SHORT HISTORY: The Licchavi (Suryavamsa) dynasty entered Nepal in the first century AD; it became known as the Malla dynasty after 1395. This kingdom was partitioned following the death of Raja Jayayakshamalla in 1482 into three main states , named after their capitals Bhaktapura (Bhatgaon), Banikapura (Banepa), and Kantipura (Kathmandu). The kingdom of Lalitapura (Patan) was formed in 1546. These states and many other principalities were conquered and unified from 1768 into one state by Raja Prithivi Narayan Shah of Gurkha 1743/1768 when he conquered Kathmandu from where he then ruled until his death in 1775.

Nepal 1775-1816

He left two sons, the elder of whom succeeded him but died young two years later leaving an infant son. The second son became regent but was opposed by the Queen Mother and fled to Bettiah where he remained in exile until the death of the Rajmata in 1785. He again became regent, and continued so till 1794. During this time the Gurkhas were busily annexing all the neighbouring petty states, so that in 1790 their territories extended from Bhutan to the Sutlej river, and from Tibet to the British provinces. He was removed from the regency in 1794 by his nephew and was put to death the following year. The new King was incompetent to the extant that he was forced to abdicate in favour of his infant son in 1799. He returned from exile in 1804 and served as Mukhtiyar till 1806 when he was killed by his own brother, who was immediately himself killed. During this time the Nepalese army carried on a system of encroachment on the frontier, which led to a declaration of war by the British in November 1814. After a number of reverses the British drove the Gurkhas eastward beyond the Kali River, and the Nepali forces negotiated for peace, which was short-lived. In January 1816, General Ochterlony fought his way as far as Mukwanpur, and the Nepalese again sued for peace. A treaty was concluded in March, by which the Nepalese relinquished much of their newly acquired territory, and agreed to allow a British residency to be established at Kathmandu.

Nepal 1816-1877

In November 1816, the Maharaja died, and was succeeded by his infant son, Surendra Bikram Shah, the reins of government being held by General Bhimsen Thapa, who made many enemies. In 1839, they succeeded in driving him from power, and he committed suicide, or was murdered, in prison. In 1843, Mathabir Singh Thapa, the nephew of Bhimsen, returned from exile, soon got into favour at court, and speedily effected the destruction of his old enemies the Kala Pande faction, who were seized and executed in May 1843. At this time Jung Bahadur, started to rise rapidly in the army and in favour at the court, especially with one of the ranis. On the 18th of May 1845, he killed his uncle, and took a prominent part in the government. After a short interval, he rid himself of his enemies at one fell swoop, by what is known as the Kot massacre, on the 15th of September 1846. From that time till the day of his death Jung Bahadur was in reality the ruler of Nepal and all posts of any consequence in the state were filled by Jung, his brothers and other relatives. In April 1850, he paid a visit to England, which made a great impression on him. On his return in February 1851 he at once devoted himself to reforming the administration of the country, and became its greatest benefactor. In 1854, the Nepalese entered into a war with Tibet, which lasted with varying success till March 1856, when peace was concluded on terms very favourable to Nepal. In June 1857, news of the mutiny of the native troops in India reached Nepal, and produced much excitement. Jung Bahadur, in spite of great opposition, stood firm as a friend of the British. On the 26th June 1857, 4000 troops were sent off to assist, and these rendered good service in the campaign against the mutineers, for which he was greatly rewarded.

Nepal 1877-1951

After the death of Jung Bahadur, his eldest childless surviving brother, Ranadip Singh, became prime minister. His term was full of plots by his nephews and other relatives over succession until finally he was assasinated in 1885. He was succeeded by his nephew, Bir Shamsher, who immediately launched a purge of his opponents. While in power, he brought piped water to the Kathmandu Valley, built a suspension bridge at Kulekhani, and set up a palace school where English was taught. He was succeeded by the progressive Dev Shamsher, who emancipated all female slaves, established a network of Nepali language schools, and started the first Nepali-language newspaper. He was forced to resign and retired to India. Chandra Shamsher took over and attempted to resolve the unending family feuds over succession rights by amending the Rolls of Succession by setting up three classes of Ranas. He also abolished sati in 1924 and slavery in 1926 and he electrified Kathmandu in 1924. After a brief rule by Bhim Shumsher 1929/1932, the youngest brother, Juddha Shumsher took power until 1945. During this time there was general decay in the system of government as all important post were staffed by Rana family members who implicitly obeyed the Prime Minister rather than the King. As a result, Nepal became alienated from many of the changes happening throughout the world and even in nearby India. Advances in health, education and economy were small. This more or less continued until 1951 when the King of Nepal was finally able to regain his authority.

Nepal 1951-2008

A period of semi-constitutional rule begins during which the king, assisted by leaders of the emerging political parties, govern the nation. In 1959, a constitution is issued by the king and shortly afterwards elections are held for a national assembly. HM King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev assumes direct rule in December 1960 citing corruption, and a breakdown in law and order as the reason. Later the Panchayat System, or village council democracy, is initiated by the king in lieu of a constitutional monarchy. HM King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev succeeds his father in 1972. Nepal was declared a federal republic on 14th May 2008 and the King left the palace on 11th June 2008.

CHRONOLOGY AND GENEALOGY:

• The KINGS of Nepal: Licchavi Dynasty 185/877

• The KINGS of Nepal: Raghavadeva Dynasty 879/1046

• The KINGS of Nepal: Thakuri Dynasty 1046/1201

• The KINGS of Nepal: Malla Dynasty 1201/1482

• Former PRINCELY STATES of Nepal: Various 1482/1768

• The KINGS of Nepal: Shah Dynasty 1768/2008

• The PRIME MINISTERS of Nepal: Rana Dynasty 1846/1951

See also:

(a) Nepal Rajya

(b) Nepal Chaubisi Rajya