Book Review (Spotlight Weekly)

On Rana Rule

Historian Saphalya Amatya narrates the Rana history and the role of King Tribhuwan in establishing democracy in Nepal

By A CORRESPONDENT

The Rana family had ruthlessly ruled Nepal for 104 years. Only in 1951, Nepal saw a new political system where people became free to express their desires. Although many books have already been published narrating the Rana rule and revolution of 1950, only a few of them are objective and based on the facts.

Rana Rule In Nepal
Written by: Shaphalya Amatya
Published by: Nirala Publication, New Delhi India
Distributed by: Lotus Book, Kopundole Hanumansthan
Price: IRs. 695.00

Written by Amatya, a noted scholar of Nepalese culture, the book "Rana Rule in Nepal" is a book where the author describes the period of Rana rule and struggle for the democracy in an objective manner. The history of Rana rule was a period of conspiracy, infighting and atrocities since the family oligarchy had ruled the country taking over all the powers on their own hands.

"Rana Rules in Nepal is a pioneering study of the most intriguing chapters of Nepalese. I have made efforts to probe Rana rules and armed struggle launched against them," said Amatya who did his Ph. D. in history from Jawahar Lal Nehru University, India.

Till 1951 when a popular movement overthrew Rana regime, the country was under the tyrannical rule. The families of Rana exercised all political powers and misused the economic benefits to enhance their family properties.

Since Amatya's family and several of his relatives served in Royal Palace as well as with Ranas in various officials and personal capacities, he has insights about the situation of 1950.

Amatya opens the book with a brief study of the factors responsible for sustaining the despotic Rana rule, discussing characteristic features of Nepalese society and gradual process of political socialization. Amatya explains all the events citing the facts and figures including the implication of Indian freedom movement and the role of Nepalese intelligentsia.

To analyze the reasons behind the popular uprising against Rana rule, Amatya analyzes policies of the three Rana Prime Minister Juddha Sumsher Rana, Padma Sumsher Rana and Mohan Sumsher Rana. He particularly deals with their handling of foreign policy and domestic policy. He also discusses about the great earthquake of 1935, the second world war and the emergence of consciousness among the masses. Amatya also exposes the oppressive policies of Rana giving detailed description of the growth of popular uprising against Rana.

At a time when the Indian leaders were struggling for independence, many Nepalese were learning in different Indian schools and universities where they understood the importance of human freedom.

In other chapters, Amatya discuses the political opposition and the international pressure faced by them. Amatya also explores the dawn fall of the Rana rule focusing on all the aspects including the differences within the Rana family.

Along with discussing other aspects of revolution, Amatya also describes the role of King Tribhuwan and his contribution to overthrow Rana regime. He examines King Tribhuwan as a King, politician and a statesman.

Being close relatives of the families who were associated with the Royal Palace, Amatya seems to have acquired much information about the personal contribution of the King Tribhuwan. This is the first of its kind book where the author discusses all three dimensions of King Tribhuwan. Through his in-depth study on the history of Nepal, Amatya presents in a chronological order the dark chapters of history that ushered the dawn of democracy in this Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.

The life under the tyrannical rule of Ranas analyzing the socio-political and economic aspects, Amatya's book helps to understand the backwardness of Nepalese society.