Nova Social Studies 10

of the ‘Delhi Agreement’. A series of causal events were responsible for the onset of anti-Rana movement
leading to the end of their despotic and dictatorial rule over Nepal.
Following is the brief description of main causes or events that triggered the anti-Rana revolution leading
to the end of Rana regime:
1. Dissension amongst the Ranas: 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 cleavages and rivalry
among various classes of Ranas for power and ‘C’ class Ranas considered not fit for higher administrative
posts turned against the Rana-regime to support the anti-Rana movement. Some of them even joined the
Nepali Congress.
2. World Wars and support from the Army: The Nepalese army was traditionally loyal to the King and
continued to do so. In 1914, an incident testified this loyalty when Nepal Army sided with the Queen mother,
widow of late King Prithvi Bir Bikram Shah who wanted not to join the First World War from the side of
the British – as Nepal had nothing to do with the World War I but Ranas had the opposite view. Moreover,
the Gorkhas serving in the British Indian Army were impressed by the liberal traditions of the West, which
had already created an impact on the Indian society. The Gorkha soldiers who fought in Germany, France,
Afghanistan, Turkey and Mesopotamia during World War I brought back with him the radical ideas and
message to their people. Most of the ex-army men went against the Rana’s style of rule in Nepal that did not
match with the democratic values that they had fought for in both the World Wars.
3. Widespread dissatisfactions amongst the common people (subjects): Common people (both men and
women) were fed up with the repressive measures unleashed by the Rana-rulers just to exploit them. They
misused state-treasury for their personal benefit and development work was not a priority for them. Ranas
did not respect women in general, as there were many cases of exploitation. Common people were suffering
from poverty and unemployment while Rana clans were living in luxury. This is how many number of
religious and women organizations vehemently criticized them and rose against them. Students and other
professional classes were in favour of purely political movements to overthrow the existing political set up
in the country.
4. Setting-up political parties: Many number of exiled Nepalese people got educated in India and grew
up with high political consciousness, as western political ideas were easily available there. When Ranas in
Nepal had outlawed the formation of political and social organizations in Nepal, a considerable number of
them were members of the Indian National Congress, while others joined the Communist Party of India. B.
P. Koirala was active in India in recruiting young Nepalese in Nepali Rastriya Congress (Nepali National
Congress) as early as January 1947. Other important parties formed in Indian exile in the late forties were the
Nepali Prajatantrik Congress (Nepali Democratic Congress) and the Nepal Communist Party. Ultimately,
Nepali Congress was able to launch a revolutionary movement to liberate Nepal from Rana’s despotic
dynastic rule.
5. Impact of INDIA’s independence: While addressing the Indian Parliament on March 17, 1950 (Chaitra
4, 2006), Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru advised Nepal to accept democracy and honor the freedom of
people and their rights to live in liberty and prosperity. It was a big blow for the century old despotic Rana
rule as British Empire on whose backing Ranas autocratically ruled over Nepal had already left India (on
15 August 1947). Newly independent India was all for ‘democratic set-up’ in Nepal and openly supported
the political parties – mainly the Nepali Congress to establish ‘constitutional monarchy with parliamentary
democratic model of governance’.
6. Inspiration received from Indian national movement: If common Indians could end the all-powerful
British Empire, then why the common Nepali could not overthrow the indigenous exploiters (Ranas). Those
Nepali who had taken part in India’s independence movement came back to Nepal with new experience
and learning as to how to launch an organized movement against the Ranas. The emerging middle class
and the discontented Ranas started challenging the autocratic Rana-rule. Principles of organized collective
movement and understanding of democracy inspired them to overthrow feudalism functioning in
entrenched outmoded traditions practiced by autocratic Ranas and to establish democracy and freedom
under the constitutional monarchy of King Tribhuvan.

Some Important Dates/Years In Timeline

January 25, 26, 1947 (Magh 12-13, 2003 B.S.) - Nepali National Congress was formed and inaugurated; Tanka Prasad
Acharya, who was in jail for life-imprisonment, became President and B. P. Koirala became

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March 13, 1947 (Falgun 30, 2003 B.S.) – Nepali National Congress launched a massive countrywide anti-Rana demon-
stration. The party started labor movement and strike at Biratnagar Jute Mill, which was led by Girija Prasad Koirala.
April 9 to 11, 1950 (Chaitra 27-29, 2006 B.S.) - The two parties National Congress (led by B. P. Koirala) and Prajatantrik
Party (led by Subarna Shamsher Rana) held a joint session in Calcutta’s Tiger Hall and both the parties decided to
merge to give birth to a new political party “Nepali Congress”.
April 9, 1950 (Chaitra 27, 2006 B.S.) - Formation of Nepali Congress through the merger of Nepali National Congress
(established on January 25, 1947) and Nepal Democratic Congress (established on August 4, 1948) in Calcutta, India
and call for an armed struggle against the Rana regime. Matrika Prasad Koirala became the President.
September 26-27, 1950 (Ashwin 10-11, 2007 B.S.) - Nepali Congress adopted the strategy of the armed revolution to
overthrow the Rana regime at Bairgania (Bihar, India) Conference hoping that many “C” class Ranas in the army would
prevent the army from siding with the Rana regime.
November 6, 1950 (Kartik 21, 2007 B.S.) - Beginning of the armed revolution which was supported by King Tribhuvan
who went into exile. Some Indian socialists fought as comrades-in-arms and Burmese socialists supported with the
arms and ammunitions.
November 11, 1950 (Kartik 26, 2007 B.S.) - Armed struggle started, with an attack on Birgunj.
February 12, 1951 (Falgun 1, 2007 B.S.) – “Delhi Agreement” was signed amongst the three parties: Rana, Nepali
Congress and the King Tribhuvan under the mediation offered by the Government of India.
February 18, 1951 (Falgun 7, 2007 B.S.) - Fall of Rana regime, formation of Rana-Nepali Congress coalition government
on parity basis with Mohan Shamsher Rana as Prime Minister, again.
B.P. Koirala was Home Minister and leader of Nepali Congress representing the party in the coalition government,
which lasted only for nine months.

Mohan Shumsher Rana Matrika Prashad Koirala Dr. K. I. Singh

March 30, 1951 (Chaitra 17, 2007 B.S.) – Mohan Shamsher Rana promulgated the Interim Constitution.

November 16, 1951 (Mangsir 1, 2008 B.S.) - Matrika Prasad Koirala then President of Nepali Congress, nominated by the
King as the Prime Minister - the first commoner Prime Minister under the democratic set up.

January 22, 1952 (Magh 8, 2008 B.S.) – Dr. K.I. Singh with the support received from Crown Prince Mahendra rebelled
against the Government but the rebellion was suppressed. Dr. K. I. Singh fled to Tibet.

First Coalition Government of 10 members according to the Delhi Agreement

From the side of Ranas: From the side of Nepali Congress:
1. Mohan Shumsher – Prime Minister 1. B. P. Koirala – Home Minister
2. Babar Shumsher – Defence Minister 2. Subarna Shumsher – Finance Minister
3. Chudaraj Shumsher – Forest Minister 3. Ganeshman Singh – Industry and Commerce Minister
4. Nripjung Rana – Education Minister 4. Bharatmani Sharma – Food and Agriculture Minister
5. Yagya Bahadur Basnet – Health Minister 5. Bhadrakali Mishra – Transport Minister

Words and terms you would like to know

Trigger (v.): to make something happen
Mediation (n.): intervention to resolve conflict
Defy (v.): to challenge openly somebody’s or something’s authority
Stiff (adj.): rigid, inflexible, or hard to move
Unleash (v.): to allow something, especially something previously held in check, to have its full effect
Vehemently (adv.): in a manner that shows conviction or intense feeling
Autocratic (adj.): holding unlimited power and answerable to nobody

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Activities

1. Do you think the Delhi Agreement was the right step to resolve the political conflict of those days? Was
it the correct way to force Ranas for accepting the real legitimacy of monarchy and arrival of democracy
in the political governance of the country? Organize a debate on this topic in the classroom. Draw the
conclusions and then present the synthesized view in front of your classmates.

2. The revolution in 2007 BS ended the despotic rule but at the same time gave rise to another autocratic
rule over the country. Analyze the statement by presenting facts, views and opinions in favour and
against it.

3. One of the provisions of the ‘Delhi Agreement’ was to frame the constitution by elected constituent
assembly. However, this was never a reality until the year 2072 BS. Why did the country wait for so long
to draft the constitution of Nepal by an elected constituent assembly? Hold a discussion in the class and
draw the conclusions to present it in writing.

4. What kinds of changes were noticed in Nepal after the declaration to adopt democracy in 2007 BS was
made? Illustrate them and send an e-mail describing the changes after the declaration of democracy in
Nepal in 2007 BS to one of your classmates.

5. After the Rana regime (rule) started its rule over Nepal, a number of anti-Rana activities and events took
place. List those activities and events in the table given below along with their dates and effects.

S. No. Events with Dates Anti-Rana Activities Specific Effects of the Activity

6. Prepare a poster pertaining to ‘Democracy Day’.

Exercise

1. What is ‘Delhi Agreement’? What were its provisions?
2. Analyze the anti-Rana movement and the revolution of 2007 BS in Nepal.
3. Critically evaluate the ‘Delhi Agreement’ and its outcomes.
4. Make a comprehensive assessment of the roles played by the then King Tribhuvan in establishing

democracy in Nepal.
5. Was it appropriate to slap the charges of sedition against Dr. K. I. Singh? Give reasons for your answer.
6. Why did Dr. K. I. Singh rebel against the first coalition government formed after the end of Rana

dictatorship? How do you see Dr. K.I. Singh’s rebellion or coup?
7. Analyze the role of political parties in ending the Rana rule.
8. Briefly explain the specific role played by the Praja-Parishad in ending the Rana rule.
9. Briefly describe the role of Nepali Congress in ending the Rana rule.
10. How did Mukti Sena (Liberation Army) bring discomfort in Rana’s camp and slackened the Rana’s

army?

Community Work

Democracy is not just the method for political administration; it is an approach towards social as well as
family life too. Democracy Day (Loktantra Diwas) is not a mere formal acknowledgement of fall of autocratic
Rana rule but it is about living actual “democracy” everyday. Attentively observe to find out ‘democracy
in action’ in your community at social and family level. Visit the local area and Government Offices to find
out how far democratic values and democratic approaches are being followed. Conduct research on three
basic principles of democracy: Liberty, Equality and Justice to figure out whether these principles are being
followed by the current government. Arrange an interview with elders, teachers and local administrators to
make an assessment of inclusive democracy at the grassroots in absence of which democracy will never be
institutionalized in the real sense. Prepare a report of your findings with conclusion and suggestions.

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Lesson A Decade of Democratic Politics
(2007 – 2017 BS)
2

Democratic Governments after the Delhi Agreement

The democracy was established for the first time in the history of Nepal after the end of the Rana regime
on Falgun 7, 2007 BS. This is how the multi-party democratic politics started in Nepal when the Nepali
Congress, Nepal Communist Party and others began to play their part in running the government as the
ruling party and the opposition party. This continued in one way or the other until 2017 BS making the
whole time period from 2007 BS to 2017 BS as the history of political party and democracy in modern Nepal.
Three powerful political interest groups namely monarchy as traditional force, Rana as feudal force and
Nepali Congress as progressive-modern force were brought together to run the first coalition government
formed on February 18, 1951 (Falgun 7, 2007 BS) and this marked the official demise of the autocratic rule
of the Ranas. Mohan Shamsher Rana who had ruled Nepal from 30 April 1948 to 18 February 1951 was
retained as ‘prime minister’ in Rana-Congress coalition ministry. B.P. Koirala was Home Minister and leader
of Nepali Congress representing the party in the coalition government, which lasted only for nine months.
Issuing the historic proclamation on February 18 (Falgun 7) King Tribhuvan declared that Rana rule had been
terminated in view of his desire to administer the country according to a democratic constitution to be framed
by the elected representatives of the people.

The notable achievements of the coalition government were:
1. The enactment of the Interim Constitution of 1951 (2007 BS),
2. Establishment of the Supreme Court (known as Pradhan Nyayalaya or the High Court at that time)

and independent Public Service Commission,
3. Initiation of the concept of abolition of Birta (tax-free land) system began from this coalition

government. Promotion of financial, social and technical services (education, health, transport,
communication, banking, agriculture and industry, etc.) began with a solid start.

The Nepali Congress right from the beginning objected to highhanded administrative approach of the Ranas
in the coalition government because Ranas on their part continued to wield the same power as they used
to do before. This created an unbridgeable rift in the coalition government leading to resignation of all the
Congress ministers after nine months of the formation of the Government on Kartik 25, 2008 BS (November
11, 1951).

The Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007 BS (1951 AD) and Monarchy

The Council of Ministers with the approval of the Monarch adopted the Interim Government of Nepal Act
2007 B.S. (1951) on March 30, 1951(Chaitra 17, 2007), popularly known as the Interim Constitution of Nepal.
The main purpose of this constitution was to streamline the administration, define the powers of the ministers,
and declare the actual status of Monarch in Nepal. The common objective of both King Tribhuvan and the
Nepali Congress was to cut down drastically the powers of the Ranas through the Interim Constitution (2007
BS) because the administration (governance) was more or less dependent upon the wishes of the ‘Maharaja
Prime Minister’ (a term used for Rana Prime Minister). The King was successful to project the institution
of monarchy as real executive head in the governing system of Nepal through Interim Constitution, which
was eclipsed by the Ranas for 104 long years. A clear definition of King’s position and powers in relation to
the Prime Minister and other arms of the Government was brought out in the Interim Constitution 2007 BS
which restored the monarchy as legitimate sovereign political institution. But it was a substantial deviation
from the “Delhi Agreement” as the Delhi Agreement had only permitted “constitutional monarchy” with
political powers vested in elected government formed by the political parties on democratic lines. Now,
King was not a “constitutional monarch” with titular status but became a real executive that could play
foul with political parties attempting to institutionalize democracy in the country. For example, the Interim
Government of Nepal Act 2007 B.S. required the Council of Ministers to be collectively responsible to the
King. King was empowered to appoint the Chief Justice and other judges of the Pradhan Nyayalaya (High
Court) and remained as the supreme command of the defense forces. Thus, King’s position in relation to
his Council of Ministers was much stronger and this proved disastrous (fatal) for democracy. As a whole,

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the institution of monarchy became much stronger and democracy did not get a firm footing in the Interim
Constitution of Nepal, 2007 BS.

The first government after the promulgation of the Interim Constitution – 2007 BS and
the second government after the Delhi agreement

The infighting and dissensions among the members of the Council of Ministers from the Rana side and the
Nepali Congress side resulted in the fall of the first coalition government on November 12, 1951 (Kartik 26,
2008). King never tried to patch up between the ministers of the Ranas and the Nepali Congress. This paved
the way for the King to appoint the PM (Prime Minister) of his own choice by undermining the democratic
norms of popularity and majority. The King wanted to elevate the status of the institution of monarchy in
the eyes of the people and at the same time was in the lookout for the right opportunity to gain absolute
power without any limitations of whatsoever nature. Right opportunity came when ‘Nepali Congress leader
Matrika Prasad Koirala’ whom King Tribhuvan could easily influence and manipulate constituted a new
cabinet composed of eight Congress Ministers and six independents on November 16, 1951 (Mangsir 1, 2008
BS).

The 14-members council of ministers was assigned the following major tasks.
(a) To establish independent judiciary
(b) To efficiently manage and operate the Public Service Commission
(c) To have elected legislative assembly by 2009 BS as far as possible
(d) To protect and preserve the civic rights of the citizens

Unfortunately, PM Matrika Prasad Koirala abandoned the politics of performance and development to
embrace the politics of appeasement to monarchy. Other political parties too began to think that King’s
favour could make them ministers and the Prime Minister, thus, there was no need to play politics through
democratic principles. A culture of sycophancy and opportunism replaced the principle-based democratic
politics. Expectedly, M.P. Koirala proved himself as “puppet” in the hands of the King and did not care for
implementation of democratic agendas, rather he attempted to strengthen the base of traditional forces
(monarchy).

The following decisions were taken by Prime Minister M.P. Koirala weakened the democra-
cy in Nepal and strengthened the monarchy.
1. In the name of reorganizing the administration, M.P. Koirala indirectly encouraged the feudals to main-
tain their hold by retaining a majority of old Rana secretaries.
2. M.P. Koirala withdrew the restrictions imposed by the earlier coalition government on sale, transfer,
mortgage, gifts and sub-divisions of Birta land. The Birta land carried traditional importance for the
monarchy as under this scheme land was allotted to the nobility as a reward for their services to the King.
3. M.P. Koirala announced a hundred percent increase in the Privy Purse over what was allotted by the
previous coalition government.
4. M.P. Koirala implemented the Press and Publication Act, 1952 AD that authorized the local authorities
to punish the publishers of newspapers if they contained any writing against the monarch and the
government functioning under him which would foster hatred and disrespect towards the royalty.

Nepali Congress charged him for reversing progressive democratic policies and re-establishing the Ranas
once again under the Shah King. People in Nepal felt cheated as their sacrifices went in vain. Traditional
and feudal forces once again placed themselves firmly over and above the progressive democratic forces.
Finally, Nepali Congress expelled Prime Minister M. P. Koirala from the party, as he was found violating
the party principles and acting against the Constitution of 1951 (2007 BS) on July 25, 1952 (Shrawan10, 2009
BS). His actions resulted in transferring people’s political power into the hands of the King. Consequently,
instead of holding the election the King went on handpicking persons and parties to form governments of
his choice. The growing unpopularity of M.P. Koirala forced him to tender his resignation on August 6, 1952
(Shrawan 22, 2009) and the King accepted his resignation on August 10 ending the unfortunate rule of the
most popular party of that time – the Nepali Congress.

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Monarchy and the government run by ‘Advisory Council’: Democracy Weakened

Because of misadventure of M.P. Koirala, democratic forces lost the credit for bringing needed reforms in
the society and providing “good-governance” for common Nepali. Monarchy became assertive and political
parties especially Nepali Congress spoiled the chance to come in power. The King (the Shree-5) announced
the formation of the ‘advisory council’ having five members in it including General Keshar Shumsher on
Shrawan 30, 2009 to administer the country until a “harmonious, stable and effective” Cabinet would come
into place. In fact, the ‘advisory council’ was a tool in hands of the monarch to keep away the political
parties from running the government. The Councillors in the ‘advisory council’ were to hold office during
the pleasure of the King and were responsible to him directly and individually. The decision taken by the
Advisory Council in the absence of the King could not be executed until approved by the King. Thus, the
King acquired enormously more executive powers than before. However, administration through “advisory
council” soon plunged the monarchy into disrepute as failing law and order situation along with increasing
corruption forced the King to dissolve the government run by the ‘advisory council’ on Asar 2, 2010 (June 15,
1953). Now the King wanted to install the old-style of administration run by the ‘council of ministers headed
by the Prime Minister’. Therefore, he once again called his ‘trusted confidant-loyal’ M. P. Koirala to act as a
puppet and explore the possibility of forming the New Cabinet. M.P. Koirala formed a new party known as
Rastriya Prajatantrik Dal (National Democratic Party) to help the King form the Government which could
appear like a democratic government formed by a political party.

‘National Coalitional Government’ Weakened Democracy and Strengthened Monarchy
M.P. Koirala formed a “national coalitional government” on Asar 2, 2010 (June 15, 1953) by overlooking
the claim of the largest and the most popular political party – Nepali Congress. Opportunistic political
leaders of various political colors were offered ‘ministerial posts’ in the ‘national coalition government’
of M.P. Koirala and all of them were individually responsible to the King not to the Prime Minister:
something that goes against the principle of ‘parliamentary democracy’. Prime Minister too was not the
elected leader of the majority party in parliament, rather he was a handpicked subterfuge (puppet) of
the King. To weaken ‘national coalition government’, King Tribhuvan in September 1953 (on the eve of
his departure to Europe for medical treatment) constituted Regency Council headed by Crown Prince
Mahendra, which was empowered to guide the Cabinet in its day-to-day work. Thus, the central authority
remained ‘confusingly divided’ without definite reasons or rules of conduct between the King’s stage-
managed Cabinet and the ‘Regency Council’. Besides, Pradhan Nyayalaya lost its position as the highest
position as the highest court of justice in the country because the apex court was deprived of the powers
to issue writs and could not punish anyone for the contempt of its own authority. The opposition political
parties began to criticize the ruling party and adopted ‘agitation method’ to protest against the then
‘ruling establishment’ – particularly Regency Council. Meanwhile, Regency Council headed by Crown
Prince Mahendra ceased to cooperate with the Prime Minister M.P. Koirala and his ‘cabinet’ leading to
the fall of the Government and M.P. Koirala tendered his resignation on March 2, 1955 (Falgun 19, 2011).
King Tribhuvan had already transferred all powers into the hands of the Crown Prince Mahendra on 18th
February, 1955 (Falgun 7, 2011) making the latter most powerful person in Nepal. On March 3, 1955 (Falgun
20, 2011), Crown Prince Mahendra accepted the resignation of Prime Minister M.P. Koirala. King Tribhuvan
died on March 13, 1955 (Falgun 30, 2011 BS) by making the democracy much weaker and the hereditary
monarchy stronger.

King Mahendra and Democracy

After the death of King Tribhuvan, his son Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev ascended the throne officially
on Chaitra 4, 2011 (March 17, 1955 at the age of 35 years). King Mahendra formed the five-member royal
advisory group headed by Gunjaman Singh on Baishakh 1, 2012 (April 14, 1955). Thus, King Mahendra
started his direct rule with the help of advisory council till Magh 12, 2012 (January 26, 1956). Thus, it is quite
clear here that King Mahendra went ahead to hold back the democratic tradition in political governance of
Nepal after having accepted the resignation of M.P. Koirala. He avoided political parties to form the next
government and opted for close association with Rana Oligarchy to rule over the country through Royal
Advisors (derived from Rana Oligarchy) – acting as members of “Advisory Council” of five members. This
was his ploy to consolidate his power. The political parties and other elements representing anti-feudal
interests became totally convinced about the ‘totalitarian political design of the King’ and thus decided to
go for protest against King Mahendra with the help of the common people. King Mahendra who himself
was popularizing his personality as a King amongst the masses did not like the protests of democratic
forces against the Royal-regime and ordered the Royal administration (Bada Hakims, Magistrates and

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Commissioners) to crush the protests and arrest, detain, extern or intern any person on grounds of internal
security. This is how a class of “vested interests” which had a stake in the institution of Monarchy, and which
was afraid of political parties representing the forces of modernization gathered around him.

King Mahendra and Queen – Rana General’s daughter Tanka P. Acharya
King Mahendra’s ‘direct rule’ through “advisory council” proved oppressive and exploitative for masses;
feudal Ranas working as ‘royal advisors’ continued with the corrupt practices while the King turned his
blind eyes towards it. The hostile attitude of the Monarch siding with the feudal forces and the widespread
dissatisfaction amongst the masses allowed all the political parties in Nepal to bury their differences to launch
a combined movement against the direct rule of King Mahendra. For the first time since the revolution of
1950 (2007 BS), all the major political parties except Gorkha Parishad vehemently criticized the undemocratic
policies of the new King. Charismatic leader B.P. Koirala, the President of Nepali Congress, openly warned
the King against anti-democratic fascinations and his tendency to crush the political parties. B.P. Koirala
further cautioned the King not to nurture the dream of becoming ‘absolute monarch’ by overstepping the
limits of a ‘constitutional monarch’. Three political parties of that time Nepali Congress, Nepali Rashtriya
Congress and the Praja Parishad, in a joint statement, threatened the King of dire consequences if he did not
give up his direct rule. King Mahendra appeared quite determined to kill multi-party democracy in order
to install his hereditary monarchy. Having sensed the King’s undemocratic intention, the political parties
launched a movement for the restoration of representative institutions in various parts of the Kingdom. The
King was assured of his popularity and miscalculated the popularity of the political parties in Nepal. Thus,
he went ahead with his “direct rule” and decided to suppress the movements launched by different political
parties in various parts of the country. In order to alienate (sideline) the institution of political party, he
encouraged the formation of a number of professional, social and religious organizations and associations
to put them against the political parties. To assess the ‘political climate’ in the country, King Mahendra
called a conference of all the professional, social and religious organizations and associations along with
the political parties on May 8, 1955 (Baisakh 25, 2012). Four leading political parties – the Nepali Congress,
the Nepali Rastriya Congress, the Praja Parishad and the Rastriya Praja Party - boycotted the conference
saying that the King was not genuinely interested in finding out a solution to the political crisis. However,
the King went ahead for the conference thinking that other social and religious organizations along with the
common people of Nepal were in his favor. Despite the absence of major political parties, the outcome of the
conference was not in the interest of the King as it suggested the King to terminate the ‘direct rule’ conducted
through Royal Councillors and to go for general election to establish the democratic political system in the
country. King Mahendra was now forced to announce the general election to be held in October 1957 (2014
BS) but personally he never wanted democracy to come back to weaken Shah-monarchy. Thus, he looked for
a puppet Prime Minister and had two names in his mind – Dr. K. I. Singh and Tanka Prasad Acharya because
he did not have any faith in political leaders of larger political parties, especially the Nepali Congress.

Formation of council of ministers under the leadership of Tanka Prasad Acharya, Dr.
K. I. Singh and Subarna Shumsher:

King Mahendra had already granted amnesty to his favourite self-exiled rebel-leader K.I. Singh who
returned to Nepal in September 1955. Since Dr. K.I. Singh had lost the political goodwill amongst the
democratic political parties and was facing stiff opposition, King Mahendra announced the name of Tanka
Prasad Acharya – leader of Praja Parishad - as next Prime Minister on January 27, 1956 (Magh 13, 2012) and
asked him to form a New Government under Royal Dictate.

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In the wake of the growing criticism of the ‘puppet’ position of the Prime Minister, T. P. Acharya asked
for ‘homogenous cabinet’ by withdrawing the King’s Men and sought to implement his party-program
in the government. The King objected to his demands and manner of functioning making the life of the
Prime Minister almost miserable that led to his resignation. King Mahendra accepted the resignation by
accusing the Prime Minister of being unable to hold general election in time and not competent enough to
run the government. Thus, the government of Tanka Prasad Acharya fell on Asar 31, 2014 BS (July 14, 1957).
Now, the King’s favourite Dr. K.I. Singh of United Democratic Party was invited to form a pro-monarchy
government and Dr. Singh formed the 11-member council of ministers on Shrawan 11, 2014 (July 26, 1957)
and he remained Prime Minister of Nepal only for four months. Dr. Singh as Prime Minister spoke against
conducting the general election to please the King. This had antagonized the major political parties in Nepal.
Realizing his political-loss by postponing the first general election after the end of the Rana rule, King
Mahendra announced the date of ‘general election’ to be held on February 18, 1959 (Falgun 7, 2015 BS) and
dissolved the government of Prime Minister Dr. K. I. Singh on Kartik 29, 2014 (November 14, 1957). King
Mahendra himself ran the government through direct rule from Kartik 29, 2014 until Subarna Shumsher was
sworn in to become new Prime Minister of Nepal on Jestha 2, 2015 (May 15, 1958). PM Subarna Shumsher
formed the 6-member council of ministers. It is to be noted here that the 5-member “Constitution Drafting
Committee” under the Chairman Bhagawati Prasad Singh was already formed to draft a new constitution
on Chaitra 3, 2014 (March 16, 1958). A few foreigners were also included in this committee. The Constitution
of Nepal was thus promulgated on Falgun 1, 2015 (February 12, 1959). The next major task of successfully
conducting the first general election in all the 109 constituencies (seats) carved out in Nepal was also
completed on Falgun 7, 2015. In this way, the Subarna Shumsher-led government was dissolved on Jestha
2, 2016 (May 16, 1959) to pave the way for the formation of first elected democratic government in Nepal.

First general election in Nepal and the emergence of B. P. Koirala as the democrati-
cally elected prime minister:

After having announced the date of election, King had expected ‘fractured mandate’ where no party
would secure ‘majority seats’ thereby enabling him to consolidate the hold of monarchy further. He had
genuinely believed in his popularity amongst the masses much more than any other political leader in
Nepal could dream. Thus, having calculated all the pros and cons, King Mahendra went for the first
democratic general election in the history of Nepal to be held on February 18, 1959 (Falgun 7, 2015 BS).
People of Nepal lent their full support to the Nepali Congress and B.P. Koirala (Bishweshwar Prasad
Koirala) emerged as the most charismatic leader of the country. The last result of the general election
came on Baisakh 28, 2016 (May 11, 1959) according to which Nepali Congress received overwhelming
majority (74 seats out of the 109 seats) after eight years of continuous struggle against the traditional forces
since the fall of the feudal Rana-Dynasty. Nepali Congress formed the Government on behalf the people
under the leadership of B. P. Koirala on Jestha 13, 2016 (May 27, 1959) by forming a 19-member council of
ministers. B.P. Koirala became the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Nepal. This was a historic
moment and victory of the people over the tradition which has turned against democracy. Even though
King Tribhuvan had promised to transfer complete political power in the hands of the people after the
end of the Rana dictatorship, he never did that. For the first time in the history of Nepal, Monarchy had to
transfer the political power to an elected political party. Alarmed by rising popularity of B.P. Koirala, King
Mahendra began to look for an appropriate opportunity to strike back at the popularly elected democratic
government.
The newly elected democratic government of B. P. Koirala had to govern the country according to the
provisions of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015 BS which did not give much space for “parliamentary
democracy”. The Crown continued to remain the source of all legislative, executive and judicial
authority just like the Interim Constitution of 2007 BS. The King had the right to choose his own Prime
Minister who ‘should’ enjoy majority in the “Pratinidhi Sabha” (House of Representatives). King after
having consulted with the ‘Council of State’ could remove the Prime Minister if no majority was secured
or confidence was lost in the House or in case Government was acting against the Constitution. King after
consultation with the Council of the State (second House in bi-cameral legislature) could further suspend
the constitutional provisions (of the fundamental rights, the executive and the parliamentary branches of
the Government). King still enjoyed the “sweeping powers” under the newly framed constitution of 1959
(2015BS) and political parties missed a vital chance once again to relegate (push back) the institution of
monarchy in Nepal to the status of being “constitutional monarchy”. Finally, as expected, King Mahendra
struck a fatal blow to a democratically elected government on December 15, 1960 (Poush 1, 2017 BS) when
he dissolved the parliament and dismissed the elected government through a coup with the help of the
army to impose the absolute hereditary rule of monarchy. Thus, Poush 1, 2017 BS is known as “Black
Day” in the democratic history of Nepal.

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Monarchy under the Democratically Elected Government

The result of general elections conducted on February 18, 1959 (Falgun 7, 2015 B.S.) was a hard pill (bitter
medicine) for King Mahendra to swallow and he was helpless as he could not manipulate against the
Nepali Congress (the party that obtained two-thirds seats in Parliament) in absence of a strong opposition
party. Because, minor political parties like Praja Parishad, United Democratic Party, and the Nepal
Prajatantrik Mahasabha responsible for playing opportunistic games with King Mahendra in the past
were all defeated badly by the people in that election. Definitely, the King still enjoyed enormous executive
and emergency powers under the “Constitution (2015 BS)” including the power to scrap (suspend) the
Constitution itself under the extreme circumstances. Nepali Congress too was chained by the pro-monarchy
provisions of the Constitution (2015 BS) and thus struggled hard to institutionalize democracy in order to
implement the democratic agendas. Hence, it was quite likely that King would not let the Nepali Congress
govern the country freely. In such a constrained political environment, elected government of Nepali
Congress began to function from May 27, 1959 (Jesth 13, 2016 BS) under the leadership of Prime Minister
B.P. Koirala. Nepali Congress government had ‘people’ at its side to rely on and the capacity of its own
leadership to nurture the newly born democracy. Hoping that people of Nepal would come to the side of
the government in case of any obstacle imposed by the King, Nepali Congress Government went ahead
with implementing pro-people (democratic) policies. Some of the decisions taken by the government
at that time were land and agrarian reform, construction of irrigation, drinking water, transport and
communication facilities, several kinds of village and local development programs, initiation of Village
Panchayats and town municipalities, promotion of health care facilities and education to make primary
education free and compulsory within ten years. There were other institutional reforms too like developing
a free and independent judiciary, building up of a police force to maintain law and order, establishment of
a National Planning Board, establishment of Nepal Industrial Development Corporation to initiate small,
medium and big industries, streamlining of Tribhuvan University, etc. The introduction of the “Birta
Abolition Bill” upstaged (unsteadied) the government. It is because the Birta (the feudal proprietorship
on land) had nourished both the feudal and traditional forces (Ranas and the King) in Nepal to maintain
stronghold on political power. The Ranas who had enjoyed support by the Monarch resented the land
reforms measures undertaken by the Nepali Congress government as their tax-free land under the Birta
system was slipping out of hands. New Government fixed the privy purse of the King and maintained
an “alert eyes” on its utilization. Moreover, the jurisdiction of the Royal Palace Secretariat was curtailed
because the King had an ambition to run a parallel government by encroaching upon the powers and
functions of the Central Secretariat. No ministers and secretaries from the government side were allowed
to meet the King without having written permission from the Prime Minister. Government’s decision of
nationalizing the forest resources too ruffled some of the members of the Royal family who owned forests.
Both the feudal and traditional forces were now set to strike at the first democratically elected government.
Parties like Gorkha Parishad because of their ‘vested interests’ were always ready to dance as per the wish
of the monarch. Thus, they began to criticize the progressive reforms of the New Government and joined
hands with the monarchy to topple it down. Common people, unaware of the risks that the Government
was facing, were dissatisfied with the slow progress of the expected reforms and finally grew desperate
forcing the Government to deliver quick results. B.P. Koirala-led Government was in ring of fire as there
was no chance to continue any more.

The opportune day for King Mahendra arrived on December 15, 1960 (Poush 1, 2017 B.S.) when he dis-
missed the government and dissolved the elected parliament. By usurping all the executive powers through
a ‘Royal Coup’, he made several allegations against the elected government in a broadcast to the country
over Radio Nepal. The action of imposing the direct rule by King Mahendra by dismissing the democrat-
ically elected government was an “insult to democratic ideals” of Nepal. King Mahendra alleged that the
elected government had ignored the interests of the country and the people just to advance narrow party
interest, promoted corrupt practices by paralyzing the administrative machinery as to make it incapable of
maintaining law and order, adopted unscientific economic policies and advanced such a foreign policy that
was detrimental to national sovereignty and independence. He imprisoned the popular leaders including
B.P. Koirala. After eight long years of imprisonment, B.P. Koirala and other leaders were released on October
30, 1968 (Kartik 14, 2025 BS). Thus, Mahendra defamed the political parties in general and Nepali Congress
in particular to ridicule the ‘parliamentary democratic system’ with a view to perpetuate the absolute mon-
archy under the brand-name of ‘’Party-less Panchayat Democracy”.

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Some Important Dates/Years in Timeline

November 16, 1951 (Mangsir 1, 2008B.S.) - Matrika Prasad Koirala the then President of Nepali Congress was
nominated as the Prime Minister by H.M. the King Tribhuvan. He was the first commoner Prime Minister under the
democratic set up.
July 25, 1952 (Shrawan 10, 2009 B.S.) - Matrika Prasad Koirala, Prime Minister, was expelled by Nepali Congress from
Party membership as he was found violating the party principles and acting against the Constitution of 1951A.D. His
actions resulted in transferring people’s political power into the hands of the King who, instead of holding the election,
went on handpicking persons and parties to form governments of his own choice.
August 14, 1952 (Shrawan 30, 2009 B.S.) - Royal Councillors’ regime through Advisory Council was established to
strengthen absolute monarchy.
June 15, 1953 (Asar 2, 2010 B.S.) - National Coalition Government headed by Matrika Prasad Koirala as Prime Minister
came into existence. This time M.P. Koirala had floated his own political party named as Rastriya Prajatantrik Dal
(National Democratic Party).
August 4, 1953 (Shrawan 20, 2010 B.S.) – Rebellion under the leadership of Bhim Dutta Panta arose but was suppressed
by joint action of Nepali forces. He led an armed peasant movement during 1960s.
March 13, 1955 (Falgun 30, 2011 B.S.) – King Tribhuvan died in Switzerland.
January 27, 1956 (Magh 13, 2012 B.S.) – King Mahendra appointed Tanka Prasad Acharya, a leader of the Praja Parishad,
as the Prime Minister but was forced to resign in 2014 B.S.
July 26, 1957 (Shrawan 11, 2014 B.S.) - King Mahendra appointed Dr. K.I. Singh, a founder-leader of the United
Democratic Party, as the Prime Minister but dissolved his government on November 14, 1957 (Kartik 19, 2014).
February 18, 1959 (Falgun 7, 2015 B.S.) - First parliamentary election in democratic history of Nepal was held
nationwide. Nepali Congress secured two-thirds majority.
May 27, 1959 (Jestha 13, 2016) – Nepali Congress formed the Government on behalf the people under the leadership of
B. P. Koirala by forming a 19-member council of ministers.
December 15, 1960 (Poush 1, 2017 B.S.) - King Mahendra usurped the political power through a Royal Coup and
trampled the democratic government committed to the system of multi-party parliamentary democracy to clamp direct
rule.

Words and terms you would like to know

Demise (n.): the end of something that used to exist
Terminate (v.): to come to an end
Appeasement (n.): an attempt to stop complaints or reduce difficulties by making concessions
Opportunism (n.): a tendency of taking advantage of an opportunity, or exploiting opportunities and situations in
general, especially in a devious, unscrupulous, or unprincipled way
Enormous (adj.): unusually large or great in size, amount, or degree

Activities

1. A decade of political instability rocked Nepal from 2007 to 2017 BS. Hold a discussion in the classroom
on this topic and explore various reasons behind the state of political instability during this period.

2. King Mahendra imposed “Direct Rule” two times in Nepal. Why was he so inclined to govern the
country by his own direct rule? Make a pair in the classroom and discuss about it. Present the conclusions
of your discussion in front of the entire class.

3. Who was Bhim Dutta Panta? Why did he rebel? Present his major contributions in front of the class.

4. Why do we call Tanka Prasad Acharya a living martyr of Nepal? Conduct research on your own by
consulting different sources of study materials and justify the statement.

5. Construct a timeline by collecting all the dates and years of political events which took place from 2007
BS to 2017 BS.

Exercise

1. Critically analyze why Dr. K. I. Singh was called back from exile and appointed as the Prime Minister of
Nepal.

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2. What is meant by a general election? Differentiate between an election of the constituent assembly and
a general election.

3. What is the meaning of an advisory council government? What are its special features?
4. Compare and contrast the Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007 BS with that of the Constitution of Nepal,

2015 BS.
5. There was a great deal of international support to Nepal’s democracy from 2007 BS to 2017 BS. Justify

the statement with appropriate illustrations.
6. What were the notable achievements of “coalition government” formed just after the end of the Rana

rule? Why did this government collapse mid-way?
7. Interim Government of Nepal Act 2007 B.S. (1951) did not achieve the goals of Delhi Agreement and

thus frustrated the democratic aspirations of the country. Critically assess.
8. Political short-sightedness and greed for position shown by M.P. Koirala not only weakened the main

political party but also endangered the democracy in Nepal. Comment critically.
9. Explain with suitable evidences how traditional and feudal forces could once again overpower the

democratic and progressive forces in Nepal to crush people’s aspirations and hold back the development
of the country.
10. Both the “Advisory Council” and “Regency Council” introduced by King Tribhuvan contradicted the
promises made by him to protect and nurture democracy under his Kingship. Explain.
11. The action of imposing the direct rule by King Mahendra on Poush 1, 2017 by dismissing the
democratically elected government was an “insult to democratic ideals” of Nepal. Comment critically.

Community Work

Blaming Democracy as the cause of political instability only strengthens the despotic tendencies of leaders
because democracy as a vehicle of political administration has to be driven carefully by political leaders who
have to be skilled drivers committed to democratic ethos of politics. Democracy as widely accepted political
system is delivering results in other countries but somehow Nepal is still struggling in bringing democracy
back on track to get the results of good governance and inclusiveness. List the events when our political
leaders just missed the chance to stabilize the democratic ideals in Nepal’s political history. Interview the
old and young people from diverse backgrounds to understand the political character of party leaders and
their commitment to democratic ideals to bring peace, prosperity and harmony in the society. Present your
findings in the school assembly.

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Lesson Ban on Democracy and Political
Parties in Nepal
3

Ban on Political Parties (2017 B.S.) and Poush 1 as the black day for democracy

King Mahendra’s action to throttle (silence) the parliamentary system of government triggered strong re-
actions both within and outside the country. His first intention was to tarnish (blacken) the image of the
multi-party democratic political system and to glorify the traditional Shah-Monarchy. He projected ‘abso-
lute monarchy’ as being true saviour of Nepal and support to the monarchy as characteristic of being true
Nepali and a patriot. Therefore, King Mahendra considered Poush 1, 2017 as a great landmark in the history
of Nepal by putting an end to democracy. King Mahendra declared a state of emergency throughout the
Kingdom by taking away the fundamental rights of the people and suspended the operation of the consti-
tution of Nepal, 2015 BS by invoking Article 55 which gave him sweeping power to dislodge even the dem-
ocratically elected government that enjoyed the support of a huge majority. Let us have a look at the Article
55 of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015 BS:

Article 55 (Emergency Powers): In the assessment of the Shree-5, a state of emergency can be declared and
the whole or part of the constitution can be suspended by the King if he thinks that the sovereignty of the
whole or part of the country is in danger and the socio-economic life of the people is being disturbed due
to war, external aggression or any kind of internal disturbance within the country. During the time period
of emergency, the king will remain the sole authority to govern the country by assuming all the powers
and authority vested in either parliament or executive or any other organ of the state (government). No
question will be raised against the King’s decisions whatever the matter may be as the wisdom of the King
shall always be upright and beyond any suspicion.
After assuming absolute political power, King Mahendra attempted to project his image as reformer
committed to people’s welfare and the lover of the Nepalese people. He was also looking for an alternative
to ‘Parliamentary Democracy’ in order to replace with the King’s version of false democracy. Within three
weeks of capturing the power in a non-democratic way, he made a public announcement that the ‘Panchayat
Democracy’ would replace the multi-party parliamentary democracy to govern the country. Even though he
hated democracy in its real sense and practice he skilfully played with the word by naming his direct rule as
Panchayat Democracy. It was his smart game-plan to advance the dynastic rule of Shah-monarchy riding
on the popular sentiment of people’s democracy. Panchayat Democracy was direct (absolute) rule of Shah
Monarchy without having true democratic ideals. The King took inspiration from the political institutions
of Pakistan, Indonesia, Egypt, Nigeria and Yugoslavia known for their authoritarian rulers and complete
dictatorship in those times and wanted to emulate the political system of these countries to consolidate the
autocratic powers in his hand. He banned all the political parties and their activities declaring them illegal
in the country with an aim to prosecute and persecute his staunch opponents. He rewarded his loyalists and
released those political prisoners who were useful for him in furthering the interest of ‘absolute monarchy’.
Traditional and modern and progressive (democratic) forces came into conflict once again in Nepal with the
former crushing the latter.

King Mahendra formed fourteen Inspection Committees to seize hard-core supporters of democracy
who were posed threat to King’s administration and prosecuted them in the newly established fourteen
Special Courts. Tour Commissions were supposed to provide impartial and quick justice in order to speed
up development works and in order to establish Panchayat (Mahendra’s brand of administration) in
every district of Nepal. Tour Commissions also punished the criminals and “anti-nationals” (those who
boycotted Mahendra’s brand of administration). To exercise full control on the administration, the King
took the Defense portfolio and created a new ministry – the Ministry of National Guidance – the purpose
of which was to build support for ‘absolute monarchy’ and indoctrinate the peasants, youths and students
on pro-monarchy line away from the influence of political parties.

Panchayat democracy: Its structure and function

Since King Mahendra was determined to establish the foothold of traditional forces represented by Shah

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Kings, he finished off the progressive forces represented by political parties. King Mahendra advocated
that the existing geo-political realities of the Kingdom favoured the traditional forces to rule over Nepal not
the progressive forces that represented the ‘democracy’. He further argued that Nepal was not ready for a
sophisticated political system like parliamentary democracy, as it required a tradition of liberal institutions,
educated middle class and socio-economic progress. The King was the focal point of his own brain-child
and introduced the model Panchayat Democracy which he controlled tightly for furthering the direct rule
from the palace.

Characteristics of the Panchayat System

1. Panchayat Democracy or Panchayat System had a “pyramid structure” having villages at the base
merged into District, and then Districts merged into a Zone and finally Zones merged into National
Panchayat. Thus, there were four tiers of ‘Panchayat framework’.

It is to be understood here that the country was already divided into 3,474 Panchayats, 75 Districts
and 14 Zones during the Second Plan (1962-1965 AD), with a view to promote development activities
at the grassroots. Development regions were created later in 1972 (2029 BS).

2. It blended the community of individuals of a village into a bigger community at national level via
National Panchayat.

3. Panchayat Democracy did not follow the values of freedom, equality and justice, rather it stressed more
on the traditional values of monarchy of loyalty, deference, and awe towards the royal authority.

4. This system aimed at eliminating political parties from the locus of the political scenario and was
focused on strengthening monarchy. Therefore, it was also known as “party-less Panchayat system”.

5. The election in Panchayat system, especially of Rastriya Panchayat did not follow the true democratic
principles of free and fair poll, rather it was ‘controlled and managed’ election.

Main Pillars of Panchayat-Rule

Since King Mahendra called the political parties of Nepal particularly Nepali Congress as anti-national
element, he wanted to prove to the people of Nepal that he was the pivot of nationalistic forces (represented
by traditional and feudal forces) who meant ‘good’ to the people of Nepal. King Mahendra openly hailed
the feudal forces who always existed as essential element in governance through monarchy as true
‘patriots’ and went on siding with the Ranas responsible for ruthlessly exploiting Nepal by subjugating
the Shah Kings for 104 years. He called all the top leaders of that time as “traitors and terrorists” finally
to imprison them. This is how King Mahendra laid the foundation for his “brain-child” of ‘Panchayat
democracy’.
Below is the brief description of the important foundational pillars (bases) of ‘Panchayat Democracy’
along with their functioning:
1. Panchayat Constitution: The constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 2019 B.S (December 16, 1962)
promulgated by King Mahendra was meant for protecting and consolidating the Party-less Panchayat
System and to strengthen the institution of “absolute monarchy”. The base of the whole Panchayat system
was monarchy around which everything revolved. The Panchayat Constitution 2019 BS even limited the
descent of future monarchs in Nepal by creating an essential condition to be born as the direct descendent
of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. The Panchayat Constitution 2019 BS declared that only those kings who
are born to his lineage were the true upholders (adherents) of the Aryan culture and Hinduism. In this
way, King Mahendra was rooting his family to be the only political administrator in Nepal by excluding
all others – be it democratic leaders or other ambitious clans. This kind of provision in the Panchayat
constitution reflected the true anti-democratic color of the Panchayat democracy.
The provision reinforced the traditional forces in Nepal to drive away the democratic progressive forces
represented by the political parties. Moreover, the constitution vested the sovereignty of the nation to the
Crown (monarch) rather than in the people.
2. Revival of traditional institutions: King Mahendra’s brand of ‘Panchayat Democracy’, instead of
decentralizing the political powers down to the people and villages, centralized the powers in the hands
of out-dated traditional institutions like Pajani (annual renewal of service), Daudaha (Commission for a
tour of inspection) and Salam or Darshan Bhet (individual or group audience with the ruler). These

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undemocratic and anti-people institutions were in existence during the ‘old Shah rule’ and ‘Rana’s
despotic era’. Extra-legal and unconstitutional administrative institution called the “Palace Secretariat”
emerged as the most powerful decision-making institution of the country.
3. Emphasis on ultra-nationalism: After the forced disappearance of the parliamentary system, the Crown
became the symbol of nationalism and the King became its sole protector and custodian. King Mahendra
imposed cultural code and lingual barrier on ethnically diverse society of Nepal by implementing the
dictate (order) of ‘One Nation – One Culture’. Major political parties like Nepali Congress and Communist
Party of Nepal were opposed to such a move and favoured education in one’s own vernacular or regional
language to save the local Nepali language and culture. Nepalese teachers replaced the foreign teachers in
schools and colleges. Badges having the imprint of royal flag and portraits of the Kings were distributed
free of cost for vigorous promotion of “Royalty” and Kings. Nepal was projected as a ‘Hindu Kingdom’
and the King as an incarnation of Vishnu – a Hindu God. A tradition of worshipping the king and his
family began in Nepal just like the other Hindu Gods, especially Vishnu and Laxami.
4. Rastriya Panchayat: Rastriya Panchayt was not a supreme democratic parliament (legislative body) nor
did it work independently – King as the Head of the State controlled it all the time. Rastriya Panchayat
could not discuss any matter or issue related to Royalty. Decisions taken by the Rastriya Panchayat would
not come into force (operation) unless approved by the King. In absence of political party, session-meetings
of Rastriya Panchayat did not have ‘set-agendas’ to discuss and implement them as the members were on
most occasions ‘direction-less’.
5. Guidance system: In an address to the people on “National Day”, February 18, 1961 (Falgun 7, 2017),
King Mahendra announced the establishment of a New Ministry of National Guidance. This ministry
worked for implementing the vision of King Mahendra to increase his stronghold on the administration
and root out the parliamentary democracy from Nepal. All other institutions gravitated around this
ministry for seeking direction after the Royal takeover of the democratically elected government (on
Poush 1, 2017 B.S.). The first concrete task of the Ministry of National Guidance was to establish the
Panchayats and Class Organization Committees – the task went ahead at war footing level. After the
completion of the task, the Ministry of National Guidance was converted into the “National Guidance
Council” whose powers and functions were never defined. The King himself was the Chairman of the
Council and the Council was accountable to the Palace Secretariat, not to the Cabinet (Central Secretariat).
6. Back to the Village National Campaign (BVNC): King Mahendra launched the “Back to the Village
National Campaign” in 1967 (2024 B.S.) through a message to the Rastrya Panchayat. King Mahendra
through this program exhorted the fellow citizens to contribute their mite (small account of their wealth
and labour) to build the nation and develop national unity. Through BVNC, the King wanted to develop
people’s trust in party-less Panchayat Democracy by ending corruption, injustice and exploitation at
grass-roots level and had a vision of ‘active rural life’ where people have their own land to till, increased
food production, cooperative and communitarian life style, flourishing small scale industries in the
country. The King went for land reforms and implementation of various social and economic programs to
achieve this end (objective). The King involved ministers, Panchayat members of different tiers and Class
Organizations in the campaign and directed them to execute the programs sincerely. But, the King could
not continue transparency and accountability of this program and thus BVNC fell into the hands of corrupt
Royal officials without producing desired results at the local level.

POLITICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENTS FROM 2007 TO 2017 BS

After the Rana autocracy came to an end, Nepal embarked on a mission of economic and social development
in the first decade [1950–1960 (2007–2017 BS)] of the advent of democracy. However, political parties
organizing the government during the 1950s were not that effective to bring about changes in political, social
and economic spheres of people’s life. Some of the noted changes are as follows:
1. Reforms in Political Sectors: The first decade witnessed the political instability as monarchy in Nepal
became extraordinarily active in suppressing the democracy. Monarchy resisted any radical reforms that
took away political powers from its hands. However, some changes came on the way when democratic
commitment was exhibited. Following are those changes:
(a.) More than a century old feudal rule of Ranas ended in 1951 (2007 B.S.) and established the trend of ruling
the country through a written constitution. Although Padma SJB Rana, second last Prime Minister of the
Rana rule, promulgated the first written constitution of Nepal called the Nepal Government Act – 2004 B.S.
fearing the wrath of independent India he never implemented the constitution. The Interim Constitution

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of Nepal – 2007 B.S. was the first written constitution that guided the political governance of the country
in political history of Nepal. Before that, political rule in the country was dependent upon the whims and
pleasures of the feudal (Rana) and traditional (Shah) forces.
(b.) For the first time in the history of Nepal, King Tribhuvan agreed to launch a ‘Coalition Government’
based on democratic principles to fulfill the obligations set out in the Delhi Agreement in 1951 (2007 B.S.).
(c.) Existence of political parties became the norm and even monarchy under King Tribhuvan and King
Mahendra could not deny and overlook this political truth.
(d.) First general election [‘Feb.1959’ (Falgun 2015)] left the permanent mark in the minds of the people
as democratic education and set a precedent for democratic political parties to continue with democratic
movement. Nepal also tasted the local level governance when the election of Kathmandu Municipal
Corporation took place in 2012 BS.
(e.) First democratically elected government came into existence in May 1959 (Jestha, 2016 B.S.).
(f.) First High Court of Nepal established under the High Court Act of 1952 was the highest judicial court
of modern Nepal that set the trend of independent and impartial judiciary as it exists today in the form of
Supreme Court of Nepal.
(g.) Nepal joined the United Nations as one of its members on December 14, 1955 (Mangsir 29, 2012) and
thus got the opportunity to participate in several international agencies such as the United Nations Food
and Agricultural Organization (FAO); the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO); the World Health Organization; and the Economic Council for Asia and the Far East.
2. Reforms in Social Sectors: Feudal rule of Ranas had a strong feeling of caste superiority that had spread
down to the behavior of common masses. Besides, Ranas did not exhibit much respect to women in society
as they themselves treated them with scorn (object of contempt) that is evidenced from different categories
of Ranas like A, B and C category. Following social reforms are worth noting after the end of Rana rule:
(a.) Political parties for the first time began to behave in secular manner and invited all the castes to join
party politics as per their merit, not according to the caste. They were recognized in the party based on their
performance, not on the basis of their lineage or caste. Political parties became the forum to promote social
harmony and democratic culture. Nepal in the meantime established diplomatic and political relationship
with many countries around the world.
(b.) Feeling of nationalism and national integrity was strengthened when all Nepali from different castes,
classes and geographical regions joined hands together to overthrow the Rana rule and participated to
launch the movement to end the absolute rule of King Mahendra before the first democratic election.
(c.) New social consciousness spread among the Nepalese people that changes are possible when they stand
united.
(d.) Women for the first time in history of Nepal came out of their houses and made their presence felt by
openly criticizing the Ranas for demeaning and disrespecting them. They took part in political rallies and
protests to bring new consciousness of “gender equality” in Nepalese society.
(e.) Modern education got its firm foothold in the first experimental decade of the democratic rule. For
example, operation of first women’s college in Dillibazar – Kathmandu, establishment of Tribhuvan
Unbiversity in 2016 BS, beginning of Law college in Kathmandu and so on. Modern educational centers
crossed the mark of four thousand from around three hundred that existed during the Rana rule. The schools
and colleges began to teach in English medium. It was a clear shift from traditional non-scientific and non-
logical education system that existed in Nepal. In fact, Ranas had shown their disapproval for modern
education in Nepal as they considered it detrimental to their feudal rule. Education in English introduced
the Nepali with modern ideas and democratic values and they were able to take inspiration from different
countries around the world.
(f.) Taste of cardinal values of democracy like freedom, equality and justice came into play and the Nepali
society had a taste of it when they were able to assert their social equality and demanded for justice to
come out of any kind of slavery, be it bonded labor, forced labor or forceful grabbing of their land. Various
social organizations like “Paropkar Anathalaya” (founded by Dayabir Singh Kansakar) were established by
taking inspiration from values of democracy.
(g.) The relaxation of censorship that followed the overthrow of Rana rule in 1951 (2007 B.S.) helped in the

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revival of artistic and intellectual expression—a vital part of Nepalese social life. Nepal Cultural Council
was founded for strengthening the cultural identity of the people in the country. Cultural renaissance
and national patriotism were two main themes that figured in the literature and poetry of Nepal. Even
King Mahendra got his Nepali lyrics published in English translation under the name of M.B.B. Shah (for
Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah).
(h.) The social infrastructure was built up in the country by adopting a series of important measures in this
direction. Nepal got connected with different countries and different parts within the country with the help
of air-routes. Road transportation increased the inland connectivity by building up highways. The ropeway
connected Kathmandu with Hetauda. In the field of communication, telephone, radio, telegram and postal
services were started. Besides, Nepal chose to become the member of World Postal Organization on Ashwin
26, 2013. Koshi Agreement (Baisakh 12, 2011) and Gandak Agreement (Mangsir 19, 2016) paved the way for
development of these two zones. The Government Service Act, 2013 was implemented. The forest of Nepal
was nationalized benefiting the local community and the ethnic groups dependent upon the forest resources
for their survival. The independent and impartial judiciary was established.
3. Reforms in Economic Sector: Both the feudal and traditional forces of Nepal loathed the idea of sharing
wealth with poor masses and work towards achieving the goal of economic equality. These forces vehemently
opposed the ‘socialistic reforms’ launched by Nepali Congress. However, some of the economic reforms set
the trend for future changes that we see today. Following were the notable economic reforms:
(a.) Banking sector reforms were undertaken for systematic transactions. The transaction of money throughout
the country was regulated and uniformity was brought in the exchange and transfer of money. For example,
Nepal Rastra Bank, Central Bank of Nepal, was established on Baisakh 14, 2013 (April 26, 1956) under the
Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 1955 AD with an aim to discharge the central banking responsibilities as well as
guiding the development of nascent ‘domestic financial sector’. Similarly, Nepal Industrial Development
Corporation (NIDC), set up in 1959 AD, is the industrial bank in Nepal. Industrial banks extend credit and
other related support to industries other than agriculture.
(b.) Nepal presented and published the annual financial statement (popularly known as budget) for the first
time in Shrawan 2008. The beginning of presenting annual budget brought ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’
in expenditure for public welfare. Earlier, state treasury was considered as personal property of Ranas who
took out money from state coffers even for their personal and family expenditure.
(c.) The introduction of economic planning as an approach to development was discussed for the first time
in political history of Nepal after the end of Rana rule. Finally, the approach of the ‘five-year plan’ was
declared on Ashwin 22, 2012 (October 8, 1955) and the first plan was introduced from the year 2013 BS (1956
AD) to carry out planned development of Nepal. Under the planned economy of Nepal, both agriculture
and trade received maximum attention and began to grow rapidly. The National Planning Commission was
also constituted in the same year (1956 AD).
(d.) Reforms as introduction of “progressive tax system”, nationalization of forests, and the introduction
of the “Birta Abolition Act (2016 BS)” had far-reaching effects on both feudal (Ranas) and traditional
(Monarchy) forces of Nepal. The land-related declaration on Bhadra 17, 2013 (September 1, 1956) was related
to people’s right to land holding. For the first time, people in general had a feeling that they too belong
to this country; otherwise they were treated as meek and miserable Praja (subjects) under the clutches of
either Rana or Raja. “Birta Abolition Bill” developed the prospect for landless poor farmers to own land
and become ‘self-dependent’ farmers. Similarly, nationalization of forests gave rise to prospect of owning
the forest by community as a whole for their ‘group survival’ instead of being controlled by the members of
Royal family for ‘filthy profit’.
Thus, above-stated reforms brought a new wave of consciousness amongst the people in general and
supporters of democracy in particular. They had experience of a completely different quality of political,
socio-economic life after around 200 years.

Words and terms you would like to know

Emulate (v.): to try to equal or surpass somebody or something that is successful or admired
Indoctrinate (v.): to teach somebody a belief, doctrine, or ideology thoroughly and systematically, especially with the
goal of discouraging independent thought or the acceptance of other’s opinions
Wrath (n.): strong anger, often with a desire for revenge
Whim (n.): a sudden thought, idea, or desire, especially one based on impulse rather than reason or necessity

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Precedent (n.): an action or decision that can be used subsequently as an example for a similar decision or to justify a
similar action; an established custom or practice
Absolutism (n.): a political system in which the power of a ruler is unchecked and absolute
Censorship (n.): the suppression or attempted suppression of something regarded as objectionable

Activities

1. King Mahendra was overambitious. Justify this statement with the help of examples and evidences.

2. While cracking down on the political parties in order to ban them, what were the allegations he made in
different contexts? Write them down in the blanks given below and fill up the following table:

Areas in context of which King spoke Allegations labeled or views expressed by him
(a.) Political parties Power seekers, Party oriented
(b.) Economic condition
(c.) Foreign relationship
(d.) Nationality
(e.) Livelihood

3. Poush 1, 2017 is considered as the black day in the political history of Nepal. Why is this so? Write down
the reasons behind it.

4. The five-year plan kicked off in Nepal from 2013 BS and yet Nepal is struggling in several fields
such as education, healthcare, employment, agriculture, industry to name just a few of them. Discuss
such a sorry state of socio-economic conditions of Nepal with elders and experienced people in your
community. Note down the remarks and descriptions they make. Prepare a paragraph and send it to a
national daily in order to get it published.

5. What would have been your response as a citizen if you were present at the time when King Mahendra
imposed emergency on Poush 1, 2017 by dismissing the democratically elected government and banning
all the political parties? What kinds of plans and programs would you have launched against the actions
taken by King Mahendra? List them in a table.

6. What are the benefits Nepal has been getting after joining the UNO (United Nations Organization).
Hold a discussion in the classroom and list them on the chart paper. Affix the chart paper on the wall of
the classroom or the display board for everyone to see and read.

7. There is a difference between the use of crude nationalism within actual authoritarian regimes and
within democracies. King Mahendra whipped up crude nationalism to impose his rule over the peoples
with diverse ethnic backgrounds and declared so many people who differed from his governing style
of absolutism as traitors. His Panchayat democracy could not provide clean government aimed at
people’s welfare but by using the ploy of nationalism he continued to suppress people’s movement as
being anti-national. Hold a discussion in the classroom to understand the meaning of nationalism in the
inter-connected global world where all the nations are dependent upon each other and no country can
afford to overlook the democratic ideals and issues such as human rights, cultural differences, ethnic
diversities and more. Write down your final conclusions.

8. On December 15, 1960 (Poush 1, 2017), King Mahendra ousted elected democratic government led by
Nepali Congress leader and the then Prime Minister B. P. Koirala and launched the autocratic Pachayat
system by picking up devottees of Shah-monarchy as Prime Ministers. In this connection, name of Kirti
Nidhi Bisti figures out prominently. Kirti Nidhi Bista was very close to the monarch and was loyal to
Shah King. In 1969 AD, King Mahendra asked him to head the government as Prime Minister. As a
staunch royalist, Kirti Nidhi Bista occupied the positions of Prime Minister thrice. His dedication to
the country and sovereignty is second to none in Nepal's political history. In continuation of long list
of Prime Ministers, Mr. K.P. Oli took oath as 41st Prime Minister on February 15, 2018 (Falgun 3, 2074).

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Discuss by forming groups in the classroom regarding powers and functions of Panchayat era Prime
Ministers and the present day Prime Minister. What do you think both Kirti Nidhi Bista and K. P. Oli
enjoy same status and authority as Prime Minister? Discuss.

Exercise

1. Explain what objectives (motives) were in the mind of King Mahendra when he banned the political
parties and interned (detained) the popular political leaders in Nepal.

2. Give reasons why Nepal’s development did not gain momentum during the decade of 2007 to 2017 BS.
3. Prepare a dialogue between the two friends on the achievements made in the educational sector of

Nepal from 2007 to 2017 BS.
4. What is Birta abolition? Why was it considered necessary to implement then?
5. Why did King Mahendra take inspiration from the countries like Pakistan, Egypt and Nigeria?
6. Inspection Committees and Tour Committees were innovations in King Mahendra’s administration.

What were the main differences between them and what purposes did they serve?
7. What was the basic purpose of the Ministry of National Guidance?
8. Outline the main features of Panchayat Constitution of 2019 B.S.
9. Name any three traditional institutions that King Mahendra revived during his Panchayat rule. Specify

their features and the reasons behind their revival.
10. Do you think that Rastriya Panchayat was a truly democratic legislature during King Mahendra’s

Panchayat rule? Give strong reasons for your answer.
11. What do you mean by the guidance system introduced by King Mahendra? How does it differ from the

BVNC (“Back to the Village National Campaign”) launched by him.
12. What were the main reforms in political sectors of Nepal from 2007 B.S up to 2017 B.S.?
13. Outline the major economic reforms undertaken from 2007 to 2017 BS.
14. Highlight the main reforms in the social sectors of Nepal from 2007 B.S. up to 2017 B.S.
15. List the main features (characteristics) of the Panchayat System imposed by King Mahendra.
16. Describe in detail all the pillars (foundations) on which Mahendra’s Panchayat System evolved and

rested.

Community Work

There must be some old politician in your locality. Meet him/her and enquire about political events and
social responses during the time period from 2017 BS to 2036 BS. Make a questionnaire and seek answers to
the prepared questions. Based on the response and answers so received, prepare a project report and submit
the same to your Social Studies teacher.

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Lesson Political Events from 2017 BS to
2046 BS
4

The Nepalese politics went on to face the Party-less Panchayat System for as long as 30 years counted
from Poush 22, 2017 (January 5, 1961). King Mahendra was determined to tighten his absolute grip on the
Panchayat system which he had modeled to advance the goal of continuing the rule of Shah dynasty. He
didn’t hesitate to use the nationalist and populist rhetoric like a seasoned politician. He even set up the
Panchayat ministry and several departments for controlling the royal administration. King Mahendra divid-
ed Nepal into 14 zones and 75 districts. Not only this, King Mahendra got the new constitution promulgated
called the Constitution of Nepal, 2019 BS with an aim to legally validate the Panchayat system – the par-
ty-less administration to further the interest of monarchy in Nepal. However, he could not win the trust and
confidence of the political leaders, community leaders and people in general. All his political manipulations
and administrative decisions through the Panchayat system reeked of ugly form of authoritarianism, nepo-
tism and favoritism. People could not hold themselves up for long and therefore a series of protests began to
surface right from the beginning of the imposition of the direct rule by King Mahendra.

Waves of Opposition to Mahendra’s Panchayat Democracy

In 12 years of Panchayt rule in his lifetime, widespread dissatisfaction against the repressive measures ad-
opted by the Panchayat Government (administration) spread amongst the people. The first opposition to
Mahendra’s “Royal takeover” came on the surface as “Peasant Movement” when the local people partic-
ularly the peasants of Western Nepal (District Number I) rose in arms in March 1961 (Falgun 2017) out of
frustration after the promise of good administration and economic development did not meet their level of
satisfaction. The Nepali Congress played a crucial role in mobilizing the people against the Panchayat rule of
the Royal regime and by December 1961 (Poush 2018), His Majesty’s Government of Nepal (the Mahendra’s
Government) faced raids with fierce protests by rebels along with an uprising in many parts of Western
Nepal. Below is the description of major protests against the Panchayat system imposed by King Mahendra:

1. Janakpur Bomb Incident: After completing the political tour of eastern Nepal King Mahendra decided to
have pilgrimage to Ram-Janaki Temple in Janakpur on Magh 9, 2018 (January 22, 1962). The moment King
Mahendra turned to the open space for people’s greetings after paying respect to the Goddess Sita and Lord
Ram, a bomb was hurled on the vehicle carrying the King by Durgananda Jha and his friend Arbinda Thak-
ur and others. They were protesting against the highhandedness of the Panchayat administration imposed
by King Mahendra.

Durgananda Jha, Arbinda Thakur and Dalsingh Thapa were sentenced to death for making an attempt
to kill the King. Durgananda Jha was hanged to death on Magh 25, 2020 (February 8, 1964) while Arbinda
Thakur and Dalsingh were given life imprisonment.

Durgananda Jha Ratna Kumar Bantwa and his statue

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Waves of Opposition to Birendra’s Panchayat Democracy

2. Jhapa Rebellion and Sukhani Massacre: Immediately after King Birendra took the command of Pancha-
yat Democracy as his father’s legacy, the infamous Jhapa Rebellion took place in 2028 B.S. where young com-
munists vigorously protested against the Panchayat Government. Krishna Kuinkel, Netra Prasad Ghimire,
Biren Rajbansi and Ramnath Dahal were the prominent ones who rebelled against the Panchayat regime.
Royal Panchayat regime arrested them in Jhapa and then brought them to Sukhani in Illam for a trial of the
murder of Member of Parliament (Rastriya Panchayat) Dharma Prasad Upadhyay. All of them were held
guilty of the murder of the above mentioned member of Rastriya Panchayat and finally killed on 21 Falgun
2029 B.S (March 4, 1973). The rebellion that erupted in Jhapa with the arrest of young communists and ended
in Sukhani with the sacrifice of their life is known as Sukhani Massacre (2028-2029 BS).

3. Aeroplane Hijacking and Singha Durbar Fire: An aeroplane heading towards Kathmandu from Birat-
nagar was forced to land on the Pharbisganj (Bihar) airport on Jestha 25, 2030 (June 7, 1973). That plane was
carrying 30 lakh INR (Indian Rupees). The hijackers took away the entire sum of money and let the airplane
fly away. It was the first plane hijack in Nepal. This incident had given a nasty jolt to Panchayat administra-
tion and was an encouraging incident for the anti-Panchayat protestors.

In another mysterious incident, Singha Durbar – the seat of Royal Government - was put on fire on July
9, 1973 (Asar 25, 2030). Most probably, unknown protesters were venting their ire (anger) against the un-
democratic Panchayat Government headed by the puppet Prime Minister Kirti Nidhi Bista. This incident is
recorded as Singha Durbar Fire Incident. The then PM Kirti Nidhi Bista was forced to resign after he took
the moral responsibility of the incident.

4. Timur-Bote Incident: Panchayat Security Forces killed sixteen democracy-sympathizers by branding
them anti-nationals in Timur-Bote forest of Okhaldhunga – a hilly district in Eastern Nepal on December
16, 1974 (Poush 1, 2031). Captain Yagya Bahadur Thapa, a retired officer of the Royal Army led the demo-
cratic forces in Okhaldhunga district with the help of Nepali Congress leaders who were in self-imposed
exile in India. Captain Thapa was sentenced to death for leading ex-royal army-men against the Panchayat
Government in Okhaldhunga. This entire incident is understood as Timur-Bote Incident. Captain Thapa
and Bhim Narayan Shrestha were hanged to death in 2033 BS.

5. Murder of Ratna Kumar Bantwa: Ratna Kumar Bantwa was a communist leader who protested against
the Panchayat rule. He had even gone underground as there was a grave threat to his life. Bantawa was
killed at Ibhang (near Deumai river) in Illam on Chaitra 27, 2035 (April 9, 1979) by Panchayat Government.
His brother Bam Prasad Bantawa was also killed. Rishiraj Devkota (Azad) and Jay Govinda Shah were also
murdered by the Panchayat administration.

6. Referendum 2036 BS: A turning point in the series of protests against the Panchayat Rule came sur-
prisingly through a foreign event of “hanging of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto” (on Chaitra 22, 2035 B.S) that badly
shook not only the democracy of Pakistan but it also jolted the sleeping masses to rise against authoritar-
ianism exhibited by the Panchayat Government in Nepal. The ‘Panchayat Democracy’-- the symbol of to-
talitarianism had already come under disrepute owing to its unchecked corruption and highhandedness
of Panchayat officials functioning at the behest of King Birendra. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto – a democratically
elected Prime Minister of Pakistan - was forced to resign from his post by General Muhammad Zia ul-
Haq who captured political power through a coup on July 5, 1977 (Asar 21, 2034). Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
was hanged in April 4, 1979 (Chaitra 22, 2035). Intelligentsia and students in particular in Nepal found
similarity of the events between Nepal and Pakistan. In Nepal too, King Mahendra, through a coup, had
forcibly deposed the elected government of popular and charismatic democratic leader – B.P. Koirala.
Thus, a protest started against the the Panchayat system (Rule) in the name of hanging of democratic icon
of Pakistan – Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 2036 BS. Panchayat regime under King Birendra tried to suppress this
student’s movement by applying brutal-force but to its frustration, could not do so. Political-Parties fully
supported this movement. Thus, the 1979 (2035 BS) students’ movement in Kathmandu brought a series
of developments forcing King Birendra to announce “Referendum (Janamat Sangrah)” through the Royal
Proclamation of May 24, 1979 (Jestha 10, 2036).

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The referendum was aimed at making a choice between “multi-party democracy” and “reformed par-
ty-less Panchayat democracy”. The ‘referendum’ was finally held on May 2, 1980 (Baishakh 20, 2037).
Surprisingly, Election Commission took total of 12 days to announce the results (people’s verdict). Ac-
cording to the result announced by the ‘Election Commission’, the choice for the reformed Panchayat
system received more votes than the choice for the “multi-party democratic system”. The reformed Pan-
chayat system received about 10% more votes than the “multi-party democratic system”. The verdict in
the referendum gave a new lease of life to King Birendra for another 10 years with modified (reformed)
Panchayat-rule.

King Birendra Kirti Nidhi Bista Suyra B. Thapa Lokendra B. Chand

Waves of Opposition to Reformed Panchayat Democracy

Even in reformed Panchayat Democracy, Panchayat police did not mend their iron-fist style of tackling the
situation.

7. Piskar massacre: The election of Rastriya Panchayat was conducted in 2038 BS following which Surya Ba-
hadur Thapa took over as the Prime Minister of Nepal. A cultural program was organized at the Piskar Ma-
hadev site in Sindhupalchok district of Nepal on January 15, 1984 (Magh 1, 2040 BS) with a view to spread
public awareness against the Panchayat rule. Panchayat police surrounded the ‘site (spot)’ and opened fire
at the peaceful assembly of people without any apparent provocation and killed dozens of innocent people
including children and women. Dozens of others were arrested and tortured in the cell or police station by the
Panchayat police. Due to this incident, Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa was removed from his post by
bringing in ‘No Confidence Motion’ in the Rastriya Panchayat.

8. Satyagraha and the Bomb-blast: Even after the death of B.P. Koirala on July 21, 1982 (Shrawan 6, 2039
B.S.), Nepali Congress did not slow down the degree of opposition to “reformed party-less Panchayat Sys-
tem”. Nepali Congress under the collective leadership of Ganesh Man Singh, Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and
Girija Prasad Koirala launched a nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement famously known as Satyagra-
ha starting from May 23, 1985 (Jestha 10, 2042 BS) against the Panchayat System in which more than 12000
party workers and sympathizers voluntarily went to jail for several months. This was the peaceful protest
following the model of Gandhi’s way of ‘passive resistance’. However, during the Satyagraha, incidents
of bomb blast broke out in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other parts of the country on June 20, 1985 (Asar 6,
2042). Janabadi Morcha – a revolutionary party led by Ram Raja Prasad Singh - took the responsibility of
bomb blasts in different cities and towns of Nepal. This act of bomb blasts went against the core ideals of
Styagraha which was based on non-violence and peace. Moreover, the architects of the bomb blasts namely
Ramraja Prasad Singh, Laxaman Prasad Singh, Prem Bahadur Bishwokarma, and others were sentenced
to death. Amid such a political atmosphere, Nepali Congress decided to withdraw the Satyagraha (Civil
Disobedience Movement).

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Ganesh Man Singh Sahana Pradhan Girija P. Koirala Ramraja Prasad Singh

9. People’s Movement – I in 2046 BS: Anti-Panchayat sentiments amongst the political parties and the
people in general began to grow even more from Poush 2046 (January 1990) in the Kathmandu Valley. In
a new move to launch a death-blow on King Birendra’s reformed Panchayat, seven communist factions
of Nepal announced the formation of United Left Front on January 10, 1990 (Poush, 2046) and supported
the Nepali Congress in the next move to restore multi-party democracy in Nepal. Nepali Congress called
for a decisive movement for the restoration of democracy under the command of supreme leader Ganesh
Man Singh (Iron man of Nepal) on Magh 5, 2046 (January 18, 1990) in the National Conference of Nepali
Congress held in Kathmandu. Finally, all the leading political parties joined hands together to launch a
Nation-wide Movement (famously known as People’s Movement-I or Jana Andolalan-I) on Falgun 7,
2046 (February 18, 1990). The Jana Andolan-I (People’s Movement-I) thus officially started on Democracy
Day Falgun 7, 2046. The United Left Front led by Nepal Communist Party (Marxist-Leninist) extended
its full support to the Nepali Congress to make this People’s Movement a great success. The movement
continued for 49 days with massive involvement of students, common people and even government em-
ployees (civil servants and employees of Royal Nepal Airlines). Various professional associations such
as the Medical Association, Bar Association, and Teachers’ Association and so on lent their full support
to the movement and openly participated in it. Kathmandu and other urban areas of Nepal saw a series
of demonstrations and strikes. Panchayat Government went for heavy-hand suppression but the people
living in urban areas defied police repression by organizing silent marches, and public burning of various
symbols of the Panchayat regime. King Birendra tried to pacify the agitators by accepting the resignation
of Lokendra Bahadur Chand, the then Prime Minister, but the demand for scrapping the Panchayat rule
continued in the movement. The King could not contain such a nation-wide mass protest against his Pan-
chayat rule for long and declared the end of Panchayat system by offering a conciliatory talk on Chaitra
26, 2046 (April 8, 1990). Leaders from both the Nepali Congress and United Left Front took part in the talks
with the King. Ganesh Man Singh, Girija Prasad Koirala, Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, Radha Krishna Mainali
and Sahana Pradhan were the prominent amongst the leaders who went for talks with the King for future
course of action. The King announced the lifting of ban on the political parties with the dissolution of the
Panchayat system and thus installed a “multi-party democratic system”.

Some Important Dates/Years In Timeline

December 15, 1960 (Poush 1, 2017 B.S.) - Coup d’état by King Mahendra with the help of the army resulted in the dis-
solution of the elected government and parliament. Royal regime clamped a ban on political parties, suspension of civil
liberties and start of reign of terror under Panchayat rule for 30 years against pro-democratic elements.

January 5, 1961 (Poush 22, 2017 B.S.) - Announcement of Party-less Panchayat System was made.

January 22, 1962 (9 Magh 2018 B.S.) - This incident is famous as Janakpur incident where Durgananda Jha hurled a
bomb on a car carrying King Mahendra. King escaped the assassination bid.

December 16, 1962 (Poush 1, 2019 B.S.) - New constitution popularly known as Panchayat Constitution to support
Panchayat System was adopted.

October 30, 1968 (Kartik 14, 2025 B.S.) - Release of B.P. Koirala and other leaders after eight years in prison, Krishna

316 Nova Social Studies Grade-10 >>

Prasad Bhattarai, Speaker of the dismissed parliament, was released more than a year later but to be arrested again
and again.
January 17, 1967 (Magh 4, 2023 B.S.) - First amendment to Panchayat Constitution was made to incorporate famous
“Return to Village” program also known as BVNC.
January 31, 1972 (17 Magh 2028 B.S.) - King Mahendra died in Chitwan.
April 6, 1979 (Chaitra 24, 2035 B.S.) - Student’s agitation against Panchayat System began in Kathmandu on the pretext
of hanging of Z. A. Bhutto in Pakistan.
May 24, 1079 (Jestha 10, 2036 B.S.) - King Birendra made an official announcement to conduct a referendum.
May 2, 1980 (Baisakh 20, 2037 B.S.) - Referendum was finally held that endorsed “reformed Panchayat System”.
July 21, 1982 (Shrawan 6, 2039 B.S.) - B.P. Koirala passed away.
May 23, 1985 (Jestha 10, 2042 B.S.) - Satyagraha (Civil Disobedience Movement) was launched by the Nepali Congress
against “reformed Party-less Panchayat”.
January 10, 1990 (Poush, 2046 B.S.) - Seven communist factions of Nepal announced the formation of United Left Front
to oppose King Birendra’s “reformed Panchayat-system”.
January 18, 1990 (Magh 5, 2046 B.S.) - Under the command of supreme leader Ganesh Man Singh, National Conference
of Nepali Congress called for a decisive movement for the restoration of democracy and end of the Panchayat System.
February 18, 1990 (Falgun 7, 2046 B.S.) - “49-Day long” Mass Movement I (People’s Movement I) began. A nation-wide
movement had the political support of Nepali Congress and was joined by coalition of seven Communist Parties led by
Nepal Communist Party (ML) under the umbrella of “United Left Front”.
April 8, 1990 (Chaitra 26, 2046 B.S.) - King Birendra announced through Royal Proclamation about restoration of
“multi-party democracy” that signalled the end of Panchayat system.

Words and terms you would like to know

Reek (v.): to show very strong evidence of an unpleasant quality
Massacre (n.): the vicious killing of large number of people
Nasty (adj.): spiteful, unpleasant
Conciliatory (adj.): bring a disagreement with somebody to an end, or overcome somebody’s anger, suspicion, or
hostility

Activities

1. Give reasons why a large number of murders were committed just after the Panchayat system came into
existence.

2. What is referendum? Explain why a referendum was conducted in 2037 BS.

3. Prepare a pie chart based on the following votes cast in the referendum:

(a.) Reformed Panchayat System – 24, 33,452 votes

(b.) Multi-party Democratic System – 20, 07, 965 votes

(c.) Invalid number of votes – 3, 72,069 votes

4. Apart from what has been described in this lesson, there must have been several other political events,
incidents, protests/rebellions in the 30-year long Panchayat administration. Conduct research and make
an enquiry to find out such incidents or events to mention them in the form of a table. One example is
given here for your convenience:

Event/incident/protest Description
Reconciliatory Policy of B. P. Koirala 2033

5. Despite his western education and privileged modern upbringing, King Birendra loved the
authoritarianism through the direct rule in the Panchayat system. Panchayat’s brutal repressive
measures and anti-Panchayat popular violence had already reached its peak by Mangsir 2029 (middle of

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the December 1974). Contrary to popular belief, King Birendra did not produce any qualitative change
in existing Panchayat System. Like his father, King Birendra detained the former Prime Minister Surya
Bahadur Thapa with three other members of the Rastrya Panchayat (National Legislature) for more
than a year. He did not bother to bring positive reforms in the country until he was forced to accept the
position of being constitutional monarch in 2047 BS.
Hold a discussion in the classroom whether Shah monarchy in Nepal neglected the modernization of
Nepali society and refused to develop the country to look after the welfare of the people. Note down the
conclusions and read the same before the class.

Exercise

1. What is the Janakpur incident? Explain the significance of this incident.
2. Construct a time line of all the major political events which took place between the 2007 and 2046 BS.
3. What kind of protest was the Satyagraha? Why was it stopped in the middle?
4. Who was Ratna Kumar Bantwa? Why is he still respected in Nepali politics?
5. Briefly describe the role played by Ramraja Prasad Singh in Nepal’s politics.
6. Explain the nature and significance of the People’s Movement–I.
7. Provide a detailed account of Piskar-massacre and Timur-Bote Incident.
8. Explain the correlation between the Jhapa Incident and ‘Sukhani Massacre’. How did it expose the true

anti-democratic nature of the Panchayat administration?

Community Work

Fix a meeting with senior and experienced citizens in your community and ask about all the major political
events which took place from 2017 to 2046 BS. Also note down their analysis of such events with the effects
they had on the Nepalese society. Prepare a news report based on your interaction with the senior citizens.

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Lesson Rise of Panchayat Raj (System)
and Causes for its End
5

The students of Grade-10, Satyabati Secondary School, Tanahun organized an interaction program on the
topic “the rise and fall of the Panchayat system in Nepal”. A historian from the local community was invited
in the program by the school management committee. Miss Aditi Pokhrel, the school captain and the stu-
dent of Grade-10, was chosen to conduct the interaction program.
Miss Aditi Pokhrel: I Aditi Pokhrel welcome all of you on behalf of entire school in this interaction program
on the topic “the rise and fall of the Panchayat system in Nepal”. All of us feel privileged today as Mr. Ram
Bahadur Karki is present amidst us. He has distinction to do research in the modern history of Nepal and
has been writing books on several political events which took place after the fall of the Rana dictatorship.
As a historian he will provide us insight and analysis on today’s topic. I welcome him here amidst us. My
first question is related to the rise of Panchayat rule (raj) in Nepal. Sir, please tell us why Panchayat system
emerge in Nepal and continued for 30-long years.
Historian: First of all I thank everyone present here for giving me such a warm welcome. Now let us come
to the question that I need to respond. One mistake was committed at the time of ushering in democracy in
2007 BS in Nepal. Rana dictatorship ended but without empowering the common people with full scale of
fundamental rights. The Ranarchy (Rana’s dynastic dictatorship) was replaced by the Monarchy (autocracy
of Shah rulers). Shah kings right from King Tribhuvan to Mahendra, Birendra and then at last King Gya-
nendra never demonstrated their commitment to the people and the democratic ideals for which political
parties and the people of Nepal had supported the institution of monarchy while rebelling against the Rana
rule.
The drafting of the constitution and its promulgation from the elected legislature was never done until 2072
BS. At the same time the provisions of the ‘Delhi Agreement’ were not fully implemented in true spirit.
Kings concentrated more on consolidating the position of monarchy and deceiving the people with catchy
slogans, rhetoric and hollow nationalism. Political parties were not very experienced in playing apt roles to
establish democracy. A large number of politicians wanted personal favor and wealth from the king at the
cost of neglecting the cause of democracy and development. Matrika Prasad Koirala, Dr. K. I. Singh, Tanka
Prasad Acharya were the favorite politicians for King Tribhuvan and Mahendra because these politicians
agreed to advance the agenda of monarchy by launching their own political party which weakened the
cause of democracy. King Mahendra was obviously feeling very ambitious because he was able to buy pol-
iticians and make them dance to his tune. This was the time he thought to unseat the democratically elect-
ed government and replace it by the party-less Panchayat system by imposing his direct rule over Nepal.
Political parties were never united as some of them were already on the side of King Mahendra. Common
people were politically immature and they lacked political awareness. Illiteracy was widespread and pov-
erty gripped the nation. In such a situation, King Mahendra found the right atmosphere to install his direct
rule in the form of the Panchayat rule (Raj). Finally, King Mahendra snatched the democracy by dismissing
the elected government of B. P. Koirala on Poush 1, 2017 (December 15, 1960) and after that launched the
party-less Panchayat system on Posuh 22, 2017 (January 5, 1961).
Miss Aditi Pokhrel: Thank you sir for such a useful description. Now I request you to tell us about the
causes which led to the fall of this party-less Panchayat system.
Historian: The Panchayat system was totally centralized governing mechanism which was being guided by
the palace (monarch). It was the autocratic system which suppressed the freedom and fundamental rights of
the people. Thirty years of “Party-less Panchayat Democracy” in Nepal could not live up to the tall claims
made by the Shah Kings – particularly Mahendra and Birendra. The Panchayat administrative system was
mired in corruption, nepotism and favouritism by protecting the brigade of people with vested interests
who unleashed a reign of terror and brutal repression on the people for asserting their fundamental rights
and demanding for development. Following are the causes (reasons) for the fall of the Panchayat System:
1. Rising awareness amongst the people and their support for Democracy: King Tribhuvan himself open-

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ly advocated for democracy under “Constitutional Monarchy” with a view to come out of the shadow of
“Despotic Ranas” by taking help from the forces of democracy (Political Parties of Nepal). He had made a
promise to allow the political parties in Nepal to set up the democratic government under his guidance.
However, King Tribhuvan backtracked on his words and ignored the demands of democracy by institution-
alizing it through constitutional provisions and conducting elections. People of Nepal had clearly under-
stood the deceptive game being played against the democracy. Thus, the people of Nepal refused to accept
the authoritarian family rule imposed by King Mahendra on Poush 1, 2017 and continued by King Birendra
till Chaitra 26, 2046.
2. Commitment of political parties towards Democracy: Political parties never gave up their hope for
multi-party democracy in Nepal. People of Nepal never deserted the ‘political parties’ even when King
Mahendra converted few of the political leaders like Matrika Pasad Koirala, Dr. K.I. Singh and Tanka Prasad
Acharya as pro-monarchy and his son Birendra picked up his loyal Prime Ministers like Kirti Nidhi Bist,
Lokendra Bhadur Chand and Marich Man Singh Shrestha from the Rastriya Panchayat. The sacrifice of the
political parties [Nepali Congress and combination of communist parties in Nepal including Communist
Parties of Nepal (ML)] not only impressed the people but also inspired them in lending their support to
pursuing the cause of multi-party democracy.
3. Authoritarian Monarchy and promotion of sycophancy: Although King Mahendra imposed “Panchayat
System” by calling it a Nepali version of democracy – even declaring his brand of Panchayat rule as far
better than western democracy but the reality of his Panchayat Democracy and later on reformed-Pan-
chayat under King Birendra was quite different. Twenty-nine years of Panchayat rule earned notoriety for
widespread corruption, opportunistic sycophancy, selective killing, reckless repression of genuine demands
opening gunfire without warning and explaining the reason. Panchayat system became unpopular among
the common people and hence lost the grip over the society.
4. Wide-spread resentment through continuous protests: Chain of protests right from the beginning of the
Panchayat system never allowed the ‘Crown’ that symbolized absolute monarchy at that time to eclipse
the fundamental rights of the people for long. Janakpur Incident, Sukhani Massacre, Singha Dubar Fire,
Timur-Bote Massacre, Satyagraha and finally the People’s Movement–I on Falgun 7, 2046. The success of
People’s Movement–I (Jan Andolan – I) ended the Panchayat system for good. The then King Birendra made
an official declaration on radio on Chaitra 26, 2046 (April 8, 1990) regarding the end of the Panchayat system
and the restoration of the multi-party democratic system in Nepal.
With the point-wise presentation of all the possible causes for ending the Panchayat system, I end my re-
sponse here. I thank you and the audience for listening to me patiently.
Miss Aditi Pokharel: Thank you sir for giving such a wonderful description and analysis on the topic.

Words and terms you would like to know

Steer (v.): to guide the direction of movement of something
Catchy (adj.): tending to attract interest or attention
Abduct (v.): to take something or somebody away by force or deception
Restoration (n.): the act of returning something that was removed or abolished

Activities

1. Present the causes of rise and fall of the Panchayat Raj (Rule) in Nepal by filling the table given below:

Causes of the rise of Panchayat Raj Causes of the fall of the Panchayat Raj

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

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2. The Panchayat rule continued from 2017 BS to 2046 BS. In the space of around thirty years, some good
works were also done. Conduct research on your own to find out a list of achievements during the
Panchayat Rule in Nepal from the library, internet, newspapers, or from experienced and knowledgeable
people. Write down the achievements of Panchayat rule in Nepal and present the same in the classroom.

3. Democracy which Nepal gained in 2007 BS kept on playing a ‘hide and seek’ game with the people.
Democracy for most of the time in more than six decades was lost due to forced imposition of absolute
monarchy. Why did such an unfortunate situation arise in the democratic history of Nepal? Make
groups in the classroom and discuss the reasons behind it. What precautions do we need to take in order
to safeguard our hard-won democracy in Nepal? Write down in points and share with the entire class.

4. Write a letter to your friend highlighting the reasons behind the rise of the Panchayat Raj (Rule) in
Nepal.

Exercise

1. Differentiate between the multi-party democratic rule and the party-less Panchayati rule.
2. Outline the causes which led to the end of the Panchayat rule in Nepal.
3. Mention the development works which took place during the Panchayat Raj (rule).
4. Do you think democracy at present is working well for the welfare of the people of Nepal? Analyze

critically.
5. What are the suggestions you would like to give to our present leaders so that fruits of democracy reach

all the ethnic groups, marginalized people and women?

Community Work

Conduct an interaction program in your present school for renovation and construction of better infrastruc-
ture along with the reform in the school curriculum and teaching style. Invite the experts working in the
field of education and academics. Write down the main points shared by them in the interaction program
and share the same in the school assembly.

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Lesson Political Events from 2046 BS to
2062 BS
6

Restoration of Democracy and the Democratic Constitution

People’s Movement – I and the Restoration of Democracy

Chaitra 26, 2046 (April 8, 1990) marks the restoration of democracy in Nepal and the end of yet another
dictatorial anti-democratic system known as Panchayat system. This was the result of successful comple-
tion of Mass-Movement I. Acting President of Nepali Congress Krishna Prasad Bhattarai became the Prime
Minister of Nepal on April 19, 1990 (Baishakh 6, 2047 B.S.) and formed the Interim Government having 11
members in it accommodating three political forces of that time King, Nepali Congress, and the Commu-
nists. In Krishna Prasad Bhattarai’s Cabinet, three ministers came from Nepali Congress, three from United
Liberation Front and two were independents. King sent two persons representing monarchy. The urgent
priority of this Government was to prepare and enact “Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990 (2047
B.S.)” to safeguard Constitutional Monarchy and people’s sovereignty with multi-party democratic set-up
and most importantly hold general election within the spirit of multi-party democratic system. Therefore, a
Constitution Drafting Committee was formed under the chairmanship of Biswanath Upadhyay to frame the
constitution of Nepal. King Birendra promulgated the New Constitution on Kartik 23, 2047 BS (November
9, 1990) – that followed the model of “Constitutional Monarchy” with “multi-party parliamentary system”
to run the government similar to that of England. Other features of the “Constitution of the Kingdom of
Nepal 1990 (2047 BS)” were: sovereignty vested in people, independent judiciary, provision of constitutional
organs, adult franchise, bicameral parliament, fundamental rights given to the people, and constitution as
the ultimate source of law.

Second democratic general election after the end of Rana rule and the first democratic general election
under the New Constitution (2047 BS) was held on May 12, 1991 (Baisakh 29, 2048). Nepalese adults
(above 18 years of age) participated in the election of 205-constituencies. In total, 42 political parties and
many independent candidates participated in the election. Nepali Congress won the majority seats (114
seats out of 205) and formed the government under the premiership of Girija Prasad Koirala – the then Gen-

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eral Secretary of the party as Prime Minister on May 30, 1991 (Jestha 16, 2048 BS). Nepali Congress could
not sustain the government for long due to intra-party conflicts and Girija Prasad as Prime Minister chose to
dissolve the Parliament (House of Representatives) and announced the Mid-Term Election.

K. P. Bhattarai Manmohan Adhikari Sher Bahadur Deuba Ex-king Gyanendra
People of Nepal were not happy the way Nepali Congress Government (led by Girija Prasad) behaved even
after obtaining majority seats in second general election. Instead of running the “duly elected democratic
government” to fulfil the aspirations of the people, Girija Prasad chose to plunge the entire country into
unwanted and unnecessary “Mid-Term Poll”. Mid-Term elections were held on November 15, 1994 (Kartik
29, 2051); already disillusioned with the political immaturity shown by the Nepali Congress, voters of Nepal
did not provide clear majority to any political party. It was a “fractured mandate” – as one single party did
not secure majority to form the government. Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist and Leninist), in
short CPN (UML) emerged as the largest party in “Mid-Term Poll” by badly defeating Nepali Congress
resulting in the formation of first communist-led “Coalition Government” in Nepal under the leadership
of Manmohan Adhikari as the first communist Prime Minister of Nepal on Mangsir 13, 2051 (November
29, 1994). But, the Nepali Congress with the help of other political parties pulled down the Manmohan
Adhikari-led government just within nine months through “no confidence motion”. Thus, Manmohan
Adhikari after having lost the no confidence motion on September 10, 1995 (Bhadra 25, 2052) resigned from
his post of Prime Minister and the following day on September 11 (Bhadra 26, 2052), Sher Bahadur Deuba – a
leader of Nepali Congress - became the Prime Minister of Nepal.

King Birendra with Family Crown Prince Dipendra The Last Hindu King

Sher Bahadur Deuba-led coalition government survived on the backing of Rastriya Prajantra Party and Sad-
bhawana Party for a few months followed by another set of coalition governments under the leadership of
Lokendra Bahadur Chand and Surya Bhadur Thapa as Prime Ministers. Girija Prasad Koirala once again led
the coalition government and went for the next election of the House of Representatives on May 3 & 17, 1999
(Baisakh 20 & Jestha 3, 2056 B.S). People once again gave chance to Nepali Congress to run the government

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as the party secured majority (113 out of 205 seats) in the parliament. On June 29, 1999 (Ashad 15, 2056 B.S.),
Nepali Congress formed the government under Krishna Prasad Bhattarai as Prime Minister but he could
not last long as he was forced to resign from the post of Prime Minister on March 16, 2000 (Chaitra 3, 2056)
due to internal conflicts of leadership within the party. Two days later, Girija Prasad Koirala was elected as
the leader of the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party and was sworn in as Prime Minister of Nepal. Girija
Prasad Koirala could not deliver “good governance” to the country and his government soon began to face
charges of not giving good governance to the country and during his tenure a tragic incident happened on
June 1, 2001(Jestha 19, 2058) in which King Birendra and all his family members were massacred inside the
Narayanhity Palace. Girija Prasad Koirala who was serving his third term as Prime Minister had to resign af-
ter the massacre as he faced the accusation of not providing adequate security to the ‘Royal Family’. Gyanen-
dra, the younger brother of assassinated King Birendra, ascended to the throne and from the ‘parliamentary
government’ side Sher Bahadur Deuba became the Prime Minister of Nepal. Deuba dissolved the House of
Representatives without consulting the Nepali Congress on May 22, 2002 (Jestha 8, 2059).
Nepali Congress smelt conspiracy in collusion with King Gyanendra to derail democracy and suspended
Deuba from the party membership for “breach of discipline”. On June 18, 2002 (Ashad 4, 2059), Deuba
broke the Nepali Congress and formed another party called Nepali Congress (Democratic). In another polit-
ical event, King Gyanendra sacked Sher Bhadur Deuba’s Government on October 4, 2002 (Aswin 18, 2059)
through ‘royal proclamation’ accusing him of being unable to hold ‘Mid-Term Election’. After a week, the
King by invoking article 127 of the Constitution of Nepal – 2047 B.S., appointed Lokendra Bhadur Chand as
next Prime Minister of Nepal followed by Surya Bhadur Thapa. However, King Gyanendra came under tre-
mendous pressure of the people to re-appoint Sher Bahadur Deuba as Prime Minister. Sher Bahadur as next
Prime Minister formed an all-party government but the ambitious King Gyanendra dismissed the Deuba
Government once again on February 1, 2005 (Magh 19, 2061) and declared a ‘state of emergency’ to start
‘direct rule’. Just like his father – King Mahendra, Gyanendra too banned all the political parties, arrested
the political leaders and clamped an emergency. Joint front of the political parties popularly known as “The
Seven Party Alliance (SPA)” was formed which included Nepali Congress, Nepali Congress (D), United Left
Front, People’s Front, Nepal Sadbhawana Party (Ananadi Devi), Nepal Workers and Peasants’ Party, Com-
munist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist and Leninist) to oppose the direct rule imposed by King Gyanendra.

Maoist insurgency, People’s Movement II and the Interim Constitution

In the meantime, Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) [CPN-M] – a radical leftist party - launched ‘peo-
ple’s war’ against monarchy and feudalism on Falgun 1, 2052 (February 13, 1996). This people’s war was
transformed into a deadly civil war that continued for another 10 years and took the toll of not less than 16,000
human lives and destruction of huge amount of private and public property. CPN-Maoist had an avowed aim
to establish a people’s republic in Nepal just as People’s Republic of China but shift in their ultra-leftist ideology
owing to external pressure and internal political atmosphere did not allow them to establish one party commu-
nist rule. CPN-Maoist (now UCPN-Maoist) adopted the multi-party democracy after the monarchy was over-
thrown following the success of the Mass Movement II and the declaration of Nepal as a “Republic Country”
on Jestha 15, 2065 (May 28, 2008).
Major breakthrough to end the autocratic rule of King Gyanendra in particular and institution of Monarchy
in general came through famous “12-point Agreement” when ‘under the good offices’ of India the Maoist
rebels fighting the civil war agreed to negotiate with the parliamentary parties -- known as the “Seven Party
Alliance” - on Mangsir 7, 2062 (November 22, 2005). Thus, famous ‘12-point Agreement’ signed in New
Delhi ended the 10-long years of civil war and raised the prospects of removing the autocratic Shah-Mon-
arch King Gyanendra. Mass Movement II (People’s Movement II) was officially started on Chaitra 24, 2062
(April 6, 2006) by Seven Party Alliance and the Maoists when they called upon 19-days long general strike
against the draconian direct rule of King Gyanendra. Tens of thousands of people gathered in the streets of
Kathmandu and government forces responded by firing into the crowds thereby killing more than a dozen
people. King Gyanendra, in the beginning, went for brutal repression that resulted in several killings and
several hundred demonstrators critically injured. However, King Gyanendra continued to face daily pro-
tests, a general strike, and road blockades that deprived Kathmandu of fuel and food supplies. As repression
from the Royal government grew, more resentment and anger against King Gyanendra poured in and the
movement flared up at wider scale. Government bureaucracy and judiciary had extended their full support

324 Nova Social Studies Grade-10 >>

to the Movement. Threatened and shocked by the support of millions of the people extended to the popular
leaders of the political parties, King Gyanendra reinstated the dissolved “House of Representatives” on 11
Baisakh, 2063 (April 24, 2006) that he had dissolved four years ago and made an announcement for returning
the sovereign state authority to the people of Nepal. With this announcement made by the King, Mass Move-
ment II came to an end.

Some Important Dates/Years In Timeline

April 19, 1990 (Baishakh 6, 2047 BS) - Interim Government formed under the leadership of Nepali Congress Acting
President Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, representing the three forces - King, Nepali Congress, and the Communists - to
prepare and enact the Constitution of 1990, to safeguard Constitutional Monarchy and people’s sovereignty with multi-
party democratic set-up, and to hold election.
November 9, 1990 (Kartik 23, 2047 BS) - New Constitution was promulgated thereby scrapping the old constitution.
May 12, 1991 (Baishakh 29, 2048 BS) - Nationwide democratic election for 205- constituencies was held in Nepal. Total
number of 42 political parties took part in the election and the Nepali Congress secured majority (114 seats out 205) in
the parliament.
May 30, 1991 (Jestha 16, 2048 BS) - Girija Prasad Koirala, the then General Secretary of Nepali Congress, formed the
Government under his leadership as the Prime Minister.
November 15, 1994 (Kartik 29, 2051 BS) - Mid-Term Election took place giving rise to ‘fractured mandate’ with CPN
(UML) emerging as the largest political party in the House.
November 29, 1994 (Mangsir 13, 2051 BS) – CPN (UML) chairman Manmmohan Adhikari formed the government by
taking support from other political parties.
September 10, 1995 (Bhadra 25, 2052 B.S.) - First communist Prime Minister of the country Manmohan Adhikari
resigned after losing the “No Confidence Motion” in the House.
February 13, 1996 (Falgun 1, 1952 B.S.)- 10-long Years of People’s War launched by the Maoists [CPN (Maoist)] started
that took an ugly form of worst Civil War that Nepal had ever fought to get rid of the institution of monarchy and to
establish People’s Republic in the country.
May 3 & 17, 1999 (Baishakh 20 & Jeth 3, 2056 B.S.) - General election was held nationwide. Nepali Congress secured
majority (113 seats out of 205) in the parliament.
June 29, 1999 (Asar 15, 2056 B.S.) - Krishna Prasad Bhattarai from Nepali Congress formed the government as the
Prime Minister.
March 16, 2000 (Chaitra 3, 2056 B.S.) - K.P. Bhattarai resigned from the post of Prime Minister because of the internal
conflict within the party.
March 18, 2000 (Chaitra 5, 2056 B.S.) - G.P. Koirala elected as the leader of the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party and
became the Prime Minister after the resignation of K.P. Bhattarai as the Prime Minister.
June 1, 2001 (Jestha 19, 2058 B.S.) – The entire family of King Birendra including himself was massacred.
May 22, 2002 (Jestha 8, 2059) – Sher Bahadur Deuba dissolved House of Representatives without consulting the Party.
Nepali Congress smelt conspiracy in collusion with the King to derail democracy and suspended Deuba from party
membership for breach of discipline.
June 18, 2002 (Ashad 4, 2059) - Sher Bahadur Deuba broke the party, formed his own party -- “Nepali Congress
(Democratic)”.
February 1, 2005 (Magh 19, 2061 B.S.) - King Gyanendra dismissed the “all-party government” led by Sher Bahadur
Deuba and declared a ‘state of emergency’ to start ‘direct rule’.
November 22, 2005 (Mangsir 7, 2062 B.S.) - “12-point Agreement” was signed between SPA (Seven Party Alliance) and
the Maoists who were waging the People’s War then. This agreement prepared the background for launching Mass
Movement II to end the autocratic rule of King Gyanendra.
April 6, 2006 (Chaitra 24, 2062 B.S.) - “19-day long” Mass Movement II began with the involvement of the SPA and the
Maoists. The main demand was to establish “Democratic and Republican” state.

Words and terms you would like to know

Fractured mandate: A situation after the election in which no political party gets clear majority in the parliament to form
the government on its own strength and hence a political party seeks support from other political parties to form the
government in the parliamentary democracy.
Aspiration (n.): a desire or ambition to achieve something
Disillusion (n.): to cause somebody to realize that an ideal is false or a belief is mistaken
Proclamation (n.): a public or formal announcement

325<< Nova Social Studies Grade-10

Activities

1. Construct a time line for all the dates and years given in the lesson. To show the month in a year take
the 12 divisions within a space of one year on the time line and then represent the time and event. For
your convenience, one example is given here:

A space of five years with gap

Mention the time and event in the block

2. From 2007 BS till 2062 BS, Nepal experienced two major people’s movements and two armed rebellions.
While preserving the achievements of these movements and rebellions in order to benefit from them,
what are the other steps Nepal needs to take for its economic development?

3. Narrate the events with apt illustrations on the chart paper as to what had happened in the 19 days
during the People’s Movement – II (Jana Andolan – II) in 2062/63 BS. Display that chart paper in the
classroom.

4. Compare and contrast the People’s Movement –I (2046 BS) with that of People’s Movement – II (2062/63
BS) by highlight the similarities and dissimilarities between them.

Exercise

1. What is the meaning of the ‘Interim Government’? What were the urgent priorities of the Interim
Government that was formed after the restoration of democracy (after the Mass Movement I)? Name
the Prime Minister of this Interim Government.

2. Outline the important features of the constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990 (2047 B.S.).
3. Highlight any four strong features of the political developments which followed the People’s Movement – I.
4. What is meant by the “Mid-Term Poll”? When did the first “Mid-Term Poll” take place in democratic

history of Nepal? What was the reason behind this “Mid-Term Poll”?
5. Massacre of King Birendra’s family was a deadly attack on the health of democracy in Nepal. Critically

analyze this observation and write down your own conclusions.
6. What do you understand by the “Seven Party Alliance”? Why was it formed?
7. When did the “People’s War” start in Nepal? What were its main objectives?
8. When was the famous “12-point Agreement” signed? Who were the parties (participants) to this

agreement? Explain the significance of “12-point Agreement” in the democratic history of Nepal.
9. There was no social relevance and political need for the Maoist insurgency (called People’s War) in

Nepal. Critically examine the statement by arriving at definite conclusions based on your illustrations
and examples.
10. Why did Mass Movement II take place in Nepal? What was its impact on Nepal’s politics?

Community Work

Meet the former Maoist combatants who have come back to join the mainstream society to live a normal life.
Or, meet their family members. Many of them joined the Maoist fighting brigade at very young age as child
soldiers by giving up their school and college education. Maoist child soldiers suffered a lot both during the
10-long years of insurgency and after the normalcy set in the country. Maoists led the country three times after
the Second People’s Movement which successfully replaced the Shah-monarchy by the federal, democratic,
republic Nepal. Maoist leaders led the government of Nepal under the model of parliamentary democracy.
Interview the former Maoist combatants living in your community to know their hopes, aspirations and
frustrations. Prepare a note on it and share in the classroom.

326 Nova Social Studies Grade-10 >>

Lesson Political Events from 2062 BS till
Now
7

Demanding Sovereignty to be vested in people for democray to work

People’s Movement – II that ended the monarchy and ushered in democratic republican model in Nepal.
After getting back the democracy once again after the success of the People’s Movement – II, the first meeting
of the Pratinidhi Sabha (the House of Representatives) was held on Baisakh 15, 2063 ( April 28,2006). After
that Girija Prasad Koirala became the new Prime Minister of Nepal and formed the ‘interim government’
with the support of ‘Seven Party Alliance (SPA)’. The restored Prtinidhi Sabha (the House of Representatives
under the leadership of PM Girija Prasad Koirala) took unprecedented decisions in the modern history of
Nepal regarding Shah-monarchy vis-à-vis democracy on Jestha 4, 2063 (May 18, 2006). The following decla-
ration was made in the Pratinidhi Sabha on Jestha 4, 2063:

The Declaration made in the Pratinidhi Sabha on Jestha 4, 2063 BS

The ultimate source of political power lies in the common people of Nepal. There are no two opinions on
the very foundation of democracy in which common people have participated and made unparalleled
sacrifice of their life on the call of the ‘Seven Party Alliance’ and more especially during the People’s
Movement – II. It is the strength of the people pushed behind the combination of the political parties that
forced the then King Gyanendra to reinstate the “Pratinidhi Sabha” on 11 Baisakh, 2063 (April 24, 2006)
that he had dissolved four years ago. And in it no mistake was made to announce that the sovereignty lies
with the people. The Pratinidhi Sabha (the House of Representatives) through a historic announcement
striped the King of all the powers and authorities. The Parliament – the Pratinidhi Sabha unanimously
made following decisions:

• All the powers and functions of the legislature-parliament hereafter shall be exercised by the Prati-
nidhi Sabha.

• All the powers and functions of the executive will henceforth rest in the Council of Ministers. The
“Government of Shree-5” shall now be referred to as the “Government of Nepal”. The Raj Parishad, a
royal advisory council, will get terminated.

• The ‘Royal Nepal Army’ shall be changed to be called as simply ‘Nepal Army’.
• A range of taxes shall be imposed on the royal family and their assets.
• Nepal shall no longer remain a Hindu state and be recognized as a secular state.

After the series of declarations mentioned above, a huge change was introduced to the political governance
of Nepal. After the conclusion of above-mentioned 12-point Agreement on November 22, 2005 (Mangsir 7,
2062) between the Maoists and the Seven Party Alliance, the King’s position as the Supreme Commander of
the Army was terminated. In the meantime, the Interim Constitution of Nepal was promulgated on Magh 1,
2063 (January 15, 2007) to replace the Constitution of Kingdom of Nepal, 2047 BS.

Prime Minister G. P. Koirala and Maoist chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal signing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement

327<< Nova Social Studies Grade-10

Another major event which had a great influence on the politics of Nepal was the signing of the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement on Mangsir 5, 2063 (November 21, 2006) facilitating the Maoist rebels to
join the mainstream parliamentary politics by giving up weapons. Their armed-wing or armed-outfit known
as “People’s Liberation Army (PLA)” needed special attention in order to disarm them completely. These
Maoist combatants were offered to become the part of the mainstream society – through rehabilitation,
retirement and integration into the Nepal army. According to the agreement, Maoist rebels had agreed
to put their armed combatants into 28 different cantonments and store weapons in the containers under
the supervision of United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN). The agreement had created conducive
environment to enhance the overall peace process. UNMIN played an important supportive role in
successfully holding a historic Constituent Assembly – I election on April 10, 2008 (Chaitra 28, 2064). Indeed,
that was a major milestone in the peace process. Following the UN Security Council Resolution 1939 (2010
AD), UNMIN withdrew from Nepal on 15 January 2011 (Magh 1, 2067). The UNMIN as a special political
mission assisted and helped Nepal in the peace process from February 2009 to January 2011. As per the
Security Council Resolution 1864 (2009), the UN arms monitors were deployed in the Maoist cantonments
and other sites around the country. Six years after the formal end of the civil war, Nepal’s “peace process”
entered into a decisive phase when a little over 1,450 former Maoist fighters were integrated into the Nepal
Army (NA) on October 1, 2012 (Ashwin or Asoj 15, 2069) and remaining others were assimilated into the
mainstream society. The cantonments where the former combatants of the Maoist People’s Liberation Army
(PLA) resided were closed down. The Maoist weapons fell under the control of the state. Thus, the formal
elimination of PLA ended the strange situation of “one country, two Armies” in Nepal.

Constituent Assembly – I: Election and Dissolution
The first election of the Constituent Assembly–I held on Chaitra 28, 2064 (April 10, 2008) favored the
Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) to emerge as the largest party in the multi-party parliamentary
democracy of Nepal. The CPN (Maoist) had won 220 seats out of total 601 seats followed by Nepali
Congress (110 seats) and CPN (UML: Unified Marxist-Leninist) with 103 seats. The only objective of the
elected Constituent Assembly was to draft and promulgate the constitution to institutionalize the gains
of the People’s Movement – II by legally validating the democratic, republic, secular and federal status
of Nepal. The first meeting of the elected Constituent Assembly – I was held on Jestha 15, 2065 (May
28, 2008) and in the very first meeting Nepal was declared a republic state which signaled the end of
monarchy. In this way, the Shah dynasty which ruled over the Kingdom of Gorkha until 1768 AD (1826
BS) and the Kingdom of Nepal for 240 years from 1768 to 28 May 2008 came to an end. King Gyanendra
after addressing the people of Nepal from Narayanhity Durbar left the throne and crown peacefully. After
that Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, a representative of common people born in Dhanusha district of Nepal in the
ethnic Maithili community from Madhesh, was elected by the legislature-parliament to become the first
President (the head of the state) of Nepal on Shrawan 6, 2065 (July 21, 2008). He assumed his office on July
23, 2008 (Shrawan 08, 2065) and continued as the President of Nepal till October 28, 2015 (Kartik 11, 2072).
During his tenure as the President of the democratic republic of Nepal, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav worked with
as many as eight Prime Ministers. These Prime Ministers were Girija Prasad Koirala, Pushpa Kamal Dahal,
Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhala Nath Khanal, Baburam Bhattarai, Khil Raj Regmi, Sushil Koirala and Khadga
Prasad Sharma Oli. Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) from Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) became
the first Prime Minister of the democratic republic of Nepal on Bhadra 2, 2065 (August 18, 2008). Similarly,
Madhav Kumar Nepal became the Prime Minister on Jestha 11, 2066 (May 25, 2009) and Jhalanath Khanal
on Magh 23, 2067 (February 6, 2011). Baburam Bhattarai became the Prime Minister on Bhadra 12, 2068 BS
(August 29, 2011). The Constituent Assembly – I was dissolved on Jestha 14, 2069 (May 27, 2012) without
having promulgated the constitution during his tenure as the Prime Minister. The four years of the First
Constituent Assembly gave rise to four coalition governments projecting four prime ministers – two from
UCPN (Maoist) and two from CPN (UML). Thus, the country Nepal saw four communist Prime Ministers
without accomplishing the main task of promulgating the Constitution through the Constituent Assembly
to institutionalize the political gains of the People’s Movement – II.
As a result of the consensus arrived at among all the leading political parties of Nepal, a non-political
person was chosen to become the Prime Minister of Nepal to conduct the election of the Second Constituent
Assembly. The Chief Justice Khilraj Regmi formed the “election government” on March 14, 2013 (Chaitra 1,
2069) with a view to hold fresh election to the Second Constituent Assembly (CA – II). Constituent Assembly
elections for the second time were held in Nepal on 19 November 2013 (Mangsir 4, 2070). The Nepali Congress
by winning 196 seats emerged as the largest party in the 2nd Nepalese Constituent Assembly followed by
the CPM (UML) and the UCPN (Maoist). The UCPN (Maoist) stands for the Unified Communist Party of
Nepal (Maoist) which was previously known as the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and at present this

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party is called the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist-Centre). Sushil Koirala, the Chairman of the Nepali
Congress, became the Prime Minister of Nepal on Magh 27, 2070 (11 February 2014) and remained in his
post till 10 October 2015 (Ashwin 23, 2072). During his tenure as Prime Minister of Nepal, the Constitution
of Nepal was drafted and promulgated on Ashwin or Asoj 3, 2072 (September 20, 2015). The President Ram
Baran Yadav promulgated the constitution of Nepal, 2072 BS. Thus, the long wait since 2007 BS of getting
the democratic constitution from the elected Constituent Assembly was over only on Ashwin or Asoj 3, 2072.

President of Democratic Republic of Nepal promulgating the Constitution of Nepal, 2072
The Constitution of Nepal, 2072 BS institutionalized the political gains of all the protests, revolts and
movements of the past by turning Nepal into a democratic, republic, federal state (country). The peace
process which had begun from the signing of the 12-point Agreement on November 22, 2005 (Mangsir 7,
2062) got concluded (completed) with the promulgation of this constitution. As soon as the constitution
came into force, the Constituent Assembly – II was transformed into the legislature-parliament. Both the
President and the Prime Minister were changed after the new constitution was adopted.
Bidya Devi Bhandari was elected to be the second President of Nepal on October 28, 2015 (Kartik 11, 2072)
and assumed the office on October 29, 2015 (Kartik 12, 2072). She has an honor to become the first President
(the Head of the State) in the history of Nepal. Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, more commonly known as K. P.
Oli, served as the 38th Prime Minister of Nepal from October 11, 2015 (Ashwin 24, 2072) to August 3, 2016
(Shrawan 19, 2073). He belongs to the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and was the
second Prime Minister under the Constitution of Nepal, 2072. Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) took over
as the 39th Prime Minister of Nepal on August 4, 2016 (Shrawan 20, 2073).
As soon as the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 BS was drafted and brought into force, the demands for more
inclusive provisions were raised by the Madhesi and other ethnic communities in Nepal. Their protests
continued for more than six months from sit-ins, demonstrations and traffic blockade resulting in violent
clashes. At last, the President Bidya Devi Bhandari authenticated Nepal’s constitution (first amendment) bill-
2072 BS’ Feb 28, 2016 (Falgun 16, 2072) to calm the protestors. This was the first political solution reached at
by consensus among three major political parties with a view to bring in the disgruntled ethnic communities
into the fold. The Madhes agitation and the economic blockade on the southern borders ended on the political
assurances made by the three major parties to address the genuine issues of the ethnic communities. As per
the amendment, all the ethnic backward communities, which also include the Madhesis, will have the right
to be included in the state bodies. This is necessary to ensure inclusiveness (proportional inclusion) at all the
levels of political governance. The second most important demand raised by the UDMF (United Democratic
Madhesi Front) has been about delineating the electoral constituencies on the basis of population. To address
this demand, Article 286 (5) has been amended, under which population will be the main basis while
geography the second basis at the time of delineating the electoral constituencies for the election of the House
of Representatives (Pratinidhi Sabha). Under the primiership of two Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal and
Sher Bahadur Deuba, all the three level elections at local. provincial and federal level as per the the provisions
mentioned in the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 BS. K. P. Sharma Oli of CPN (UML) took oath as 41st Prime Minister
after general election with the support of UCPN (Maoist) on February 15, 2018 (Falgun 3, 2074). For the first time in

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Nepal, federalism found its roots firmly placed by forming government at three levels namely local, provincial
and federal government as per the provisions of the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 BS.

Some Important Dates/Years In Timeline

April 24, 2006 (Baisakh 11. 2063 BS) - King Gyanendra reinstated the dissolved ‘House of Representatives’ and made
an announcement to return the ‘State authority (sovereignty)’ to the people of Nepal. Mass Movement II ended.
May 18, 2006 (Jestha 4, 2063 BS) - The House of Representatives makes a historic announcement by stripping all powers
and functions of the King. House declared, “It is the people and not the king who are sovereign.”
November 21, 2006 (Mangsir 5, 2063 BS)- Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed between the Head of the
Government as well as the Head of the State, Girija Prasad Koirala and Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda”—as the
Head of the Maoists.
January 15, 2007 (Magh 1, 2063 BS) - Interim Constitution of Nepal was promulgated. For the first time, supreme law
of the land vested sovereignty in the people and have no place for the institution of monarchy.
April 10, 2008 (Chaitra 28, 2064 BS) - Election of the Constituent Assembly to draft the constitution within two years
took place. CPN (Maoist) emerged as the largest parliamentary party winning 220 out of total 601 seats followed by
Nepali Congress (110 seats) and CPN-UML (103 seats). Even after four times of extension of Constituent Assembly,
major political parties that formed four coalition governments in a span of four years projecting four prime ministers –
two from UCPN (Maoist) and two from CPN (UML) failed to draft the constitution.
May 28, 2008 (Jestha 15, 2065 BS) - First sitting of the House (of the Constituent Assembly) that declared Nepal as
‘Republic State (Country)’.
July 21, 2008 (Shrawan 6, 2065 BS) – Dr. Ram Baran Yadav was elected by the legislature-parliament to be the first
President of Nepal.
January 15, 2011 (Magh 1, 2067 BS) – UNMIN withdrew from Nepal in accordance with Security Council Resolution
1939 (2010 AD). As per the provisions of Comprehensive Peace Agreement, UNMIN (United Nations Mission in Nepal)
was authorized to supervise the Maoist rebels (combatants) lodged into the 28 different cantonments and their stored
weapons in the containers.
May 27, 2012 (Jestha 14, 2069 BS) - Prime Minister, Babu Ram Bhattarai dissolved the extended elected Constituent
Assembly without drafting the Constitution.
October 1, 2012 (Ashwin, 2069 BS) - Integration of 1450 former Maoists into the Nepal Army: This signifies the
completion of ‘integration processes’.
March 13, 2013 (Falgun 30, 2069 BS) - Four major political forces signed an 11-point political agreement at around 11
PM for removing constitutional difficulties and forming an election government under the leadership of the Chief
Justice Khil Raj Regmi.
March 14, 2013 (Chaitra 1, 2069 BS) - Khil Raj Regmi was sworn in as the 36th Prime Minister of Nepal to head the
Interim Government with a view to hold the next election of the Constituent Assembly within six months.
April 12, 2013 (Chaitra 30, 2069) - The Special Committee on Supervision, Integration and Rehabilitation of the Maoist
combatants completed all the tasks as mandated by the Interim Constitution 2007 AD and hence was dissolved.
November 19, 2013 (Mangsir 4, 2070) - Election for Constituent Assembly II took place.
January 22, 2014 (Magh 8, 2070) - First session of CA-II was held.
February 10, 2014 (Magh 27, 2070) - Nepali Congress (NC) President Sushil Koirala became Nepal’s 37th Prime Minister
securing more than two-thirds majority in parliament. Out of 553 members present in the parliament, 405 members
voted for the proposal and paved the way for yet another coalition government.
February 18, 2014 (Magh 6, 2070) - A meeting of the Constituent Assembly-II elected CPN-UML candidate Subas
Chandra Nembang as chairperson and speaker of the parliament.
August 15, 2015 (Shrawan 30, 2072) – Tarai Protest started by Madhesi and Tharus raising the demands for proportional
representation, delineation of electoral constituencies on the basis of population and retaining their ancestral land in
provincial model of federalism amongst others.
September 20, 2015 (Aswin or Asoj 3, 2072) – Promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 BS by the President Ram
Baran Yadav and conversion of Constituent Assembly-II into full time parliament.
October 12, 2015 (Aswin 25, 2072) – Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli from the CPN (UML) became the Prime Minister in
the newly converted parliament of 601-members. CPN (UML) stands for Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist
and Leninist).
October 16, 2015 (Aswin 29, 2072) – Onsari Gharti Magar became the first woman speaker of the Parliament.
October 28, 2015 (Kartik 11, 2072) - Bidya Devi Bhandari of CPN (UML) won the presidential election and assumed
office of the President from October 29, 2015. She became the first woman President (Head of the State) of Nepal.
Feb 28, 2016 (Falgun 16, 2072) – President Bidya Devi Bhandari authenticated Nepal’s constitution (first amendment)
bill-2072 BS’ regarding proportional inclusion of the ethnic communities in the state bodies and the delineation of the
electoral constituencies for the election of the Pratinidhi Sabha on the basis of population.

330 Nova Social Studies Grade-10 >>

August 3, 2016 (Shrawan 19, 2073): The chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal formed the
Council of Ministers under his leadership as the Prime Minister of Nepal.
June 6, 2017 (Jestha 6, 2074): Sher Bahadur Deuba became the 40th Prime Minister of Nepal primarily tasked with
conducting elections of Parliament and Provincial Asseblyes across the country under the Constituion of Nepal, 2072
BS
November 26, 2017 (Mangsir 10, 2074): First phase of general election to choose members of Parliament and Provincial
Assemblies
December 7, 2017 (Mangsir 21, 2074): Second phase of general election to choose members of Parliament and Provincial
Assemblies
February 15, 2018 (Falgun 3, 2074): K. P. Sharma Oli of CPN (UML) takes oath as 41st Prime Minister after general
election with the support of UCPN (Maoist).
March 13, 2018 (Falgun 29, 2074): President Bidhya Devi Bhandari was re-elected the head of state of the country for
the second consecutive term.

Words and terms you would like to know

Unprecedented (adj.): having no earlier parallel or equivalent
Reinstate (v.): to bring something back into use or force again after it has been out of use
Unanimous (adj.): shared as a view by all of the people concerned, with nobody disagreeing
Consensus (adj.): general or widespread agreement among all the members of a group
Rehabilitation (n.): helping somebody to return to a normal life by providing training or financial assistance or therapy
Cantonment (n.): temporary accommodations for troops
Disgruntled (adj.): somebody who is dissatisfied

Activities

1. Draw a time line using the appropriate scale to show the major events in Nepal from 2063 BS till today.
2. The political atmosphere after the success of the People’s Movement – II has not been a stable one. The

political instability, frequent change in the government and bitter bickering within and amongst the
political parties has dashed the hopes of the people who had expected of peace and prosperity within
the country. Hold a discussion in the classroom regarding the reasons behind such a political scenario in
Nepal.
3. Explain the reasons why Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi was chosen to be the Prime Minister of Nepal and
permitted to form his own government. Conduct a group research and find out the major achievements
of his government.

Exercise

1. What is meant by the Constituent Assembly? Explain why the first Constituent Assembly failed to
deliver the Constitution of Nepal.

2. List the causes of the Second People’s Movement in Nepal.
3. Do you think that all the hopes and aspirations of the people of Nepal were fulfilled after the Second

People’s Movement? Comment with relevant illustrations and examples.
4. The present constitution is a document of consensus. Express your views.
5. Illustrate the reasons for turning Nepal into a federal democratic republic and secular Nepal.
6. “History repeats itself.” Describe how far it applies to King Gyanendra’s action.
7. What is the ‘Comprehensive Peace Agreement’? What is the significance of the ‘Comprehensive Peace

Accord’?
8. What is UNMIN? What was its role in Nepal?
9. We may not be where we want to be but thank God we are not where we used to be. Critically comment

on this observation in context of achievements of democracy along with all the problems and challenges
that people faced and are still facing to get Democracy in the real sense of the term rooted in Nepal.

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10. What is meant by the “Peace Process”? Do you think that “Peace Process” in Nepal has been completed
with the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 BS? Critically evaluate.

11. Highlight the contents of the first amendment to the constitution. Analyze how far it is going to bring
change in the political atmosphere of Nepal.

Community Work

The three tiers of elections -- local, provincial and federal -- have ensured that the country is on the course
of constitution implementation and political stability. Local governments have been installed after a gap of
almost 17 years, provincial governments have started functioning and first federal government after the
promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 BS has promised peace and prosperity in Nepal. Conduct a
survey in your community to know how people are satisfied with the performance of local, provincial and
federal government. Prepare separate set of questions to be asked to assess the perfomance of each of the
three tiers of government.

Project Work

Conduct intensive research on Second People’s Movement (Jana Aandolan – II) with an aim to know its ob-
jectives and real achievements by interviewing people and interacting with the seniors and politically con-
scious citizens. Take help from the library, internet search and other relevant sources for analyzing the real
gains of the Second People’s Movement. Read views and opinions on the subject matter you are conducting
research to frame your own views and arrive at conclusions. Having completed your study and research on
the Second People’s Movement, prepare the project report on the following headings and present it in the
class.
(a.) Title (b.) Introduction (c.) Objectives (d.) Method of Study
(e.) Findings (f.) Conclusion and Suggestions

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Lesson Social and Economic Effects after

8 the People’s Movement – II

It is a recess in the school. Mr. Balananda Poudel, Social Studies teacher at Shree Annapurna Higher Second-
ary School (Achham District), is in the staff room. Two students from Grade 10 Shreen Shrestha and Kanchan
Thapa approach him with queries about the social and economic impacts of the People’s Movement – II on
the Nepalese society.
Shreen: Sir, two of us want to know about the social and economic impacts of the Second People’s Move-
ment on the Nepalese society.
Teacher: I wanted my students to do self-research on this topic and submit the project work on it. Since both
of you are here, I will give you a short description about the topic so that others can get hints through you
and submit the project work to me.
Kanchan: Sir, the Second People’s Movement in 2062/063 lasted for 19 days following which Nepal became
a federal, democratic, secular republic. Many other political events also shaped up the Nepalese society af-
ter that. Both of us want to know the specific social achievements which followed after the Second People’s
Movement.
Teacher: First of all, Nepal became the secular and republic state besides being the democratic country. This
political change has huge social implications in Nepal. Not only it creates a society of equals without any
apparent discrimination and exploitation, but also breaks the rigid caste hierarchy and religious-cum-eth-
nic barriers by inviting all the citizens to participate in the mainstream Nepalese society. The principle of
proportionate representation and inclusion has been guiding the democratic culture at all the levels, be it
political, social or economic life in the Nepalese society. The backward sections of the Nepalese society are
now coming forward to improve their life at social and economic life. They are no longer the victims of
discrimination or alienation in the name of class, caste, language, ethnicity, gender, religion or region. Their
progress and participation at political, social and economic levels has been very much ensured in the Con-
stitution of Nepal, 2072 BS.
Shreen: The Second People’s Movement raised an issue to ensure opportunities and facilities for women,
ethnic groups, Madhesi, Dalits, backward groups, and those people living in the far-flung areas on the basis
of fixed percentage. Isn’t it counted as achievement?
Teacher: Indeed, it is counted as achievement. The discrimination against the so-called low caste has come
to an end now. Exploitative nature of caste differences no longer exists in the present day Nepalese society.
The caste discrimination in any form has been made punishable by law. People from Dalit community are
getting reservation and scholarship to pursue their education at school and college levels. The provisions of
special protection and privileges for girls and women from all the castes, creeds, religions and ethnic back-
grounds have been put into place which are an indication of gender empowerment and the changing face of
Nepalese women in modern Nepal. People from Madhesi community are seen working at all levels of ranks
and posts in the government offices. There is no bar on movement of people from any part of the country on
the basis of the race, religion, caste and ethnicity.
Kanchan: What about education, employment, communication, transportation and more?
Teacher: Yes, there has been more movement of people and their ideas influencing their attitude and behav-
iors in the recent years. Nepal has witnessed a significant growth both in quantity and quality of physical
infrastructures as well as service sector. Improvement in education, information technology, transportation
and others has helped in evolving a national culture where people from different backgrounds are working
and growing together. People’s Movement would have failed completely without the support of the people
from all walks of life cutting across their diversity at all levels. This is where the essence of democracy cen-
ters.......it lies in the people and the social harmony is the precondition of any democracy to work. Physical
movement and the dissemination of ideas by means of information technology connect the people across the

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geographical boundary of the country. Mutual respect for each other’s culture further strengthens the bond
of plurality and diversity without generating social conflicts. This is the reality in Nepalese culture now
made possible only by improvement in education, employment, communication and transportation. The
people of Nepal do not favor the corrupt any more. The literacy rate has gone up to touch 65 percent mark
and the basic healthcare has come within the reach of the common people of Nepal.

Shreen: We see heightened public awareness in the Nepalese society now. Has it really led to people’s par-
ticipation and mutual cooperation at community level and in the development works at the local level? Sir,
what do you think?

Teacher: Earlier people used to be very rigid in their political thinking but now they accord highest priority
to the development of their nation and community. The unity in diversity has been very noticeable in any
emergency situation or at the time of national crisis. Take the example of the Second People’s Movement
itself or the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 BS or the major earthquakes which jolted Nepal
on Baisakh 12 and 29 in the year 2072. The people of Nepal came out to risk their own lives for saving the
nation and pull the country out of danger or crisis. We are all together no matter what background of di-
versity we all have at individual level. Our country Nepal is making strides in development at social fronts
only due to the united efforts put forth by the people of Nepal. Social evils and social problems like dowry,
slavery, human trafficking, and others have been curbed and controlled thanks to the community support
and united rejection of such wrong and criminal practices.

Kanchan: Sir, tell us about the economic development and reforms experienced by the Nepalese society.

Teacher: The success of the People’s Movement – II opened the door of economic development. The na-
tional economic policy was changed to follow free market and liberalization. Nepal stood in support of
free trade and offered to be a part of the global economy. The private industries and business ventures got
a boost as the Government of Nepal supported them. The fundamental rights like the right to property
and the right to do trade and business generated confidence amongst the people to be the head of their
own business. All the governments after the success of the People’s Movement – II along with the political
parties have been showing a mutual understanding to meet economic goals and development targets.
The Government of Nepal has always been consistent in taking up suggestions from all the quarters to
encourage privatization and has been committed to reforming its policies and laws for creating the best
investment-friendly environment to attract foreign-investment in Nepal. Nepal is open for all businesses
now. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has expressed its commitment to work together with the
Nepal government and private sector to promote regional connectivity through investment in infrastruc-
ture and other productive sectors. The Asian Development Bank has already been extending its support
by lending fund and expertise in the areas of development of physical infrastructures in Nepal.

In today’s globalised economy no country can survive without getting involved in trade deals with other
countries. In this context, the foreign investors from different countries doing businesses in Nepal require
legal protection and fair deals from the Government. This is why Nepal has signed BIPPA (Bilateral In-
vestment Promotion and Protection Agreement) with countries like France, Germany, Britain, Mauritius,
Qatar, Finland and India. The BIPPA is a legal instrument that establishes specific rights and obligations
to meet the primary purpose of protecting foreign investment against discriminatory measures (i.e. pol-
icy inconsistencies) by the host state. The BIPPA promotes industrialization, creates employment in the
manufacturing and services sectors, increases government revenues and export trade and reduces Nepal’s
trade deficit in favor of Nepal and the Nepali people.

Shreen: Sir, can you explain to us about Nepal’s economic relationship with both the neighbors, particularly
after the People’s Movement – II?

Teacher: As two-thirds of Nepal’s trade is conducted with neighboring India, the southern neighbor is
supporting Nepal to install a robust cross-border power transmission line for power trade with an aim of
harnessing its tremendous hydropower potential. India’s grants and soft loans have been used to build up
infrastructure for quality education, healthcare facility, irrigation and other infrastructure projects. Nepal
has also been working hard to engage China to improve its economic prospects. Nepal and China have

334 Nova Social Studies Grade-10 >>

agreed to improve the functioning of “customs infrastructure” and two major trade routes – Tatopani-Lhasa
and Rasuwagadhi-Kyirong. The Chinese side has committed to construct the inland clearance depot (ICD)
at Larcha of Sindhupalchowk and Timure of Rasuwa. Nepal and China have agreed to upgrade the infra-
structure of customs and road connectivity at seven other border points across the northern border. Nepal
has given a lot of importance to China in recent years to develop both political and economic relationship.
Apart from its embassy in Beijing, Nepal runs consulate in Lhasa and Guangzhou. Nepal has opened up
consulate office in Hong Kong too. Hong Kong is the special administrative region of China. Nepal has been
planning to open more consulate offices in China in coming years in a bid to deepen the trading relations
with the northern neighbor.

Kanchan: Now, this is the last question. Has Nepal been able to reducethe incidence of poverty and made
progress towards overall wellbeing of the people?

Teacher: Nepal has achieved remarkable progress over the last years. The country managed to halve the
percentage of people living on less than $1.25 a day in only seven years, from 53 percent in 2003-04 to 25
percent in 2010-11 AD. Nepal has further reduced its poverty from 25 percent in 2011 to 23.8 percent in 2013.
Besides, Nepal has been making progress on several social indicators such as education, health and gender
equality. The earthquake of Baishakh 2072 (April 2015) had of course cast an adverse effect on the efforts of
poverty reduction as the loss of human lives and destruction of property and physical infrastructure have
necessitated the country to double its efforts to bounce back on the path of development. Whatever the situa-
tion may be, Nepal has great potential for development only if major problems and challenges are overcome
successfully with strong ‘political will’. Major problems and challenges involve sustainable use of natural
resources in rural areas, spreading education and skills to utilize existing natural resources, generating more
electricity to industrialize the country by utilizing the vast hydro potential, removing major bottlenecks
to public and private investment and others. What is encouraging for Nepal is that Government has been
showing interest in regulating foreign employment, creating the investment-friendly atmosphere, working
on the infrastructure projects of national pride and so on. Let’s end on the optimistic note of witnessing
rapid economic development of Nepal in the years to come.

Kanchan: Thank you sir for your directions and guidance on this topic.

Teacher: You are most welcome.

Words and terms you would like to know

FY: Financial/Fiscal Year
Alienation (n.): making somebody feel that he or she does not belong to or share something, or is isolated from it
Heighten (v.): increase, intensify
Robust (adj.): strong and healthy
Tremendous (adj.): extremely powerful; great
Remarkable (adj.): worth noticing

Activities

1. Write down what changes at financial or economic level have taken place in your family in the last five
years. Make a note of it and share the same in the classroom.

2. “The political change as per the desire and will of the people brings social and economic transformation
of the country.” Organize a debate competition on this topic in the class.

3. Make a comparative analysis of the social and economic changes that our country Nepal underwent
from 2007 to 2017 BS and then from 2063 BS till now. Also hold a discussion with your teacher and the
classmates to extract more points and facts in the comparative analysis. Has Nepal been ever on the
track of rapid economic growth? If yes, then mention the causes behind it. Add your own reasoning
supported by relevant facts and figures.

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Exercise

1. Highlight the major social and economic changes in the Nepalese society from the People’s Movement
– II up to the present day.

2. What is meant by political change? Outline the political changes that Nepal has undergone since the
successful completion of the People’s Movement – II.

3. What are the positive transformations your community has undergone after the People’s Movement –
II? Make a list.

4. What are the major problems and challenges Nepal faces on the path of economic development?
Mention them along with the measures (ways) to overcome them.

5. Explain how Nepal has been utilizing the proximity of two vast neighbors towards its north and south
for its economic growth and development.

Project Work

What kinds of social and economic transformations has your community undergone from 2046 BS till the
present day? Prepare a report based on your observation and research supported by the analysis and com-
ment made by the senior citizens and scholars living in your community.

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Lesson Causes of the First World War

9

The First World War (1914 - 1918 AD): An Introduction

World War I (1914-18) was the first international violent conflict that involved most of the nations of Europe
along with Russia, the United States, the Middle East, and other regions. Some of the analysts and historians
raise objections to the appropriateness of the term “world war” because it was largely a war just confined
to European, North African, and Middle Eastern regions. However, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South
Africa, India, and other British dominions and colonies contributed troops in this war, and the United States
entered the war late. Much of Asia and South America was not directly involved. The crux of the matter
is that World War I was the first full-scale war because when the war started, those countries which were
directly involved in this war, mobilized their entire populations and economic resources to achieve victory
in the battlefield. The term “Home Front” came into existence as a new concept during World War I where
the civilian population stood behind the lines of ‘main artillery combatants’ to defend the country and hence
remained directly and critically involved in the war.

Clash between two coalitions of European countries namely the Allied Powers and the Central Powers trig-
gered the war in August 1914. The first coalition, known as the Allied Powers, included mainly the United
Kingdom, France and Russian Empire supported by Belgium, Serbia, and Montenegro. The Central Powers,
which opposed them, included empires of Germany and Austria-Hungary as main war-partners.

Germany (1888-1918) Austria (1848-1916) Heir to the Throne Austria (1916-1918)

Emperor Wilhelm II King Franz Joseph I Francis Ferdinand King Charles I

Traditional Monarchy (Empire) of Europe –represented by Central Powers in the First World War:

Germany Austria-Hungary Turkey

Hohenzollern Habsburg Ottoman

Japan joined the Allied Powers in 1914 whereas the Ottoman Empire joined the Central Powers in the same

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year followed by Bulgaria in 1915. Italy entered the war on the Allied side in 1915 and the United States, that
initially remained neutral, joined the Allied Powers in 1917. This is how two opposing groups clashed with
one another until the final Armistice was signed with Germany on November 11, 1918. The mega-conflict
(War) ultimately involved 32 countries, 28 of which supported the Allies. Some of these nations, however,
did not participate in the actual violent clash.
World War I witnessed much advancement in the area of battlefield weapons. Infantry in the World War I
frequently used fire weapons like ‘bolt-action magazine rifle’, which could fire 6 to 10 aimed shots per min-
ute and machine gun which had been developed in the 1880s. A ‘Machine Gun’ could fire rifle ammunition
automatically at a rate of 200 to 250 shots per minute and was an excellent defensive weapon, capable of
foiling a sudden attack by cavalry and infantry.

Besides, the flamethrower, the hand grenade, poison gas, and the tank were other important weapons
developed and used during the war. These weapons helped the troops to remain huddled in the trenches
avoiding machine gun and heavy artillery fire.

Britain implemented a sea blockade of Germany to prevent the delivery of imports such as food and war
materials to reach Germany in 1914. In response to this sea-blockade, Germany started using submarines
to bust up the Allied seaborne traffic and thus stopped ‘supplies’ reaching to Britain. Germany had already
instituted a submarine blockade around Britain by 1915 and consequently went ahead with sinking ships
without any warning. German submarines attacked on American merchant ships too. This enraged the
United States and broke its status of ‘neutrality’ in World War I. Woodrow Wilson, the then President of
United States, with the consent of Congress, declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917.

U.S.A. (1913-1921) U.K. (1908-1916) U.K. (1916-1922) France (1917-1920)

Woodrow Wilson P.Ms. Henry Asquith Lloyd George Georges Clemenceau

German U-boat used for Submarine Warfare Dogfights during World War I

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Airplanes were for the first time used in a large number for reconnaissance, observing and adjusting artillery
fire and even for other military purposes during World War I. Fighter pilots got into sky-battles famously
called Dogfights during World War I. Both the sides in World War I used airplanes that carried machine
guns and light bombs to attack enemy ground forces. Shore-based naval aircraft capable of landing on water
proved useful in anti-submarine warfare.

Causes of the World War-I

The assassination of Austrian Archduke Francis Ferdinand – the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary - and
his wife, Czech Countess Sophie Chotek, on June 28, 1914 by a Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip (aged
18 years) in Sarajevo, Bosnia, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, triggered World War I. Just before
the killing of the archduke and his wife, Nedeljo Gabrinovics (21 years old) threw the bomb at the royal
automobile while it was proceeding to the Town Hall, where a reception was to be held but the royal couple
had already escaped the earlier bid of assassination. Thus, there were two successive assaults, the first with
a bomb that the Prince and his wife successfully escaped, and the second one with a revolver to which they
succumbed immediately.
This political murder in fact became the ‘immediate cause’ of the World War I. Sarajevo – the capital of
Bosnia-Herzegovina - had Serbs as dominant race who were opposing the forceful accession of Bosnia-
Herzegovina to the empire of Austria-Hungary. Serbia had extended full support to the independence of
Bosnia-Herzegovina and to the Serbs living there under the condition of racial hostility. Austria-Hungary
accused the assassin – a Serbian-trained Bosnian nationalist operating through an underground organization
known as Black Hand Society (or, Unity of Death). Unity of Death (Black Hand Society) was a secret
military society formed on September 6, 1901 by members of the Serbian Army in the Kingdom of Serbia to
unite all the territories having Serb (or Slavic) population outside the Kingdom of Serbia.
Serbia and Austria-Hungary had been on unfriendly terms because Serbian nationalists wanted to unite
all Slavic people living in the Balkan region of south-eastern Europe into a single state. Austria-Hungary
decided to use the assassination as an excuse to settle its long-term animosity (political enmity) with Serbia.
Germany promised to back Austria-Hungary. On July 23, Austria-Hungary presented a warlike ultimatum
to Serbia, allowing only 48 hours for an answer pertaining to severe punishment of two Serbs-assassins
Gavrilo Princip and Nedeljo Gabrinovics. Serbia responded by July 25 but suggested that some of
Austria-Hungary’s demands were unreasonable but Austria-Hungary refused to accept Serbia’s responses
with counter-suggestions. Austria-Hungary insisted on dismissing the Serbian officials who were making
inquiry and arranging the trials for the assassins and wanted to replace them by Austro-Hungarian officials
on Serbian soil, to which, Serbia offered to submit the issue to international arbitration. Unilaterally rejecting
the offer made by Serbia, Austria-Hungary promptly severed (broke) diplomatic relations and declared
war on Serbia on July 28, 1914 with a view to enhance Austria-Hungary’s prestige in the Balkans. Emperor
Kaiser Wilhelm II (Frederick William II) of Hohenzollern Empire of Germany had extended full support to
Habsburg Empire of Austria-Hungary in latter’s invasion on Serbia. Russia on the other hand expressed the
support to Serbia and urged Austria-Hungary to stop attack on Serbia. Austro-Hungarian artillery began to
bombard Belgrade on July 29, 1914 and by August powerful imperial countries of Europe like Russia, Britain
and France were already in the War against a coalition of Germany and Austria-Hungary. And, the World
War I began.
Although ‘World War-I’ flared up owing to the immediate cause mentioned above, various other causes (reasons or
factors) are also responsible for the outbreak of this War. Some of the leading causes are as follows:
1. Formation of Political Alliances: Political scientists regard the formation of political groups or alliances as
a cause that culminated in the First World War. The Triple Alliance formed in 1882 AD was the main basis
for strong political and diplomatic co-operation between Germany and Austria-Hungary in the beginning
and then with Italy later – making it possible for three powerful nations to co-operate together in faction-
ridden Europe. Actually, Italy joined the group just in reaction to the occupation of Tunisia – an Italian
colony in northern Africa - by France. The existing rivalry between Italy and Austria-Hungary in the Balkans
and the Adriatic area, however, prevented the former from becoming completely a part of the ‘alliance’ and
hence switched side to Triple Entente in the ‘First World War’.
In response to the powerful combination of the Triple Alliance, other countries of Europe like France, Britain,
and Russia concluded a rival pact in the late 19th and early 20th centuries known as the Triple Entente.
After the humiliating defeat in Franco-Prussian War, France on the other hand, was desperately looking for

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a reliable political ally to take revenge against Germany and thus, Russia as political and military ally stood
by the side of France. Both the countries signed Franco-Russian military pact in January 1894, and publically
announced it in 1895 AD. This is how Europe divided into two armed camps emerged as the ‘centre stage’
for the World War – I in 1914.

2. Imperialism and Race for Colonies: Lenin, unhesitatingly, declared that the worldwide system of
imperialism was responsible for the war. A global military conflict leading to the World War – I was the
direct outcome of unlimited competition amongst the European imperial powers for expanding markets
by capturing the colonies in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898) was the
Prusso-German statesman, who is the architect of German unification and became the first chancellor
(1871-1890) of the united nation of Germany. Bismarck disliked the idea of an overseas empire, but
pursued a colonial policy to get domestic political support in the form of European alliance. This started
Anglo-German tensions since German acquisitions in Africa and the Pacific threatened to spoil British
strategic and commercial interests. Thus, Bismarck supported French colonization in Africa because it
diverted French attention and resources away from continental Europe and reclaiming lost territories
to Germany as part of his “stick and carrot” diplomatic policy. After the death of Bismarck, aggressive
German policy generated greater conflicts with the other colonial powers. For example, unlike Bismarck,
Germany openly objected to colonial control by France in Morocco. Finally, Countries such as the United
Kingdom and France accumulated great wealth in the late 19th century by creating ‘colonies’ overseas
by exploiting their natural and human resources and markets. At the dawn of the 20th century, Germany
aggressively acquired overseas territories. Similarly, Turkey was interested in countering the Russian
influence at a regional level. Thus, Europe got badly involved in the colonial race and clash of interests
between the countries.
3. Arms race and Militarism: The German-British arms race intensified particularly in area of Navy
after 1906 with the launch of the Dreadnought by British navy, a revolutionary battleship that made
all previous battleships obsolete. Dreadnoughts were heavily armed battleships. Control of the oceans
became strategically important for European imperial powers for international trade as well as for
defence security. This resulted in major naval arms race in shipbuilding. When Wilhelm II (William II)
became emperor of Germany in 1888, he adopted aggressive nationalism and began to compete with other
European powers, especially Britain. He made his intention loud and clear to acquire an overseas empire
and build up its navy by enraging both France and Britain. Actually, aristocrats and military elites had
too much control over Germany, Russia, and Austria, and the war was a consequence of their thirst for
military power and disdain (hate) for decentralization and people’s democracy.
Britain, France, and Russia had already begun to compete with Germany and Austria-Hungary in a costly
arms race well ahead of the actual World War I. Anglo-German naval rivalry saw a competitive military
build-up between France and Russia on the one hand, Germany, and Austria-Hungary on the other. All the
European imperial powers except Britain had adopted the policy of conscription (drafting men to serve in
the armed forces). These conscription policies left the European continent with large, well-trained, fully
armed, land forces ready for ground battle any time.

4. Surge for Nationalism and Nation’s Prestige: Many of the captured colonies under the influence of
the imperial culture and the political system wedged numerous localized wars of independence driven by
their nationalistic fervour that created ‘grouping’ during the First World War depending upon the political
interest and nationalistic affiliation. For example, a Pan-Slavic separatist movement in the Balkans brought
localized war between Austria-Hungary and Serbia. Imperial Russia had also supported the Pan-Slavic
movement, motivated by ethnic loyalties and dissatisfaction with Austria. At the same time, France as
staunch revanchist always clamoured for lost territories such as Alsace and Lorraine in the earlier wars like
Crimean War (1853-1856) and Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). Revanchist is the one – a nation or an ethnic
group - who follows the policy of reclaiming territory or regaining lost territory.
Genesis of this war rested in the determination of the Prussian diplomat Bismarck (Prince Otto Eduard
Leopold von Bismarck) to unify Germany under Prussian control to eliminate French influence over
Germany. Besides, France was also looking for strong nationalistic fervour to claim the nation’s identity that
this country had enjoyed during Napoleon Bonaparte (also known as Napoleon I), emperor of France, in
1804. France went on losing its dominance on the continent of Europe in the aftermath of Waterloo Battle.
Finally, all that new regroupings to safeguard the identity of respective nations led to World War I.
5. Religion and Nation’s Identity: Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), British philosopher, mathematician, and

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Nobel laureate, blamed the war being fought in the name of religion and argued that “the First World
War was wholly Christian in origin” and that opposition came from Socialists who were “anti-Christian.”
According to religious perspective, the three empires – Hohenzollern (Germany) and Habsburg (Austria-
Hungary) as devout Christians and Ottoman (Turkey) as devout Muslim - wanted to save their divine
origin of the Kingdom and their sanctity as Divine King. Therefore, they finally grouped themselves against
democrats, socialists and communists in the World War I. When hostilities began to escalate in Europe,
German churchmen openly preached holy war in the east against Russia and in the west against “atheistic”
France. On the other side, Britons thought themselves as true Christians and singled out the Kaiser for
their attack on him by branding the German emperor as an instrument in the hands of devil who wanted
the return of the “Hun” to destroy the world civilization. Britain believed that God had entrusted upon the
Britons a great responsibility by marshalling his chosen people against devil’s rule of Kaiser Wilhelm in
order to bring complete destruction of Germany. Hun means a barbaric and destructive person. The word
‘Hun’ became an offensive term used mainly for a German people or a German person. Thus, both the
groups - Allied and Central Powers - used the card of religion to their advantage and political convenience
thereby throwing the World into First World War.

6. Balkan-Crisis or Balkan Wars: The Balkan Wars were two conflicts that took place in the Balkan
Peninsula in south-eastern Europe in 1912 and 1913. By the early 20th century, Bulgaria, Greece,
Montenegro and Serbia had gained independence from the Ottoman Empire, but large parts of their
ethnic populations were still under Ottoman rule. In 1912, these countries formed the Balkan League and
attacked the Ottoman Empire on 8 October 1912 – known as the First Balkan War. After five centuries, the
Ottoman Empire had lost virtually all of its possessions in the Balkans. Treaty of London signed on 30
May 1913 brought mutual settlement by ceding territories to Balkan League and earned armistice for the
Ottoman Empire. Armistice is a truce in a war to discuss terms for peace. Existence of Balkan League was
undesirable for all the Great Powers of Europe, particularly Germany, Russia, and Italy.

The Second Balkan War broke out on 16 June 1913 and shattered a powerful Balkan League when
Bulgaria, dissatisfied over the division of the spoils in Macedonia, attacked on Serbia and Greece. The
Serbian and Greek armies repulsed the Bulgarian offensive and counter-attacked into Bulgaria, while
Romania and the Ottoman Empire also attacked Bulgaria and gained (or regained) territory. Bulgaria
lost most of the territories it had gained in the First Balkan War through Treaty of Bucharest (1913).
Bulgaria was desperately looking for the lost territories and hence joined the Central Powers against
Serbia and Russia to extract revenge in World War I.

Balkan war was a fatal blow to Russian policies in the Balkans, where Russia had focused its interests
for access to the “warm water-seas” for centuries. First, it marked the end of the Balkan League, a vital
arm of the Russian system of defence against Austria-Hungary. Second, ‘Second Balkan War’ brought
the permanent break-up in the relationship between Russia and Bulgaria because Russia had sided
with Serbia. After 1913, Russia could not afford losing its last ally in this crucial area and thus had no
alternative but to support Serbia even when the crisis between Serbia and Austria broke out in 1914
after a Serbian backed organization assassinated the heir of the Austro-Hungarian throne Archduke Franz
Ferdinand on 28 June 1914. This killing came as assertion of Serbian nationalism and gave rise to the
famous July Crisis to become the immediate cause of World War I.

7. Conflicting Interests of Major European Empires in the Balkan: The Habsburg-ruled Austria-Hungary
wished for a continuation of the existence of the Ottoman Empire because both the empires were troubled
by multinational entities (ethnic groups) and thus the collapse of the one might have weakened the other.
The Habsburgs also saw a strong Ottoman presence as a counterweight force to Serbia that supported the
cause of Serbian nationalism of their own Serb subjects in Bosnia. Italy supported the Ottoman Empire
in the hope of creating one’s own Roman Empire. The German Empire hoped to convert entire Ottoman
Empire into its own de facto colony and thus supported its integrity. Russia wanted access to the “warm
waters” of the Mediterranean and thus pursued a pan-Slavic foreign policy to support both Bulgaria and
Serbia. After Bulgaria attacked on Serbia in the Second Balkan War and Austria-Hungary threatened Serbia
with the War-ultimatum over the involvement of Serbian nationalists in killing of Prince Franz Ferdinand
with his wife, Russian Empire openly sided with Serbia. Thus, the Balkan had already become the most
troubled spot in Europe with conflicting (opposite clashing) interests amongst the major European powers
causing the First World War.

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Course of World War I and Major Events of War

Franz Joseph, the emperor of Austria-Hungary, declared war on Serbia and Austro-Hungarian forces bombarded the
Serbian capital Belgrade on 28 July 2014. This marked the onset of World War – I.

The Map of Europe shown above gives information about the First World War front in Europe
Following is the course of World War – I shown in a time-line:

1914

• June 28 - Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to Austria-Hungary’s throne, and his wife, Sophie, were assassinated by
Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip while the couple was visiting Sarajevo.

• July 28 - Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia.
• July 29 - Russia mobilizes its army to protect Serbia.
• July 30 – Germany puts pressure on the King of Russia Tsar Nicholas II (or Nikolai II) to withdraw the fighting

forces (army).
• August 1 - Germany declares war on Russia.
• August 3 - Germany declares war on France.
• August 4 - The United Kingdom declares war on Germany, after Germany invades Belgium.
• August 6 - Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia and Serbia declares war on Germany.
• August 12 – United Kingdom and France declare war on Austria Hungary.
• August 19 - U.S. President Woodrow Wilson announces the U.S. will remain neutral.
• August 20 – First Ypress battle started. Many people fell victim to the fighting army in this town of Belgium.
1915
• February 4 - Germany declares a “war zone” around Great Britain, essentially imposing a submarine blockade

where even neutral merchant vessels were to be potential targets.
• February 19 - The Dardanelles Campaign begins to invade Ottoman Empire by the Allied forces made up of

British, French, Australian, and New Zealand troops. Dardanelles strait in northwestern Turkey, 70 km (40 mi)
long and 2 to 6 km (1 to 4 mi) wide is situated between Asian Turkey and the Gallipoli (Gelibolu) Peninsula
of European Turkey. The action was confined to the Dardanelles Strait and the tip of the Gallipoli (Gelibolu)
Peninsula near Constantinople (now İstanbul), the Ottoman capital. The Gallipoli Campaign in 1915 tried to open

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up the Dardanelles strait. During the campaign, soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, Britain, and France tried,
but failed, to invade the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman forces, on the other hand, were inspired by the leadership
of Mustafa Kemal (later Mustafa Atatürk, president of Turkey) and the skill of their German commander, Liman
von Sanders. Finally, the Allied forces were withdrawn in December and January without victory. The British
suffered 205,000 casualties out of 410,000, which included troops from British Commonwealth countries and
colonies, such as New Zealand and Australia. The French suffered 47,000 casualties out of 79,000, including troops
from French colonial holdings. According to the Ottoman government, the Ottoman Empire suffered more than
250,000 casualties out of 500,000. The campaign badly stained the reputation of Churchill and Britain.

• May 7 - The British ocean liner RMS Lusitania is sunk by German U-boat.
• May 24 – Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary.
• September 5 - Tsar Nicholas II takes personal control over Russia’s armies.
• October 15 – The United Kingdom declared war against Bulgaria.
Ø The British ocean liner RMS Lusitania, famous for its luxurious accommodations and speed capability, primarily

ferried people and goods across the Atlantic Ocean between the United States and Great Britain. On May 1, 1915,
the Lusitania left port in New York for Liverpool with 1,959 people, 159 of whom were Americans. The U-boat
of Germany launched a torpedo at 1:40 PM and hit the starboard (right) side of the Lusitania resulting in the
explosion of the ship thereby killing 1,198 people in the ship. Amongst the dead were 128 Americans. The toll
of innocent civilians killed in this disaster shocked the world and outraged the Americans. Destroying ships not
known to be carrying war materials was definitely against the accepted international war protocols. The sinking
of the Lusitania heightened tensions between the U.S. and Germany and helped sway American opinion in favor
of joining the war despite being neutral so far.
1916
• February 21 - The Battle of Verdun (France) begins. The Battle of Verdun was the longest battle of World War I and
was one of the bloodiest.
• May 31 - The Battle of Jutland, the major naval battle of the war, begins.
Ø Battle of Verdun was major engagement of World War I, fought between German and French forces inVerdun,
France, from February to December 1916. The Germans wanted to launch a major offensive against the French
in order to end the stalemate on the western front. They chose Verdun, one of the historic guardian fortresses, of
France.
Ø Battle of Jutland was major naval engagement fought between the British and German fleets during World War I.
The action took place about 121 km (about 75 mi) off the Danish coast of Jutland on May 31 and June 1, 1916.
• August 27 – Romania declared war against Austria-Hungary.
• August 28- Italy declared war against Germany.
1917
• January 19 - Germany sends the secret Zimmerman Telegram to Mexico in an effort to entice Mexico to join the
war. The British intercept and decipher the coded message.
• March 15 - Russian Tsar Nicholas II abdicates.
• April 6 - The United States declares war on Germany.
• November 7 - The Bolsheviks successfully overthrow the Russian government.
• December 17 - The armistice agreed upon between the new Russian government and the Central Powers goes into
effect.
1918
• January 8 - U.S. President Woodrow Wilson issues his Fourteen Points to peace.
• March 3 - Russia signs the Treaty of Brest Litovsk, which is a peace treaty between Russia and the Central Powers.
The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk resulted in enormous territorial losses for Russia but was the only way in which
Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin could hold to his goal of withdrawing Russia from World War I (1914-1918).
Russia’s signing of the treaty affected the Allied Powers by freeing Germany to focus on other fronts. The Soviet
government accepted a treaty on March 3 by which Russia lost Ukraine, its Polish and Baltic territories as well as
Finland. (Russia recovered Ukraine later in 1919 (during the Russian Civil War). The Congress of Soviets ratified
the treaty on March 15.
• August 7 – The German army getting closer to face defeat in the war and marked it as a black day for the German
army.
• November 9 - German Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates and flees Germany to take asylum in Holland (the Netherlands).
• November 11 - Germany signs the armistice at Compiegne, France. Fighting ends on the 11th hour of the 11th day
of the 11th month (i.e. 11 a.m. on November 11).
1919
• June 28 – Signing of the Paris Peace Treaty. The Treaty of Versailles officially ends WWI.

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Words and terms you would like to know

Armistice (n.): a truce in a war to discuss terms for peace
Infantry (n.): soldiers who are trained to fight on foot, or a unit of such soldiers of infantry making up a regiment
Artillery (n.): soldiers who specialize in operating large powerful firearms, regarded as a group or unit
Submarine (n.): a boat built to operate and travel for long periods under water
Assassination (n.): the killing of somebody, especially a political leader or other public figure, by a sudden violent
attack
Ammunition (n.): bombs, grenades, and other explosive devices or substances used as weapons

Activities

1. Collect all the names of persons or personalities mentioned in the lesson above to place it in a table by
mentioning their designation, country and context in which they have been mentioned.

A person or a personality Designation Country
Ottoman Bismarck Chancellor Germany
William II
Tsar Nicholas II
Franz Joseph I
Franz Ferdinand
Sophie Chotek

2. The scores of negative feelings such as unhealthy competition, hatred, jealousy, revenge and other
negative thoughts work together to break out a conflict or war. This was the reason behind the outbreak
of the World War – I as well. Wherever such negative feelings and thoughts operate, they bring disorder,
destruction and defeat. No nation or individual can have long lasting success with positive effects all
around by having negativity in actions and thoughts. One must try to spot out such negativities in
surroundings as well as within oneself with an aim to weed them out for individual growth and for the
greater good of the society. Hold a discussion with your classmates to find out several ways and means
for removing such negativities at individual, societal and national levels. At the end, prepare the list of
ways and means to prevent and cure the negativities at individual, societal and national levels.

3. Suggest measures how one can avoid conflict and tension in one’s own life while being in the family,
community and in public life. Apply the suggested golden rules to avoid conflict in the life and check the
results. Give a detailed account on it from your own experience as well as from the experiences of your
near and dear ones. Present it in the classroom to generate different responses from your classmates.

4. If you were King Peter of Serbia, how would you have responded to the ultimatum given by Austria-
Hungary? Give reasons for each of the responses you would have made on the threat extended by
Austria-Hungary.

5. Match the following and then show the correctly matched historical events of the World War-I in a neat
time-line with suitable title and appropriate scale.

Date Events

a) 28th July 1914 1.The USA declared war against Germany

b) 28th August 1916 2.Versailles Treaty and end of World War I

c) 6th April 1917 3. Austria declared war against Serbia

d) 29th June 1919 4. Italy declared war against Germany

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