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VOL. 27, NO. 26, March 07, 2008 (Falgun 24 2064 B.S.)
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Past And Present
French scholar Sylvain Levi’s book reveals many important parts related to Nepal’s evolution as an independent nation
By A CORRESPONDENT
As the great Chinese philosopher Confucius once said one should not forget one’s origin, reading of history reminds the people how their society has evolved, how they were ruled and what difficulties their society faced in the process of its evolution.
Since Nepal has been passing through a very crucial phase of its struggle to survival, a book on Nepalese history originally written in French by French scholar Sylvain Levi and recently translated into Nepali reveals many things about the country's independent identity and its rulers of the past.
French scholar Levi had visited Nepal during the rule of Rana Prime minister Dev Shumsher when Nepal had just witnessed the death of another Rana ruler Bir Sumsher who had come to power by assassinating his own uncle Ranodip Singh along with his cousins and sons of Jung Bahadur, the founder of Rana regime.
The period was also very important because the conspiracy against liberal Dev Sumsher was already in the process by his own brother Chandra Sumsher who subsequently ruled Nepal for more than 20 years as prime minister.
Although he stayed in Nepal for a very short period to complete his research, his book about history of Hindu Kingdom of Nepal highlights the political situation at that period.
There have been a number of books on Nepal's history by British authors and officials. Levy was the first non-British to describe Nepal’s history. He gave a different perspective on Nepal situation. His views were also comparatively freer and independent as France did not have any strategic or military interest in Nepal.
Thanks to the contribution by French Embassy, the publication of book in Nepali in cheaper price has been made possible recently. Translated from French into Nepali by Dilli Raj Upreti, former Nepalese ambassador to France and French language expert, one can find very original taste when reading this book.
The second part of the book was published about one and a half years following the publication of first part. The second part of the book is very interesting in the sense that it also includes the daily diary of Levi.
In his diary, Levi observes the society of Kathmandu valley, important religious and other places as well as the rulers, palace, people and natural surroundings of the valley. His trip from Indian plain to beautiful hills and descriptions of journey helps understand Nepal’s isolation from the rest of the world.
The book begins with descriptions about religions and religious ceremonies, monuments and festivals. Levi minutely observes the festivals and historically important monuments of the valley. In the second chapter, the book includes history of Nepal ranging from history of Nanyadev, to Gurkha dynasty.
The last chapter includes the diary of his two months stay and his journey to Nepal.
Although he observes contradictions in socio-culture in Kathmandu valley where he finds the people more interested to show their mastery in recital than the mastery in content of subject and language, his observations are very realistic and based on facts.
Despite low level of contacts, France was a country which had long influence in Nepal’s society particularly in the army. Even before the visit of Jung Bahadur to England and France, Bhimsen Thapa tried to make contact with French and even imported military uniform like that of French.
As Nepal has been going through a major crisis for its identity at present, publication of the book in Nepali written by French scholar Levi is very important and significant. Dilli Raj Upreti has also contributed immensely by translating the book into simple Nepali language. As Confucius says, learning the past is important to meet the challenges at present.
Nepal: Hindu Adhirajyako Itihas (Part II)
Le Nepal: Etude Historique d’un Royaume Hindu
By: Sylvain Levi
Translated by: Dilli Raj Upreti
Edited by: Pramod Khakurel, Victor Pradhan and Basanta Thapa
Published by: Himal Book, Himal Association, Lalitpur Nepal
Price: Rs.275.00
Pages: 276
