VOL. 27, NO. 18, January 11, 2007 (Paush 27 2064 B.S.)

Written by scholar Kamal Dixit, the new book on Junga Bahadur reveals many important aspects of history of Nepal

By A CORRESPONDENT

In the last two hundreds years of history, Nepal has gone through many ups and downs. During this period that marked its struggle for survival, Nepal has seen many leaders of various clans.

From rise of queens to the center of power to rise and fall of Bhimsen Thapa, Nepal's history is full of tragic and mysterious events. The factional fighting in the palace politics virtually pushed Nepal into the brink of collapse.

Although many historians have their own version of personality and capability of Junga Bahadur, the rise of Junga Bahadur helped to maintain unity of Nepal as an independent nation. Of course, he was a founder of Rana oligarchy in Nepal - who ruled Nepal ruthlessly for 104 years - but he had made enormous contribution   to Nepal.

Many books have been published in Nepal regarding the rise and fall of Rana regime and rise and fall of Junga Bahadur but only a few authors have published books which have evaluated the period objectively and impartially.

In his recently published book Junga Bahadurko Belayeti Kapi, Nepal's prominent litterateur Kamal Dixit - who has already written two books previously on Junga Bahadur -has revealed many more new information.

Based on his diary, the new book has many interesting things. From collecting the information regarding the way to go to pilgrimage Badri-Kedar, there are also interesting pieces on how Junga Bahadur drafted the first civil code or Muluki Ain.

This book also reveals many other important things about how Nepal was preparing for the possible war with Tibet. There were also incidents of Nepal's serious trouble with Tibet. This book also has  a route map on how to go to Lhasa.

The book also includes letters written to East-India company about Nepal-Tibet war and its implications to Nepal. Although Junga Bahadur was illiterate, he had the sense to write important things for record. This may be the reason why Junga Bahadur asked some of his secretaries to write the events.

Based on the articles published in Himal Magazine, Kamal Dixit's new book is also full of  interesting stories related with Junga Bahadur Rana. The book is edited by Rajendra Dahal.

Although it is now out of print, author Dixit's earlier book Junga Geeta is also very interesting  

Nepal's recorded history is not very old, most of the history books were written on the basis of hear and say. From history of Kirat period to founder of Rana oligarchy Junga Bahadur Rana, Nepal's history is full of distorted versions.  

After reading his letters, one can easily draw the conclusion that Junga Bahadur was a shrewd leader as well as a man of dedication. By publishing this book, Dixit has made a great contribution by revealing important aspects of historic persnalities.