Rana Regime

Rana Regime

    Several decades after Prithvi Narayan Shah were characterized by power politics of conspiracy. Taking advantage of very young kings, regents as well as countries indulged in conspiracies for power. Such political instability, regents as well as countries indulged in conspiracies for power. Such political instability paved way for the rise of Jung Bahadur, whose family had long been in contact with the place. As a clever youth, Jung Bahadur availed of the situations in the Kot Massacre. Immediately he was appointed Commander – In-Chief and then Prime minister. Thus, the event of mass killing marked the beginning of Rana autocracy that would govern Nepal for next 104 years. Two other similar episodes –Bhandarkhal Event and Alau Event contributed further to the rise of his power. He was also favoured strongly by the East India Company.

        Following Jung Bahadur, eight Rana Prime Ministers inherited the throne according to rules of succession. They exercised absolute power and made the Kings their puppet. Some Ranas even changed the rules in favour of their families. Ranoddip was killed and Dev Shumsher and Padma Shumsher were forcefully discharged for the purpose. With the exception of one or two, the Rana Prime ministers were very cruel, unjust and extravagant. They embezzled public property and lived in indecent luxury. With lifeblood support from the British East India Company and suppression of public freedom and strong control over education and outside influence, they tried to sustain their rule.

        Despite their despotic nature, Ranas also brought several reforms in the country. Social evils such as slavery and sati system were abolished. Agriculture got diversified and industrialization began to take a shape. However, most of their reforms might be either for gaining public support for their autocratic rule or for enlarging their luxury. Ranas also maintained intimate relations with some countries such as Britain and France. Peace and Security would not be violated at least by the ordinary citizens.

         Rana regime was founded at the cost of many innocent lives and it was doomed to collapse. Conspiracies and takeovers remained a commonplace. One would try to rise at the cost of others. From the very beginning ordinary people had developed hatred and distaste for the system through they could not bring it out until they got strong leadership. Finally the time came. The East India Company, the foundation of the Ranas collapsed. There was worldwide wave of political changes after World War II. Here in Nepal, an armed revolution was staged under the leadership of Nepali Congress Party which had its own liberation army. Many Nepalese, who had fought in the Indian Freedom Moment, come back and used their expertise in the agitation in Nepal. As it turned out, the national government of India supported the armed agitation. Meanwhile, the reigning king Tribhuwan abdicated the throne and was received in New Delhi, where a tripartite agreement was concluded between the king, the Ranas and the revolutionaries under an active mediation of the Indian government. Accordingly, a Rana-Congress coalition government was formed with the monarchy fully restored.