This talk chronicles the modern history of Nepal from its monarchical roots to current constitutional controversy.

1. Nepal: A Brief History
Josh Gellers, PhD
September 16, 2015

2. Geography
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3. Vital Statistics
• Population: 28 million (2014)
• GDP per capita: $698 (2014)
• Life expectancy: 67 male/70 female (2013)
• % with access to electricity: 76% (2012)
• % living in extreme poverty: 24% (2010)
• Human Development Index: 145/187 (2014)
• Diversity: 101 ethnic groups, 91 linguistic
groups, 9 religious groups
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4. Early History
• Lichavi Dynasty (400-750 AD)
– Lichavis migrate to Nepal from northern India and
set up a peaceful, centralized system
• Malla Dynasty (12th-15th centuries)
– Kantipur (Kathmandu) founded, and Kathmandu
Valley divided into 3 kingdoms (Kathmandu,
Bhaktapur, and Patan) resulting in wars
• Shah Dynasty (1768-2008)
– Nepal unified under King Prithi Narayan Shah,
and war with Great Britain caused loss of Terai
– Marked by periods of monarchy (1768-1846),
hereditary prime ministers (1846-1951), and
constitutional monarchy (1990-2008)
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5. Modern Struggles
• 1959: Multiparty system achieved via democratic
constitution
• 1960: King Mahendra seizes power and installs partyless
regime (Panchayat)
• 1990: First People’s Movement (Jana Andolan I) leads to
democratic constitution
• 1996: Maoist insurgents wage People’s War against the
state, resulting in 13,000 deaths
• 2002/05: Royal coups led by King Gyanendra restore rule of
the crown
• 2006: Maoists and political parties unite to oppose king in
second People’s Movement (Jana Andolan II)
• 2007: Interim Constitution adopted
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6. Nepal Today: Natural Disaster
• April 2015: Nepal earthquake
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7. Nepal Today: Constitutional Crisis
• 2008: Began drafting new constitution
• 2010: Deadline passes
• 2011-15: Deadline extended, protests ensue
• Today: Constituent Assembly overwhelmingly
approves adoption of new 2015 constitution
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8. A New Hope/The Final Frontier
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