1.
Introduction to Nepal
• The Kathmandu Valley was originally a lake (Nagdaha) drained by Lord Krishna,
making it habitable.
• The name "Nepal" has various origins:
o Tibetan: "Ne" (house) and "Pal" (wool).
o Lepcha: "Ne" (sacred) and "Pal" (cave).
o Newar: "Ne" (middle) and "Pa" (country).
o Hindu texts: Saint "Ne" protected the area.
2. Geography
• Area: 147,181 sq. km (landlocked).
• East-west length: 885 km; north-south mean width: 193 km.
• Divided into three ecological zones:
1. Tarai Region (60–600 m): Fertile plains, "Store of Grains."
2. Hilly Region (600–3,000 m): Largest zone with valleys and herbs.
3. Mountain Region (3,000–8,848 m): Snow-capped peaks, including Mt.
Everest.
3. Political History
• Ancient Period (900 B.C.–880 A.D.):
o Gopal and Mahispal dynasties (cow and buffalo herders).
o Kirant rule marked trade development and the rise of Hinduism and
Buddhism.
• Medieval Period (Malla Period, 880–1768 A.D.):
o Known for cultural and architectural advancements.
o Jayasthiti Malla introduced reforms, including Varna-based stratification.
o The valley divided into three kingdoms (Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur) after
Yaksha Malla’s death.
• Modern Period:
o Unification led by Prithivi Narayan Shah (1769).
o The Anglo-Nepal War (1814–1816) led to territorial losses under the Treaty of
Sugauli.
4. Anglo-Nepal War
• Causes: Territorial disputes, trade ambitions of the British East India Company, and
the conflict over Butwal and Syuraj.
• Key Battles: Nalapani (Balabhadra Kunwar), Jaithak (Bhakti Thapa), and Malaon.
• Outcome:
o Treaty of Sugauli (1816): Nepal lost large territories, including Kumaon and
Garhwal.
o British interference in Nepal's internal matters.
5. Rana Regime (1846–1950)
• Autocratic rule established after the Kot Parva (massacre).
• Administrative and social changes:
o Introduction of Muluki Ain (Civil Code).
o Establishment of schools (Tri-Chandra College, Kanya School).
o Reforms in agriculture and trade.
o Persisting social issues: caste system, untouchability, child marriage.
• Significant incidents:
o Makai Parva: A book controversy led to imprisonment.
o Library Parva: Arrests of activists promoting public awareness.
6. Democratic Movements and Modern Politics
• 1950 Democratic Revolution: Ended the Rana regime.
• Delhi Agreement (2007 BS):
o Interim government with Ranas and Congress leaders.
o King Tribhuvan reinstated as the legitimate monarch.
• Party-less Panchayat System (1960–1990):
o Imposed by King Mahendra after dismissing the first elected government (B.P.
Koirala).
o Opposed through movements like the 1990 revolution.
• People’s Movements (I & II):
o 1990: Multi-party democracy introduced.
o 2006: Abolition of the monarchy and establishment of a Federal Democratic
Republic.
7. Key Modern Events
• Maoist Insurgency (1996–2006):
o Armed conflict with the government, demanding socio-economic reforms.
o Ended with the Comprehensive Peace Accord (2006).
• Royal Massacre (2001):
o King Birendra and his family were assassinated, leading to Gyanendra’s rule.
• Constitution of Nepal (2015):
o Declared Nepal as a Federal Democratic Republic with seven provinces.
8. Cultural and Historical Highlights
• Nepal’s rich cultural diversity stems from multi-ethnic and multi-religious
influences.
• Strong ties with India, Tibet, and China historically for trade, diplomacy, and cultural
exchanges.
