Social Studies Note for Grade X | Unit- 7 | Lesson- 1 Revolution of 2007BS and Delhi Agreement

Unit: Seven

Lesseon: 1

Revolution of 2007BS and Delhi Agreement

Rana Rule in Nepal

After the death of King Pratap Singh Shah, Nepal went through political instability. The Kings were not capable enough to handle the rule due to their minor age. Consequently, conspiracies and intrigues started in the courts of the Royal Palace to gain power. Jung Bahadur exploited this fluid situation in his favor and founded Ranarchy.

Jung Bahadur Rana became the Commander-in-Chief after the Kot Parva which took place on 2nd Aswin, 1903 BS. He became the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief after the Bhandarkhal Parva. After this incident, he exiled Queen Rajyalaxmi. After Alau Parva, he ousted King Rajendra Bikram Shah and placed Surendra Bikram Shah on the throne. He got the title of 'Shree 3 Maharaja' from King Surendra Bikram Shah. King Surendra Bikram Shah delegated all his powers and authorities to him. He established a roll of succession to his brothers according to which only if Rana family could hold the post of Prime Minister. All the high-ranking government posts were reserved for the Ranas. It was a family rule of Ranas. People were completely deprived of basic rights. There were conspiracies to gain power among the Ranas, too. The whole governing system was at the discretion of the Prime Minister. The country was quite isolated from the outside world. The Rana Prime Ministers ruled over Nepal for 104 years as dictators enjoying unlimited powers and authorities. The revolution of 2007 BS ended the cruel and despotic Ranarchy and introduced democracy in the country.

Causes of the Revolution of 2007 BS

1. Injustice and repressive rule of the Ranas

People were completely deprived of their basic rights but the Rana rulers and their families were enjoying unlimited power and authority. The resources were exploited. Common people were not getting justice. Lots of changes were taking place in the world. Dictatorial rules were ended in different countries one after another. But the Rana rulers were not ready to change themselves according to the need of time. This situation compelled the people to launch revolution for their rights and justice.

2. Poverty and unemployment

Majority of population was under poverty line. Agriculture was the only sector creating employment then. Traditional agriculture was not enough to sustain life. The industries and factories were not enough to provide employment opportunity to people. Educational institutions were not enough to provide technical and vocational education. At the same time, high-ranking government posts were reserved only for the Ranas and a handful elites belonging to Rana family were enjoying luxurious life. There was no option except launching revolution against injustice and deprivation.

3. World War II and worldwide wave of democracy

After the end of World War II, the wave of democracy and independence movement spread all over the world. Several countries of Asia and Africa got independence from colonial rule. India also got independence in 1947 AD. The Nepalese soldiers who returned from World War II joined in Liberation Army of the Nepali Congress. The Nepalese students who were in India for their higher study and participated in Indian War of Independence also returned to Nepal to fight against the Rana rule. It also helped to add force in the revolution.

4. Establishment of political parties and movement

When Nepalese people realized that the single effort is not enough to bring the change. They planned to move ahead with group effort. "Prachanda Gorkha" was the first organization of people established to fight against Rana rule but it could not run its activities effectively. Afterward, " The Nepal Praja Parishad', a political party was established by Tanka Prasad Acharya (Chairperson), Dashrath Chand (Vice Chairperson), Ramhari Sharma (General Secretary), Dharmabhakta Mathema and Jeevraj Sharma (Founder Member) in Ombahal, Kathmandu on 20th Jesth, 1993 BS. It was the first political party of Nepal. As this political party added fuel to the fire in the activities against Rana rule, four brave democratic soldiers (Dharmabhakta Mathema, Shukra Raj Shastri, Ganga Lal Shrestha and Dashrath Chanda) got martyrdom in Magh, 1997 BS. King Tribhuvan was also tortured by the Ranas. So, he also supported Anti-Rana activities financially and morally. "Jayatu Sanskritam Movement” was started by the students of Tindhara Pathshala in 2004 BS. The Nepali Congress and The Communist Party of Nepal were established in 2003 and 2006 B respectively. The establishment of political parties and beginning of movement widen the Anti-Rana feeling in common people.

5. Increase in political consciousness in people

Along with the rise of political consciousness, common people also joined in different political parties and movement. Some people witnessed the democratic movements in other countries also. Educational awareness was also increasing gradually in people. It led the people to fight for democracy.

6. Internal clash among the Ranas

There was no unity among the Ranas. Chandra Shumsher divided the Ranas into 'A', 'B' and 'C’ classes. 'C' class Ranas were not included in role of succession. So, they also joined in Anti-Rana movements.