system
was based on person’s mindset and type of works s/he did. On the other hand, the present caste-
system which uses the same terms like Varnas did in the past is strictly based on birth. Varnas were
indicators of occupational groups and did not have hereditary lineage from the same family but
the caste-system has hereditary pedigree in the family, or Gotra (sub-caste) or at larger level, clan.
The term “caste” originates from the Portuguese term casta, denoting purity of descent. Caste is
understood as Jat or Jati in Nepali and it is very rigid, totally determined by a person’s birth. A
person is born in a caste or JAT and dies in the same JAT. There is a hierarchy in caste-system as
higher caste, backward caste and lower caste. There is no ladder-like structure and rigidity in Varna-
system. One can start the life as worker in Shudra Varna and graduate to become warrior in Kshatrya
Varna. Similarly, if a soldier (Kshatriya) later decides to earn money by becoming businessperson,
s/he becomes Baishya based on his/her changed mental qualities. This is called mobility which is
possible only in original Varna-system. In caste-system, there is no such thing called mobility. A son
of Shudras no matter how intelligent and successful he is ends up dying as Shudra. Caste-system
has led to conflicts and exploitation in the society and we can see it at present. Varna-system was
conflict-free social structure based on cooperation and harmony.

Sajjit Soti: There used to be fundamentally original traditions in Nepal’s history. Sir! Please, tell
us all about it.

Teacher: This is absolutely right. Our ancestors had developed the tradition to maximize the
available opportunity and to share the benefits amongst community-members for collective
survival. Individual approach to human life as we find now centered around the self-centric
approach of ‘I, Me and Mine’ was not seen then because our ancestors were guided by DHARMA
(Sacred and moral Duty) which taught them collective approach of life and living based on
‘We, Ours and Us’. Therefore, they developed moral and cooperative perspective towards life
by including others and devised the practices of AINCHO-PAINCHO, barter-system, helping
others as duty without expecting anything in return and so on. They believed in DAN-PUNYA
(merits of giving charity) by sharing and donating their labour, mind and money for creation of
art and artefacts, sculpture, paintings, etc. They loved to preserve and conserve the objects and
sites of art and culture. In fact, it is because of their contributions that Nepal is recognized as the
country of heritage where many cultural and natural sites have been declared as World Heritage
Sites. You can see various sites of historical and religious importance even today in all parts
of Nepal. At that time, Nepal was an agrarian society. Our ancestors had established trading
relationship with Tibet in those days. There was hardly any nuclear family as you find today
existing in great numbers. Our ancestors used to live in joint family which followed the values of
sharing, caring, sacrificing, owning responbility for young children, joint custody of unmarried
daughters and nursing the elderly and diseased members, etc. Works and responsibilities were
suitably divided amongst the members of the joint family. The principle of equity with welfare

324 Nova Social Studies Grade-9 >>

approach towards the disabled and helpless members was the guiding force to run the joint
family then. There were many numbers of GUTHIs and religious centres like MATH, MANDIR,
ASHRAM, GUMBA, VIHARA, etc. These religious centres were the main sources of education.
Sanskrit was the medium of learning and instructions. Before the arrival of Nepali, Sanskrit
was the language of expression and religious study. Learning Sanskrit is essential if one goes
searching for wisdom in SANATAN-DHARMA which our ancestors followed and is continuing
even today. Many scientists and researchers in western country have learnt Sanskrit to find out
scientific laws, treatment of diseases and perals of wisdom. We must be thankful to our ancestors
who gave this language to us. In medieval period, Newari and Maithali enhanced the richness of
our lingual heritage. Religious festivals were celebrated in accordance with religious significance
and people would celebrate them as per their economic capacity. Clothes were made inside the
country. Daura-Suruwal with Dhaka-Topi for men and Choli-Ghalek for women were considered
as typical dress in Shah-Kingdoms before the unification of Nepal, which ended up becoming
national dress of modern Nepal.

Justice System

Sukriti Rai: Sir! Explain to us about the justice-system which existed then in brief.

Teacher: Be attentive all of you. Extracts (gist) of religious interpretations of Vedas, Upanishads
and Puranas were converted into religious codes, laws and regulations to govern the society
and to give justice to an individual. In the medieval period when Varna-system was corrupted
to give rise to rigid caste-system based on birth, evidences (cases) of inequality in granting
justice were visible. Higher caste people would get lesser punishment than the people of lower
caste for the same crime committed by them. Bramans were let off (set free) from the death
punishment while others would be hanged to (or shot to) death. King of Gorkha, Ram Shah,
tried to end the system. An accused of a crime was even asked to take sacred vow in front of
Gods and Goddesses not to commit crime again and was asked to confess the crime without
undergoing punishment. Local disputes were settled by “a group of five wise men” selected
from the village or local area. It was the decentralized justice delivery system. Accordingly,
village disputes were settled by DWARE, Tol (community) disputes by PRADHAN and those
who would walk around different parts of kingdom as ‘mobile-team’ to resolve the disputes
were called KHARDAR.

School-bell goes. All the students in the class stand up to thank the teacher. Teacher gives them
assignment to work on and makes an exit.

Words and terms you would like to know

Norm (n.): standared pattern of behaviour
Mores (plural noun): established customs
Skeptic (n.): somebody who doubts something is true
Nurture (v.): to give tender care and protection
Enjoin (v.): to impose a condition or course of action on others
Lineage (n.): line of descent
Clan (n.): large family; group of families
Barter (n.): exchange of goods or services in return for other goods and services
Equity (n.): fairness in treatment of others

325<< Nova Social Studies Grade-9

Activities

1. Do research and collect details of festivals that our ancestors used to celebrate. Also mention the
process or methods involved in celebrating these.

2. Visit the library or museum or religious place located in your neighbourhood in order to get
more information on our ancestors. Based on the collected information, prepare a report on “Our
Ancestors: Life, Struggles, Sacrifices and their Visions”.

3. ‘Our traditions, cultures, rites and rituals are the gifts from the ancestors.’ Prepare a speech on the
theme displayed by this statement here.

Exercise

1. Briefly introduce our ancestors and their life-styles.
2. Describe what lessons we can learn from our ancestors.
3. ‘Our ancestors are pathfinders for the present generation.’ Justify the statttement with illustrations.
4. Explain in detail about the “Varnashrama” – the social structure of ancient Nepal. How does it

differ from caste-system (Jati-Sanstha)?
5. Compare the ancient judicial system with the present one.
6. Differetiate beween the joint family and nuclear family. Which type of family do you come from?

Write your observations about your family.
7. Make a list of festivals and customs which you and your family members have been following.

How many of them have been continuing from the time of our ancestors? Write their features in
brief.

326 Nova Social Studies Grade-9 >>

Unit

8

Economic Activities

Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this Unit, students will be able to:
 Make out the status and types of Agriculture, Industry and Trade we practice with the

problems and challenges being faced by these sectors
 Understand the interrelationship between Agriculture, Industry and Trade, their

significance and examine the measures to reform these sectors
 Understand the meaning and scope of Economic Planning and illustrate the roles

played by Economic Planning to eradicate poverty
 Appreciate the need and significance of entrepreneurship, management and

market-promotion
 Highlight the respect and dignity of labour in order to become self-reliant

Lesson

1 Agriculture

Introduction

According to Webster’s Dictionary, “Agriculture is the art or science of production of crops and
livestock on farm.” The term agriculture is comprehensive in nature and therefore, includes a
series of activities like cultivation of the soil, growing and harvesting crops, breeding and raising
livestock, dairying, and forestry. Agriculture as an economic activity involves the combination
of different branches of knowledge and hence is the art, science, and industry of managing the
growth of plants and animals for human use. Nepal is an agricultural country. According to
the latest report of the International Labour Organization (2016), around 68% people of the
total population of Nepal is engaged in agriculture and forestry sector. Agriculture accounts
for approximately 34% of the total national income (GDP – Gross Domestic Product) of Nepal.
Even then, Nepal struggles to produce sufficient amount of food for its citizens. Nepal follows
the traditional method of agriculture. Thus, agriculture does not give enough production (yield)
to ensure food sufficiency in the country. Agriculture in Nepal has been based on subsistence
farming and therefore, farmers do not have surplus agricultural products (particularly cereal and
food grains) to sell or export. Agriculture is the main source for gaining food-grains for survival
on day to day basis. Agriculture even supports industry by supplying agro-raw materials to
fast-food industries, sugar industry, spice and pickle industry and many other food-outlets,
hotels, restaurants, etc. Cash crops like Tea, Coffee, Tobacco, Jute, Cotton, Wool and others feed
industries with raw materials. Nepal needs to adopt modern agricultural techniques based on

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research in agricultural science in order to attain food sufficiency in the country and to eradicate
poverty from the country.

Importance of Agriculture

We know that agriculture at present not only includes farming but also incorporates forestry, fruit
cultivation, dairy, poultry, mushroom, bee keeping, etc. Agricultural is the back-bone of Nepal’s
national economy. It not only provides food and raw materials but also employment opportunities to
a very large number of people in Nepal. Following facts duly highlight the importance of agriculture:
1. Supply of Food and Fodder: Agriculture sector provides food for humans and fodder for livestock.
Milk animals like cow and buffalo are the main source for milk supply and other dairy products.
2. Contribution to National Income: Agriculture is not only the the premier source of our national
income but also the highest contributor to national income of the country.
3. Source of Raw Materials: Agriculture is the source of raw materials to the leading industries
like cotton and jute textiles, sugar, tobacco, edible and non-edible oils, food-processing industries,
etc. Besides, industrial activities like processing of fruits and vegetables, DAL-milling, rice husking,
GUR-making, etc are dependent on agriculture for their raw material.
4. Earning Foreign Currency: Agricultural cash crops like jute, tobacco, oil-seeds, spices, raw cotton,
tea and coffee earn foreign currencies for us by exporting them to other countries.
5. Providing Employment Opportunities: The agricultural sector is the largest employment-provider
in the country. Employment opportunities in the agricultural sector will increase more with the
increase in modernization of the sector as more and more people will get attracted towards it.
6. Back-bone of National Economy: The rapid growth and development in agricultural sector will
raise the level of national income. And, this will improve the living standard of common people in
Nepal by taking them out of poverty. Agricultural development is in reality is the pre-condition for
development of Nepal.

Traditional Method of Agriculture

Traditional metod of doing agriculture in Nepal has lowered the food-produion
The practice of doing agriculture in old style is known as traditional method (technique) of doing
agriculture. One of the main reasons for the failure of Nepal’s agriculture to achieve sufficient
level of productivity and efficiency in total annual yield is the traditional pattern of doing
agriculture. Even in 21st century, Nepal has not graduated to adopt modern tools and technology

328 Nova Social Studies Grade-9 >>

in doing agriculture. Our country is still dependent upon traditional hand tools and animal
driven technologies to do agriculture. Typical farm tools which are in use in entire Nepal include
spade, hoe, sickle, shears, hammer and pick-axe. Traditional method of agriculture uses manure
and discourages chemical fertilizers.

Compost-manure as natural fertilizer Farm-tools operated with hands

Selective genetically modified seeds are not used in traditional farming. Actually, seeds are
preserved by local farmers themselves after harvesting the crops and they use same preserved
seeds. Agriculture in Nepal is being practiced in more or less same pattern or manner as our
ancestors used to do. Not much has been changed in the pattern of doing agriculture. This is the
reason agriculture, despite being the largest contributor to national income, has not been able
to pull the people out of poverty. Neither has it generated extra-employment by diversifying
its activities in productive manner. The agricultural sector in Nepal is heavily burdened with
people with a load of disguised and seasonal unemployment. Use of old-fashioned technology
is the main factor behind continuation of traditional technique of agriculture in Nepal. It is quite
possible for Nepal to attain food sufficiency without being dependent on other countries for food
only if the country switches over to modern technology in agriculture.

Problems faced by Agriculture in Nepal

The agricultural production and productivity in Nepal has remained low or even dropped. The
country has been reduced to become the grain importer. People of productive age-group in Nepal
do not want to practice agriculture. They are leaving their land fallow and working outside as
labourers. For sure, agriculture in Nepal has been facing problems. Following is the list of those
problems:
1. Subsistence Agriculture: Farmers in Nepal grow the crops and raise the livestock for family-use

(consumption). Most of the agricultural outputs are meant for serving (catering to) the local
demands.
2. Use of Old Technology: Most of the farmers in Nepal are poor, therefore they cannot afford to
have new technology like western countries. And, for most of them agriculture is not a choice,
rather it is a compulsion for them. Naturally, they continue with old technology in the hope
of escaping from agriculture if opportunity comes their way. They get psychologically settled
with regular use of old technology in agriculture.
3. Lack of Irrigation Facility: Farmers in Nepal are dependent upon monsoon every year. If
monsoon fails or becomes erratic, then they are not able to sow their Kharif (summer) crops as
more than 50% of the land in Nepal does not have reliable irrigation facilities. Even winter crops
require irrigation. Drought becomes a common occurrence, particularly in western Nepal.

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4. Fragmented Lands and Growing Urbanization: The land policies of Nepal and division in
rural households have led to creation of smaller plots in agricultural land. These kinds of
fragmentation discourage farmers to grow cereal-food crops as large tract of land is not available.
Instead, they prefer to grow spices and vegetables. Growing urbanization has reduced the area
of agricultural land as farmers are selling their land to market-operators (businesspersons and
traders) and to those who want to build residential houses. The average size of farm for a family
is roughly 0.6 ha. It is often difficult to generate high income from such a farm. There is a lot
of pressure on agricultural land in Nepal. Agriculture no longer attracts the young people in
Nepal. They prefer to go abroad for finding work.

5. Lack of Financial Help and Credit for Farmers: Our farmers are poor and they rely on subsistence
level of agriculture. And, this way of doing agriculture hinders their growth which ultimately
affects every one in the country causing food insecurity at national level. Financial helps and
credits do not come frequently and that easily to our farmers. Commercial financial institutions
charge very high interest rate and mortagege their land. So, our farmers are where they are;
just trapped in their situation of poverty. They cannot even make their personal investment in
agriculture for better result. There is no fool-proof system of crop-insurance for farmers. In case
their crops get destroyed or damaged, they have a hard time to face the authority in order to get
compensation.

6. Lack of Agricultural Infrastructure: Nepal has weak agricultural infrastructure to support
agriculture in the country. Nepal lacks link and feeder roads to connect villages with market,
rural-electrification for agricutur-related activities, collection centers for agricultural outputs,
cold storage for perishable items like vegetables, fruits, etc. Lack of investment in agriculture
has resulted in the poor status of agricultural infrastructure.

Words and terms you would like to know

Food sufficiency: Food sufficiency means producing enough amount of food grains which shall meet the
food requirements of total population of the country.

Food security: Food security is a condition in which every citizen of the country has access to food.

Manure: fertilizer made from natural wastes like animal dung, dead plants, fallen leaves, etc.

Disguised Unemployment: Disguised unemployment is a kind of unemployment in which some people
look like being employed but are actually not employed fully. This is also called ‘hidden unemployment’.
In such a situation, more people are fruitlessly engaged in a work than required.

Kharif Crops: Kharif crops are monsoon crops harvested during the rainy (monsoon) season (between
April and October) in South Asia. Examples: Millet and Rice.

Activities

1. Some of our farmers complain, “No matter how hard I work, food shortage stalks my family
every year.” Find out the reasons why some of the Nepalese farmers say this.

2. Analyze why the living standard of the Nepalese farmers is low.

3. Give suggestions how subsistence agriculture in Nepal can be led on the path of commercialization
of agriculture.

4. Despite being an agricultural country, Nepalese farmers have been suffering a number of
problems. Find out those problems and make a list of them. Also, suggest remedies (measures) to
remove those problems.

5. Read the following news report:

330 Nova Social Studies Grade-9 >>

Entire settlement relocated after facing water crisis
Rastiya Samachar Samiti
Pokhara, May 28, 2016: Locals of Mustang are a worried lot, as they are facing prolonged spell of
drought. They are wary of low production of wheat and apple among other staple crops. The lack
of rain for such a long time is going to severely affect agriculture production. There has been no
rain in Mustang for the last eight-nine months. A single staple crop is planted in this high altitude
Himalayan region in a year. The production of the crop has dwindled due to lack of rainfall.
The locals who earn a living by grazing mountain goats and cows are now unable to find green
pastures for their cattle. Around 10 to 12 years ago, Samjung was the main source of water but water
sources are drying up due to less snowfall as a result of climate change. As many as 18 households
of Samjung village have shifted to Namsung village, which lies at a distance of three hours’ walk.
Manang and Mustang are such places where rainfall has always been low but due to climate change
the rainfall has gone even lower as compared to past years.
Answer the following questions:
a. Highlight the problem of climate change as a major threat to the agriculture in Nepal.
b. Name the staple crop which is grown in Mustang. Give a brief introduction to this crop.
c. Suggest measures to avoid such problems in other parts of Nepal such as Hilly region ad Tarai

region.

Exercise

1. What is agriculture? Explain the features of type of agriculture we practice in Nepal.
2. Explain the significance of agriculture in Nepal in points.
3. The way to prosperity in Nepal goes through agriculture. Comment with your conclusion.
4. Highlight the major problems of agriculture in Nepal.
5. The combined efforts popularly known as P-P-P model by creating partnership between private

and public sectors with the people (common farmers) will solve many problems being faced by
agriculture in Nepal. Examine the observation.
6. Nepal is an agro-based country, but 43 percent of its farmland, which is roughly 1.3 million
hectares, remain uncultivated. What are the ways to expand our agricultural base by cultivating
more land to meet the feed demands of people living within the boundary of Nepal.
7. Nepal currently imports foods worth about 120 billion rupees a year, and this import is growing
at a faster pace. Analyze the statement along with the constructive suggestions to reduce this
import.

Community Work

Go and meet the farmers in your community. Prepare a list of questions to start an interaction. Here
are some hints: For how long they are in this economic activity? What specific role they actually play
in agriculture? How are they managing to find market for their agricultural outputs?
Prepare a report on the topic, “Farmers of Nepal: Challenges Ahead”. Submit the report to the subject
teacher for final evaluation.

331<< Nova Social Studies Grade-9

Lesson

2 Modern Agricultural Practices

Modern agriculture is the production practices in agriculture which involve innovative techniques
based on agricultural research with the use of inputs like high-yielding seeds, intensive and organic
farming, and use of machines in sustainable way. Modern agriculture aims at producing more
quantity of agricultural goods with better quality than what traditional agriculture does from the
same area of land. This is how intensive agriculture is the central focus of modern agriculture
which uses innovative techniques and technology supported by other inputs to produce as much
as possible from a fixed area of land. Modern agriculture has inputs from engineering, technology,
biology and physical sciences. Irrigation, drainage, conservation, and sanitary arrangement
are the examples of activities from the branch of engineering each of which is important for
successful farming. Agricultural chemistry deals with concerns like the application of fertilizers,
insecticides, fungicides, soil make-up, analysis of agricultural products, and nutritional needs
of farm animals. Plant breeding and genetics contribute to farm productivity. Genetics has also
developed a science of livestock breeding.

Traditional Agriculture Modern Agriculture

Modern agriculture must not be confused with the technique or practices which destroy or damage
the environment and ruin the quality of agricultural land. Modern agriculture incorporates
the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture which provides high yields without
undermining (compromising) natural systems and resources. Those farmers who practice modern
agriculture adopt sustainable approach in the use of natural resources and processes instead of
ignoring or struggling against them. It is because success of productivity and efficiency from
modern agriculture depends upon sustainability of natural resources such as land, soil-fertility,
ecosystem, environment, forest and so on. Farmers are given agriculture-related training and
education to be more effective in the field before they proceed to work on modern agricultural
practices. Therefore, farmers use the best of current knowledge and technology in agriculture
to avoid harmful consequences of industrial, chemical-based agriculture. Along with the use of
machines and latest technology, farmers go for techniques such as crop rotation, soil enrichment,
natural pest predators, bio-intensie integrated pest management, etc.

332 Nova Social Studies Grade-9 >>

Machines and technology being used in farming (modern Agriculture)

Use of machinery relieves the unwanted labour-force from the agricultural sector

All about Technology and its Advantages in Modern Agriculture

The type and level of technology used in modern agriculture sets it apart from traditional
agriculture. Technology and machines play such a major role in practicing agriculture that modern
agriculture has acquired the status of industry. Modern agriculture has grown into becoming the
agricultural industry. Today it is possible to grow crop in desert and in drought-prone areas
by using agricultural biotechnology. Using biotechnology, plants can be engineered to survive
in condition of drought. Through genetic engineering, agricultural scientists have been able to
create high-yielding variety of seeds and the kind of crops which naturally resisit the attack of
pests and drought conditions. Unlike traditional agriculture, modern agriculture allows for faster
and more efficient technologies producing greater agricultural outputs (surplus production) with
less human labour. Farmers in modern agriculture use ‘mobile apps’ to calculate the amount
of grass available in the field. This saves farmers’ time and money regarding what to feed or
what not to feed to their animals. Modern agriculture has become a profitable venture. A farmer
can cultivate more than 2 acres of land with less labour. Farmers use multiple blades of metal-
plowers, planters and harvesters in farmland to make the cultivation easy and convenient and no
doubt much faster without inflicting harm on land. Modern agriculture is further supported by
modern transportation, cooling facilities, breeding centres of animals, irrigation facilities, genetic
research on seeds, etc.

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The following are the advantages of modern agriculture.

1. It is profitable for farmers because it produces more than what farmers need. There is surplus
agricultural produce.

2. Biotechnology together with scientifically sustainable use of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides
and fungicides protect the crops.

3. Soil-enrichment (fertility) is achieved by adding soil nutrients after conducting the soil-test.

4. Seeds/Crops are grown only after checking the soil-profile in order to get maximum yield.

5. Modern agriculture ensures better agricultural inputs to get the best possible quality of outputs.

6. Modern storage and transportation facilities preserve the agricultural produce for longer period
of time for consumption and help in reduction of wastages.

7. Farm-mechanization by use of modern machinery for agricultural activities like ploughing,
leveling, winnowing, harvesting, spraying, irrigating reduces manual labor and ends disguised
unemployment. In this way, other economic sectors like industry, trade-business and tourism
get the extra labor relieved from the agricultural sector.

8. Modern agriculture blends the use of machinery with the modern information and
communication technology. With the advent of mobile phone and smart-phone, farmers can
enquire about seed banks, agricultural credits from the local rural banks and cooperatives,
agriculture related research, soil-testing, crop insurance, market facility, market price of crops
and grains, etc. Specific mobile apps have been devised for farmers to serve their purposes.

Relevance of Modern Agricultural Practices in Nepal

Nepal’s topography limits the farm cultivation to less than 20% of its total land. Yet, about 34% of
its national income (GDP) and more than 50% of its export depend upon agriculture. It is the main
source of food and livelihood for a large number (about 68% of the total population) of people in
Nepal. About 60% of farmers in Nepal are small land holders. Until now, Nepal’s agriculture has not
been able to attract sufficient level of private and public investment to turn around its poor status
with weak productivity. Subsistence farming has not paid off the farmers except keeping them in
poverty for long. Natural calamaties like floods, land-slides, cold weather, drought and earthquakes
keep on pushing our farmers much deeper in poverty.

Looking at the above scenario of Nepal’s agriculture and its health of overall economy, increasing
agricultural production with the help of modern agricultural practices is an urgent need of the
time. In past decades, Nepal had not been well-placed in areas of food sufficiency and food security
because of low agricultural outputs and failure of crops in a series of agricultural seasons. Traditinal
pattern of agriculture has failed Nepal. Modern agriculture is the only answer to lift the farmers
from the abyss (darkness) of poverty. Modern agriculture will show them light (brightness) of
opportunity and of course prosperity. With the farmers gaining economically in agricultural sector,
Nepal as a nation will gain much more. Outmigration of youth to foreign land will drop down
and they will turn towards gainful agricultural activities using science and technology, agricultural
research, latest information and communication technology. Extra labour will provide growth to
industry and other sectors such as tourism and entrepreneurship. Modern agriculture will bring
momentum in Nepal’s domestic economy. Country’s share in foreign trade as export of agricultural
products will rise manyfolds. Last but not the least, Nepal will achieve the status of food sufficiency
and food security. No child will sleep hungry and nobody will die due to lack of food (malnutrition).

334 Nova Social Studies Grade-9 >>

If Nepal introduces above stated changes on the line of modern agriculture, then the country will
march on the path of development ensuring food sufficiency and food security to all.

Words and terms you would like to know

Biotechnology (n.): practical use of biological processes and experimentation for commercial benefits in
agriculture and industry
Ecosystem (n.): a localized group of independent organisms and their environment
Winnow (v.): remove chaff from grains

Activities

1. What are the reasons behind backward agriculture based on traditional practices? Make a list of
those reasons.

2. What will be the benefits of practicing modern agriculture in Nepal more particularly to our
farmers? Highlight them in points.

3. What are the steps you think Government of Nepal should take in order to adopt modern
agricultural practices in Nepal? Present it in the class with illustrations.

4. Meet those people in your community who have returned from the stint of foreign employment.
Ask them about similarities and dissimilarities in doing agriculture in Nepal and the foreign
country where they lived or worked. Make a note of it and share it in the class.

Exercise

1. What is modern agriculture? Highlight its important features.
2. Differentiate between traditional agriculture and modern agriculture.
3. Explain with examples the nature and types of technology used in modern agriculture.

335<< Nova Social Studies Grade-9

4. State the major advantages of modern agriculture in points.

5. Explain why Nepal should adopt modern agriculture. Suggest the ways to modernize
agriculture in Nepal.

6. Desribe how modern agriculture makes our farmers self-reliant and helps the country to earn
more foreign currency besides strengthening the domestic economy.

7. Analyse the following data (given in metric ton) showing the total volume of production of food crops
from year 2012/13 AD to 2015/16 AD in Nepal in your own words. Also draw your conclusions.

Food Crops 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16

Paddy 4684503 5047047 4788612 4299079

Wheat 1882220 1883143 1975625 1736849

Maize 1999010 2283222 882395 2231517

Millet 305588 304075 308488 302397

Barley 36973 34876 37354 32801

Source: Ministry of Agriculture Development, Nepal

Community Work

There may be the case where your community has gone for modern agricultural practices. Visit the
farm-land and observe yourself. Explore the answers to following questions:
a. What types of agricultural products are being grown there?
b. What methods of modern agriculture have been stressed upon in the farm-land?
c. Which locality has been chosen for modern agriculture?

d. How has the market been ensured to sell the agricultural produce?

336 Nova Social Studies Grade-9 >>

Lesson Commercialization of
Agriculture
3

Commercialization of agriculture is undertaken to grow ‘high-value-crops’ in order to sell
them in national and international market for earning profits. It is the process where peasants
(farmers) produce agricultural crops for sale in the market, rather than for family consumption.
Commercialization of agriculture is an important aspect of modern agricultural practices. Nepal
needs to adopt it without delaying any more in order to come out of poverty and diversify the
opportunities offered by agriculture. Farmers in Nepal produce for self-consumption and do not
benefit from open market (and market economy) as they are not left with surplus agricultural
produce (products). Nepal’s agriculture is characterized by small fragmented land holdings, fragile
landscape, traditional technology and limited access to the market. Nepal as a whole is vulnerable
to climate change. Nepal is an underdeveloped country with the dominance of subsistence
agriculture as the main source of livelihood and survival for the people. Rapid population growth
has added more pressure on the land and has posed a challenge to feed the entire population of the
country. For how long shall people of Nepal survive like this? Commercialization of agriculture
creates oppoprtunities in agriculture by developing non–farm sectors and improving productivity
in farm-lands. It further allows increased participation of farmers and poor households in the
domestic and international market economy. Commercialization of agriculture makes it possible
to earn more from agricultural products and therefore, lowers down the ‘farm-income inequality’.
About 80% of the cultivable land in Nepal is cultivated with cereal crops (staple grains) but
the country has not been able to end malnutrition and starvation. Poor farmers in our country
lack land, capital and awareness to respond quickly to technological innovations and market
opportunities for specific crops (called high-values crops). In a situation like this, importance of
commercialization of agriculture needs to be understood by the Nepalese farmers. They must
go for latest innovations in agricultural practices, crop rotation, multiple cropping, using high
quality sustainable fertilizer, environment-friendly pesticides and insecticides, and adoption
of modern agricultural tools in farm-land. Lack of education and poverty may have forced the
Nepalese farmers to resist the change brought by commercialization of agriculture. Migration of
Nepalese workforce to foreign destinations in search of employment is surprisingly very high. It
shows Nepal’s domestic economy is not doing well to absorb the emerging ranks of workforce
every year. Everyday more than 1,300 Nepalese people are leaving the country from Tribhuvan
International Airport, Kathmandu for foreign employment. They have not been able to stay back
in Nepal and explore opportunities in diverse fields of agriculture by adopting modern patterns at
commercial scale. Agriculture in Nepal can offer a range of opportunities to become agricultural
entrepreneurs and set up agro-bussiness either in farm-products or non-farm products or both.
Educated Nepalese youth must invest their ideas and energies to create wealth from agriculture
at commercial level and create employment back here in Nepal for others to work under them.
But, it seems our educated youth have set their eyes for seeking job for themselves in foreign land
instead of trying something business-like here in agriculture sector of Nepal. Commercialization
of agriculture will definitely work towards skill development, promoting entrepreneurship and
job creation by providing safe home environment for the foreign-job aspirants. Intoduction to
commercialization of agriculture makes the agricultural sector an attractive destination to attract
private and public investment. And, it is full of agro-businnes opportunities. Those who have
returned home from foreign employment are valuable assets for the agricultural sector. They can
stay here in Nepal and transfer all the skills and experiences they have gained in foreign land

337<< Nova Social Studies Grade-9

to the agricultural sector. Government of Nepal has come out with a policy to provide grants
to those who have chosen to stay in Nepal after having their experience in foreign land and
contribute towards setting up agriculture-based businesses to promote commercialization of
agriculture. It is a ‘win-win’ situation, nobody is at loss. Nepal as a country gains in strengthening
its domestic economy rand Nepalese citizens who choose to stay back in Nepal create wealth
without wandering to foreign countries.

Commercial agriculture for growing agricultural products for sale
Ways to go for Commercialization of Agriculture
1. Construction of storehouses (Storage Facilities)
2. Irrigation facilities
3. Promotion to farm-houses practicing commercial agriculture
4. Adoption of all the modern practices of doing agriculture
5. Easy process to get agricultural loans and financial cedits
6. Education for doing agriculture and farmers-targetted skill-training
7. Encouraging educated youth to adopt agriculture as their main business and occupation
8. Land reforms programs
9. Introduction to cooperative farming
Note: Find out more information on best practices around the world on commercialization of
agriculture and think about the ways to apply on Nepal's agriculture.

Words and terms you would like to know

High-value-crops: those crops which can earn more money in market
Fragile (adj.): easily broken, not secure
Vulnerable (adj.): without adequate protection
Non-farm sectors: those agricultural practices which do not include land-cultivation and growing of crops
such as dairy farming, bee farming, animal husbandry, etc; products obtained from non-farm sectors are
known as non-farm products

Activities

1. Commercialization of agriculture leads towards rise in aanual income of farmers. Justify this
statement with illuistrations.

338 Nova Social Studies Grade-9 >>

2. Nepal has been growing insufficient quantities of rice for decades. Discuss how to address this
problem in order to avoid malnutrition and starvation in our country within the framework of
‘commercialization of agriculture’.

3. Prepare an editorial on the topic, “Prospect and Challenges of Commercial Agriculture in
Himalayan Region of Nepal”.

4. Prepare a bar-diagram from the data related with food and cash crops given below:

Food Grains (Crops) in Metric ton Cash Crops in Metric Ton

Agri. Products Production (2015-16 AD) Agri. Products Production (2015-16 AD)
Paddy 4299079 Sugar-cane 4346754
Maize 2231517 Tobacco 618

Millet 302397 Oilseeds 208291
Wheat 1736849 Potato 2805582

Source: Ministry of Agriculture Development, Nepal

Exercise:

1. What is commercialization of agriculture? Highlight its main features.
2. Nepal needs to adopt commercialization of agriculture without delay. Critically comment.
3. Highlight the constraints being faced on the path of commercialization of agriculture in Nepal.
4. Commercialization of agriculture in Nepal is a win-win situation, nobody is at loss. Analyze the

statement and draw your own conclusions.
5. What are the ways of commercialization of agriculture in Nepal? Present them in a list.

Community Work

Educate the farmers especially those who are not aware of the benefits of commercialization of
agriculture in your community. And from those who are already in it in some way or the other, get the
information on following lines:
• Which methods are they following?
• How did they come to know about it and who got them trained into it?
• From where do they manage credit, collection of seeds and market for selling the products?
Prepare the full description on answers given by the farmers in reponse to above questions. Present the
description to “District Agriculture Office” for their feedback and further actions.

339<< Nova Social Studies Grade-9

Lesson

4 Industry

Introduction to Industry

Industry is the production of goods and services by using human knowledge, skill, capital and
available (or created) resources within an economy. Industry indicates towards an economic
activity concerned with the processing of raw materials and manufacture of goods in factories.
Therefore, manufacturing industry is considered as a key sector of production and employing
labour. Those counties which have been able to develop their industries are ahead of others in
economic development. The success of industry has a direct positive imact upon the economic
development of a country. Just compare Nepal with the immediate neighbours; it becomes
quite clear how successful industries positively affect all the sectors of economy. There is a close
relationship between industry and agriculture. In case agriculture fails in a country, industry
too bleeds badly and therefore fails to perform. It is because agriculture is not only the source
of raw-materials for industry but consumes the industrial products too. Agriculture is the
big market for industry. Some countries in the world have marched quite ahead of others by
utilizing their natural means and resources. Even in the 21st century, Nepal imports large quantity
of manufactured products. Consequently, the money that Nepalese people spend on buying
imported manufactured products goes out of the country to foreign manufacturers. Nepal has all
the capacity to become self-dependent (self-reliant) in manufacturing sector by producing all the
goods which we require in normal course of living. Not only this, if Nepal sets the higher target
of exporting the country-made goods, then it will earn foreign currencies (leading to high stock
of foreign exchange reserve) for the country. Further, indigenous production of goods develops
skills in the country and creates jobs (employment opportunity) here in Nepal. And our national
income goes up. In developed countries, contribution of industry (industrial sector) to national
income ranges somewhere between 50% to 85% annually. But, the contribution of industry to
Nepal’s national income stands just at 10%.

Types of Industry:

Industry is divided into two types based on the amount of capital investment:

1. Cottage and Small-scale Industry 2. Medium and Large-scale Industry

Cottage and Small-scale Industry:

Pot-making Wood-craft statue Pillow-cover, woven items

A group of family members engaged in the economic activity to run industry at home or at any
other place they feel convenient by combining small amount of capital, locally available resources
and their own skills makes domestic industry or cottage industry. Cottage industry operates at

340 Nova Social Studies Grade-9 >>

minimum capital with the involvement of family members using local resources. For example,
handloom, padloom and automatic loom, traditional textile dye, sewing and printing, filigree
and ornamental items based on traditional crafts, stone cutting and breaking, hand made utensils
and locks, rural tanning and skin-made items, mask making for traditional festivals, etc.

According to Industrial Act, 2054 BS, small-scale industries must have capital-investment worth 3
crore NPR which includes fixed land asset, building, machinery, furniture, etc. Right from ancient
times, Nepal has been producing goods in cottage and small-scale industries.

Importance of cottage and small-scale industry

The cottage and small-scale industries play a great role in the development of the country. These
industries use traditional skill and technology to utilize local raw materials and local equipment for
producing goods. Increase in the number of cottage and small-scale industries has great possibilities
to offer employment at local level both in urban and rural areas of Nepal. Following are the
importance of cottage and small-scale industry in Nepal in brief:
1. Utilization of Locally available Raw Materials: Cottage and small-scale industries utilize local

resources and raw-materials. Local and forest wastes like boulders, stones, sand, wood, bark,
leaves and other such materials are suitably converted into daily-use items like basket, rope,
cot, chair, and so on.
2. Employment (job) Creation: Cottage and small-scale industries can play very positive roles by
employing local people with their local skills. In this way, increasing number of job seekers in
Nepal particularly in rural areas can easily be handled (controlled).
3. Use of Local Skills and Technology: Since ancient times, Nepalese people have been showing
their local skills and ingenuity in developing local technologies. The best place for absorbing
their local skills and technology is the cottagand small-scale industries: Handloom products,
kniting and weaving with design, handicraft items, paintings (Pata, Mandala, Madhubani, etc),
sculpture, local pottery, metal-work for making utensils, iron-tools, and various kinds of alloys
and so on. With the arrangement of marketing for their products, people having local skills and
technologies have a lot to contribute through cottage and small-scale industries.
4. Earning Foreign Currencies: Foreign tourists love to buy handloom and handicraft items from
Nepal. By selling these items to them, cottage and small-scale industries get to earn foreign
currencies. Besides, these items can be exported to other countries in case regular demands
from foreign countries are placed to Nepal. The rise of ‘foreign-exchange reserve’ in the coutry
helps us buy relevant machinery, equipment, and other necessary technologies for further
development of the country.
5. Lowering the Trade Deficit: The trade deficit (the import excceds the export) in Nepal is
increasing every passing year. In absence of any solid manufacturing base within the country,
Nepal has to import essential goods/items from foreign countries. Our money (wealth) is
escaping from Nepal as buying imported items enriches the foreign manufacturers. Promotion
of cottage and small-scale industries in Nepal will help produce ‘daily-use’ goods for local
consumption at affordable price. The consumption of indigenous products from these industries
shall automatically bring down trade deficit in Nepal.
6. Preservation of Nepali Art and Culture: Nepali paintings, sculpture, pottery and other such hand-
made creations carry the Nepalese symbolism reflecting the culture of our society and give
message to outside world for which we stand. All the arts, artefacts and objects have specific
style and pattern which is rooted in ethnic diversity of Nepal. Mithila paintings convey the
Maithili culture of Janakpur while Mandala and Patas throw light on Newari influence on ART.
7. Reducing Regional Imbalance in Development: Regional imbalance in growth has created
dissatisfaction in the country. Nepalese people in the productive age-group can easily be

341<< Nova Social Studies Grade-9

encouraged with needed financial and logistic support to set up cottage and small-scale
industries in their place of residence and employ others from their surroundings. Nepalese
women are of great help here as they can be trained to prepare and sell food and spice products
like pickle, ice-cream, spice-grinding, bakery items, etc. Such industries are easily set up and
do not require huge investment, highly trained skilled labour-force, and specific location. This
is how setting up cottage and small-scale industries helps reduce the existing imbalance in
regional development of Nepal. See the products of small-scale industries here:

Selling local-use products Timber-Furniture Carpet-making

Problems Faced by Cottage and Small-scale Industries and their Remedies
(Ways to Solve the Problems):

A great prospect for cottage and small-scale industries exist in Nepal due to the presence of local
resources and abundance of labor-force equipped with local skills and technology. However,
there exist several problems afflicting the cottage and small-scale industries in Nepal. This is
the reason vibrancy and efficiency in operation and management of these industries is lacking.
Here is the list of major problems that cottage and small-scale industries in Nepal are facing with
suggested remedies to remove the problems:

Problems being faced Suggested remedies
1. Lack of Market Manufacturing high-quality products, Going for advertisements to
promote the products, Serching for local and international market,
Encouraging the producers to keep producing indigenous goods

2. Inability to compete with Going for productions which large-scale industries don’t produce,
large industries Adding artistic beauty and local appeal to manufactured items,
Bringing protective industrial policy to consider and care the cottage
3. Traditional Local and small-scale industries, Tax-holidays (tax-concession in initial
Technology days)
4. Poverty Changing according to time to bring modern tools, equipment and
technologies
5. Lack of Capital Introducing national employment policy to find ways to employ
6. Frequent Change in those who are poor and developing required skills in them to gt
Industrial Policy employed in industries operating at local level
Encouraging the citizens to save, Making ways to give them loans at
low interest rate, Providing them with Government Grants

Campaigning for full-term Government, Framing Industrial Policy
with the agreement of all the parties, Making next Government
accountable in case of discontinuation of Industrial Policy, Creating
favourable environment to imnplement it

342 Nova Social Studies Grade-9 >>

7. Lack of skilled workforce Intelligent blending of modern training with locally available skills,
(labor-force) Updationg the workforce with new challenges coming up with the
passage of time, Motivating the workforce to continue with constant
upgradation in skills, management and technology-use

Prospects (Possibilities) for Cottage and Small-scale Industries in Nepal:

Nepal has witnessed continuous progress in skill development and advancement in art. Nepal is
yet to touch its peak as available means and resoureces have not been fully utilized. Agricultural
potential is with us; a large amount of wealth has been collected in form of foreign exchange
through remittances and tourism. Every year, around four lakh youth are joining the pool of
labour-force. Many returnees from foreign-employment are waiting for right opportunities to
start their own venture/enterprise. Setting up cottage and small-scale industries in Nepal fits
into the scheme and purpose of the majority of Nepalese people. It is because these industries can
be set up at the place of one’s own choice or the place of residence with the investment of small
capital by using local skills and technology.

Words and terms you would like to know:

Indigenous (adj.): of one’s own country; occurring in a country
Filigree (n.): delicate decorative open work (ornaments) made from thin wire in silver, gold, or another metal
Ingenuity (n.): inventiveness
Vibrancy (n.): liveliness

Activities

Visit any two cottage and small-scale industries located in your community and record your
observations in form of facts. Make a table and include the facts like capital invested, level of tools and
technology, number of workers employed, monthly and annual profits, problems and challenges, etc.

Exercise

1. Define industry. Highlight its main features.
2. What are the different types of industries?
3. Define cottage and small-scale industries with examples.
4. Make a list of advantages that cottage and small-scale industries bring to the nation.
5. Explain the reasons behind failure in widespread growth of cottage and small-scale industries in

different parts of the country to bring proportional development in all the regions of Nepal.
6. Give your suggestions how cottage and small-scale industries can be promoted in every region of

Nepal.
7. ‘There is a great prospect for the development of cottage and smalle-scale industries in Nepal.’

Justify this statement.

Community Work

Visit any cottage or small scale industry in your community or in neighbourhood. Meet the owner of
the industry and other workers who are engaged there. Discuss their problems and concentrate on
solutions that they are suggesting to remove those problems. Make a note of your interaction with
them and prepare a report on the topic, “Cottage and small-scale industries: Problems and Challenges
with Suggestions to Handle them.” Present your report in the class.

343<< Nova Social Studies Grade-9

Lesson Medium and Large-Scale
Industry
5

Introduction to Medium and Large-Scale Industry

The organized pattern of production (manufacturing) of goods in large volumes by employing
huge amount of capital, modern machines and technologies is called the industry operating at
medium and large-scale. According to Industry Act, 2054 BS, the medium-scale industry requires
the capital investment somewhere between 3 crore to 10 crore while the large-scale industry
needs the capital investment of more than 10 crore. Example of medium and large-sace industries
in Nepal are sugar and cement industries, and other industries which deal with bevearages, iron-
steel, copper, leather, jute, paper, tobacco and cigarette, brick-tiles, soaps, etc. The success of such
industries helps increase the economic activities within the country creating more employment
for the people in productive age-group.

Large scale Industry uses heavy machineries

Importance of Medium and Large-scale Industry

The medium and large-scale industries play important roles in strengthening the economic
base (domestic economy) of the country. Besides providing employment to a large number of
people and creating strong base for fresh employment-opportunities, the medium and largte
scale industries go on increasing the contributions to the national income. Development of
such industries makes the country self-reliant by cutting down the flow of import drastically.
Following are the importance of the medium and large-scale industries in Nepal in brief:
1. Laying Strong Foundation for Economic Development: The establishment of medium and

large-scale industries lays the foundation for the manufacturing industries which produce
iron-steel, cement, electricity, tools and equipment and so on. These industrial products
are required for building up infrastructure in the country.
No development can ever happen without having these basic products as infrastructure is
the basic foundation for further industrial growth and for overall development of national
economy. Therefore, the industries manufacturing these products are known as basic
industries.
2. Creating Employment Opportunities: In absence of sufficient level of employment
opportunities in the country, large numbers of youths are migrating out of the country
every year. Acording to a recorded data, on an average more than 1,500 Nepalese youths

344 Nova Social Studies Grade-9 >>