The Last Hindu Monarchy of the world: Nepal, now democracy depends on India

India is Nepal’s largest trading partner, “Nepal’s relationship with India is highly important” says Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba after talking to PM Modi.

At one time, Nepal was the only Hindu monarchy left in the world. The Shah dynasty, also known as the Shahs of Gorkha or the Royal House of Gorkha, was the ruling Chaubise Thakuri dynasty. And the founder of Gorkha Kingdom from 1559 to 1768 and later the unified Kingdom of Nepal from 1768 to 28 May 2008. After, India moved to form its democratic republic foundations, Nepal was the only monarchy left where a Hindu King and his descendants would rule the land of Nepal.

On June of 2001, a royal massacre took place which sent shockwaves throughout the world. A son shot his father, mother, brother and sister dead to blood in their home. But, be alarmed they weren’t an ordinary family. For the father was Head and de jure King of Nepal and the mother was the most beloved Queen Aishwarya of Nepal. After shooting his own to death, he shot himself too after the rampage.

Advertisement

But, for 3 days, 3 brief days he was King of Nepal in his coma. After which he died. This is the story of Crown Prince Dipendra of Nepal.

The Last Hindu Monarchy of the world as a Democratic Republic today

A Constituent Assembly election was held on April 10, 2008. And on May 28, 2008, the newly elected Constituent Assembly declared Nepal a Federal Democratic Republic. Thus, abolishing the 240 year-old monarchy.

Her Exellency, Madam President Bidya Devi Bhandari is a Nepalese politician who is the second and current president of Nepal. She is the first woman to hold the office in the country. Officially, she is the de jure Head of State of the country of Nepal. However, Sher Bahadur Deuba is a Nepali politician serving as the prime minister of Nepal since 13 July 2021.

Nepal-India Relations

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal (MOFA) they have statistically stated. “India has been a key development partner of Nepal. Following the massive earthquakes in Nepal in April and May 2015, India promptly offered helping hands. The Government of India has also been substantially supporting Nepal’s reconstruction efforts. The Indian cooperation started in 1952 with the construction of an air-strip at Gaucharan. Since then, India has been assisting primarily in the areas of infrastructure development and capacity development of human resources in Nepal. Such assistance received from India has helped supplement the developmental efforts of Nepal. India’s economic assistance to Nepal has grown manifold in the past few decades, particularly since the restoration of multiparty democracy in Nepal in 1990.”

The Ministry also concludes, “The partnership with India in the areas of trade and transit is a matter of utmost importance to Nepal. India is Nepal’s largest trading partner. India has provided transit facility to Nepal for the third country trade. Both public and private sectors of India have invested in Nepal. The trade statistics reveals phenomenal increase in the volume of bilateral trade over the years between the two countries. However, Nepal has escalating trade deficit with India. Nepal and India have concluded bilateral Treaty of Transit, Treaty of Trade and the Agreement of Cooperation to Control Unauthorized Trade.”

Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba recently cam to India on the 1st of April. Today, he met with PM Modi. “Nepal’s relationship with India is highly important” said the Nepalese PM after talks. After today’s meeting, the Nepalese PM secure many trade wins. As, several more proposals for importing power from Nepal are being approved by India.

Will the Monarchy be restored?

Previous Prime Ministers of Nepal have only disappointed the idea of monarchy. This has triggered support for restoration of the monarchy and, more important, the country’s status as a “Hindu nation”. Growing fears of foreign countries threatens the culture of Nepal which the monarchy was said to have carried.

Political observers in Nepal were shocked. Since, they saw the massive turnout of crowds in a roaring rally. Which was Organized by the pro-monarchist and Hindu nationalist Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). This was done on the occasion of the 299th birth anniversary of King Prithvi Narayan Shah.

Therefore, today the nation maintains its position as a growing economy. The Prime Minister continues to grow his extensive power. However, the people favor the latter else as their proclaimed majority. Will the crown settle on the constitution again? Only time will entail.