The End of Rana Rule and the 2007 BS Revolution (1950–1951)

In 1950–51 (2007 BS), the Rana regime, which had ruled Nepal for 104 years, ended. This event, known as the revolution of 2007 BS, is the starting point of Nepal's modern democratic history, and a top exam topic. This chapter explains what led to it, how it unfolded, and what followed in the next decade.

Years are given in both AD and BS where common. Some dates differ by a day or two between sources; where that happens we use "around" or the month.

Why the Ranas weakened

• Opposition from within. Praja Parishad's martyrs in 1941 were remembered, and new groups, including the Nepali Congress, grew stronger.
• Change outside. India became independent in 1947, which removed the British protection the Ranas had relied on, and India's new leaders were sympathetic to reform in Nepal.
• Workers and students. Strikes such as the one in the Biratnagar jute mills in 1947 showed a mood for change.
• Divisions in the Rana family and the weak reforms of the late 1940s.

The Nepali Congress and the plan

The Nepali Congress was formed in 1950 from the merger of earlier groups. Its leaders included Matrika Prasad Koirala and B. P. Koirala (Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala). It decided on a struggle against the Ranas, and planned an armed revolt supported by the king. King Tribhuvan, who was a virtual prisoner in his palace, secretly agreed to support them.

The 1950 events

• July 1950: the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Nepal and India. Signed by the Rana government and India, it set the basis for the special relationship between the two countries and is still a major topic of debate.
• 6 November 1950 (Kartik 2007 BS): King Tribhuvan takes refuge. The king and members of his family left the palace on the pretext of a hunting trip and took shelter in the Indian embassy in Kathmandu. A few days later they were flown to Delhi. This was the turning point.
• The Rana response. Prime Minister Mohan Shumsher declared the king deposed and put the king's three-year-old grandson, Gyanendra, on the throne. Most countries did not recognise this, including India.
• The armed revolt. From November 1950, Nepali Congress fighters, called the Mukti Sena (Liberation Army), attacked government posts in places including Birgunj, and took control of several areas. Protest spread.

The Delhi Compromise

India mediated between the Ranas, the king and the Congress. In early 1951 (Falgun 2007 BS), the parties reached the Delhi Compromise (also called the Delhi Agreement or tripartite agreement). Its main terms:

• The Rana regime would end and the king's authority would be restored.
• An interim government would be formed with Mohan Shumsher (the Rana) as prime minister, and an equal number of Rana and Nepali Congress ministers.
• An elected Constituent Assembly would be held to write a constitution.

King Tribhuvan returned to Kathmandu on 15 February 1951 and on 18 February 1951 (7 Falgun 2007 BS) he announced the end of the Rana regime and the beginning of a new era. This day is observed every year as Democracy Day (Prajatantra Diwas).

The first years of democracy (1951–1960)

• Interim governments. The first cabinet, with Rana and Congress members, did not work well. In November 1951, Matrika Prasad Koirala became the first non-Rana prime minister, and from then governments changed frequently.
• The Constituent Assembly promise was not fulfilled. The elections kept being delayed, and a Constituent Assembly was not formed at that time.
• King Tribhuvan died in 1955 and was succeeded by his son King Mahendra.
• The Constitution of 1959. King Mahendra issued a constitution in 1959 (2015 BS) that provided for a parliament, while keeping large powers for the king.
• The first general election (1959). Held in early 1959, it was won by the Nepali Congress with a large majority. B. P. Koirala became the first elected prime minister of Nepal.

The end of the first democratic experiment

On 15 December 1960 (1 Poush 2017 BS), King Mahendra dismissed the elected government of B. P. Koirala, dissolved parliament, banned political parties and had many leaders arrested. He argued that the parties had failed and that a different system, suited to Nepal, was needed. This act is called the royal coup of 2017 BS, and it began the Panchayat period, covered in our next chapter.

Exam focus

• End of Rana rule: 7 Falgun 2007 BS (18 February 1951). Democracy Day.
• King who took shelter in the Indian embassy: Tribhuvan (6 November 1950).
• Peace and Friendship Treaty with India: July 1950.
• Agreement that ended the Rana regime: the Delhi Compromise (tripartite agreement).
• Army of the Nepali Congress revolt: Mukti Sena.
• First non-Rana prime minister: Matrika Prasad Koirala (1951).
• First general election: 1959; first elected PM: B. P. Koirala.
• Royal coup: 1 Poush 2017 BS (15 December 1960), by King Mahendra.

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