DOCSLIB.ORG

The 1954 Flood and the Ascendance of Monarchy in Nepal | 57

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The 1954 Flood and the Ascendance of Monarchy in Nepal | 57 THE 1954 FLOOD AND THE ASCENDANCE OF MONARCHY IN NEPAL | 57 THE 1954 FLOOD AND THE ASCENDANCE OF MONARCHY IN NEPAL Sharad Ghimire In late July 1954, when Nepal was still an apprentice in democracy (Baral 2012), a massive flood inundated the central and eastern Nepal. The episode of the flood is mentioned in the country’s political and development history literature (Joshi and Rose 1966: 118; Shaha 2001: 310; Isaacson et al. 2001: 9; Shrestha 1990: 185; Mihaly 2002[1965]: 80). Writings on Nepal’s natural hazards and disasters have also cursorily looked at the incident (Dixit 2003; Shakya et al. n.d.). However, its significance has remained relatively unexplored. The story of 1954 flood is important for three reasons. First, it sheds light on Nepal’s tryst with foreign aid-led development. The disaster attracted US aid for relief and recovery that became a basis for the resettlement program in Nepal’s southern plains, the Tarai, particularly in Chitwan valley. Second, the saga is helpful in understanding the dynamics of state response to natural disasters when the state itself was modernizing. The incident triggered the first state-sponsored rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of a natural disaster in Nepali history (Dixit 2003: 173). Third, as this chapter shows, the story links the aftermath with the emergence of a particular political order in Nepal. This article locates the disaster in the political context of the 1950s Nepal. It analyzes the relationship between the nature of disaster response by the Nepali state and the reconfiguration of its political landscape in the aftermath of the 1954 flood. The overwhelming state response to the flood created various institutional structures for relief and recovery. These new structures and relations reconfigured the political space and led to what some historians have called ‘the monarchy in ascendance’ (Whelpton 2005). Like Olson and Gawronski (2010) have noted, disasters originate as a natural event, but become political. By focusing on the political consequences of the 1954 flood, this article aims to add a natural factor to the disintegration of the democratic platform and the ascendancy of the monarch. Standard literature has attributed the political development in the 1950s to the ambitions of the new monarch, division among political elites, lack of significant socio- Studies in Nepali History and Society 18(1): 57–80 June 2013 © Mandala Book Point 58 | SHARAD GHIMIRE economic change, frictions among the political orientations, and the external interventions and geopolitics of that time (Baral 2012). This essay argues that the challenges posed by the massive scale of the disaster management helped change the government by accelerating erosion of its legitimacy. When people lose confidence over the capacity of their government to respond to the disaster, their support to the government dwindles. The popular perception of failed management will further erode its credibility. This is Olson and Gawronski’s 5C+A framework which seeks to explain the link between disaster management and state’s legitimacy to rule. The 1954 flood also overwhelmed the new post-1951 regime, and forced it to find a reactive and top-down approach to disaster management. Yet, unlike in India, the massive institutional response of the state failed to put in place policy mechanisms to deal with such incidents in the future.1 The absence of an anticipatory mechanism and the incompetence of the incumbent coalition government meant that the politics around its response, while massive, turned into liabilities and triggered its collapse. This chapter acknowledges other political factors for the political changes in the 1950s, such as the downfall of political parties’ government in 1955. However, it claims that an analysis of the relationship between a natural crisis and politics in 1954–1955 provides a fresh perspective on that downfall. This analysis aims to establish the significance of studying environmental issues like natural hazard, deforestation and land degradation in the political context. This chapter is divided into three sections. It first provides a snapshot of the impact of the flood in different parts of Nepal as covered in the state- owned national newspaper Gorkhàpatra. Then, it describes how various governmental agencies, including the Advisory Assembly (AA), non- governmental agencies and political parties responded to the flood for immediate rescue and relief. Then the chapter attempts to relate flood crisis to the consequent political crisis. It also sheds light on the popular understanding of the flood by comparing it briefly with the great 1934 earthquake. The latter conjecture warrants further exploration. 1 In India, the same 1954 flood led to the launching of the National Programme of Flood Management (Mohapatra and Singh 2003: 138). In Nepal, such policy statement would come after three decades in the shape of the Natural Disaster Relief Act, 1982. THE 1954 FLOOD AND THE ASCENDANCE OF MONARCHY IN NEPAL | 59 The Flood and Its Impact The 152-mm daily average of heavy rainfall from 24 to 28 July 1954 caused an immense flood in central and eastern Nepal. The second bout of rainfall after a month devastated Kathmandu valley, East No. 1 and 2, and central Tarai. The first downpour claimed hundreds of lives and caused extensive damage to infrastructures and crops in and around Kathmandu valley, in the region connecting the valley to southern plains and several cities in the eastern mid-hills, and the Tarai belt (Shaha 2001: 310). The extent of the damage can be gleaned through the official media coverage of the disaster. The river Bagmati and its tributaries cut off the city of Kathmandu from the town of Sankhu and the north-eastern ridges of the valley. Consequently, the supplies of firewood and grains from the region were affected.2 In the city itself, a house in Gyaneshwor suddenly collapsed, burying ten people under the rubble.3 While the newspapers only briefly reported the damage outside the valley, one report is helpful to assess the destruction caused by the second rainfall. A government official’s field account (Amatya 2011 v.s.) indicated that the valley was also cut off from the southern plains. The road linking the valley to Bhimphedi, and thereafter to Amlekhganj, the railway track from Amlekhganj to Raxaul, and the ropeway from the valley to Dhursing ropeway terminus were unusable. The entire stock at Dhursing was destroyed. The city of Birganj was nearly washed away. In the central western hills, a landslide killed nine people in Harkapur area of Nuwakot.4 It displaced dozens of households in Jhiltung. Three were killed in Katunje Torke village where the entire cropland was washed away. The downpour also hit the eastern hill region from East No. 1 and 2, Sindhupalchowk, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Sindhuli through Bhojpur, Dhankuta to Ilam. News about the loss of property and life in the eastern hills arrived late. Nevertheless, a delegation from far-eastern district of Ilam arrived in Kathmandu to inform the extent of destruction in that area.5 In Ramechhap, the cloudburst and subsequent pre-winter drought hit hard. Most arable 2 Gorkhapatra. 2011 v.s. Sƒkhu Jàne Saóakmà Varùàko Prabhàv. 2 Bhadau, p. 4. 3 Gorkhapatra. 2011 v.s. Da÷ Janà Mànis Mañomunã, Duã Janà CahŒ Marisake. 2 Bhadau, p. 4. 4 Gorkhapatra. 2011 v.s. Pa÷cim Pahàómà Pairo ra Bàóhã: 9 Janà Mànis ra Kehã Ghar Samet Noksàn. 2 Bhadau, p. 4. 5 Gorkhapatra. 2011 v.s. Ilàmko Pratinidhimanóal Kañhmànóaumà. 2 Bhadau, p. 4. 60 | SHARAD GHIMIRE lands were left barren. Trails and bridges were damaged. Productivity of the regions plummeted.6 In East No. 1, the deluge affected 3,689 households, killed 104 persons and 187 cattle, and destroyed 2,247 houses and about 40,000 màñomurã land.7 In the western hills, the damage was sporadic but severe. In Chisapanigadhi, 13 maujàs (villages) were affected. At least 48 people (the highest in Pangre maujà) and hundreds of cattle lost lives. Goods worth about NRs. 300,000 were lost.8 In Gorkha, the loss of 73 persons, 342 cattle, 80,000 màñomurã land area and 700 houses was reported. Devastation in the Tarai was more severe. The central Tarai, particularly Bara, Parsa, Rautahat, Sarlahi and Mahottari districts were hit most. For example, the river Bagmati wrecked havoc in Malangawa region submerging many villages, displacing hundreds of families, putting children and elderly in a severe distress and covering the agriculture land with silt.9 Memories of the devastation still describe extensive sedimentation, loss of paddy, collections of floating tree trunks, disruptions of the daily routine and the exodus of people to India in search of the menial jobs (Dixit et al. 2007: 145). The eastern Tarai saw breaking of the riverbanks. The landscape looked like an expanse of waters with scattered islands of huddled houses. The precipitation subsided on 26–27 July, but soared again on 21 August.10 A 15-member relief committee of Advisory Assembly estimated a loss of NRs. 1–1.5 crore, 300 human lives and 2,000 domestic animals. About two lakhs people in the Tarai were robbed of their means of livelihood, while about 10,000 people had their lands silted. Two hundred villages were washed away in the eastern Tarai only.11 The flood disrupted whatever communication 6 Gorkhapatra. 2011 v.s. Pårva 2 Nambarko Bàóhãjanya Vivaraõ Sthanãya Janatàdvàrà De÷vàsisanga Sahayogko Apãl. 2 Pus, p. 2. 7 Gorkhapatra. 2011 v.s. Pårva 1 Na. ra Pa÷cim 2 Na. mà Ativçùñile Dhanjanko Pra÷asta Kùati: Dubai Jillàko Nirãkùaõ Garã Kami÷an Farkyo. 2 Pus, p. 4. Land area: 4 màñomurã = 1 ropanã and 1 ropanã = 5476 sq.ft. or 521 sq.m. or 0.1289 acre. 8 Gorkhapatra. 2011 v.s. Ci.I.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Study on Nepali Modernity in the First Half of Twentieth Century A
    Pathak 1 Tribhuvan University Modernist Imagination in Nepal: A Study on Nepali Modernity in the First Half of Deepak Kumar Deepak Pathak 2017 Twentieth Century A thesis submitted to the Central Department of English for the partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Philosophy in English odernity in theCentury First in odernity Half – Twentieth of By Deepak Kumar Pathak Central Department of English Kirtipur, Kathmandu April 2017 Modernist Imagination in Nepal: Nepali A Study on M Pathak 2 Tribhuvan University Central Department of English Letter of Recommendation This is to certify that Mr. Deepak Kumar Pathak has completed this thesis entitled "Modernist Imagination in Nepal: A Study on Nepali Modernity in the First Half of 20th Century" under my supervision. He has prepared this thesis for the partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Master of Philosophy in Arts (English) from Tribhuvan University. I recommend this for viva voce. ____________________ Dr. Abhi Narayan Subedi, Professor Central Department of English Tribhuvan University Kathmandu, Nepal Pathak 3 Tribhuvan University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Letter of Approval This thesis titled "Modernist Imagination in Nepal: A Study on Nepali Modernity in the First Half of Twentieth Century" submitted to the Central Department of English, Tribhuvan University, Mr. Deepak Kumar Pathak has been approved by undersigned members of the research committee. Members of Research Committee: Internal Examiner ____________________ Dr. Abhi Narayan Subedi, Professor External Examiner ____________________ Dr. Ananda Sharma, Professor Head of Department Central Department of English, TU ____________________ Dr. Ammaraj Joshi, Professor Pathak 4 Acknowledgements I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my Guru and supervisor Professor Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Language Politics and State Policy in Nepal: a Newar Perspective
    Language Politics and State Policy in Nepal: A Newar Perspective A Dissertation Submitted to the University of Tsukuba In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in International Public Policy Suwarn VAJRACHARYA 2014 To my mother, who taught me the value in a mother tongue and my father, who shared the virtue of empathy. ii Map-1: Original Nepal (Constituted of 12 districts) and Present Nepal iii Map-2: Nepal Mandala (Original Nepal demarcated by Mandalas) iv Map-3: Gorkha Nepal Expansion (1795-1816) v Map-4: Present Nepal by Ecological Zones (Mountain, Hill and Tarai zones) vi Map-5: Nepal by Language Families vii TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents viii List of Maps and Tables xiv Acknowledgements xv Acronyms and Abbreviations xix INTRODUCTION Research Objectives 1 Research Background 2 Research Questions 5 Research Methodology 5 Significance of the Study 6 Organization of Study 7 PART I NATIONALISM AND LANGUAGE POLITICS: VICTIMS OF HISTORY 10 CHAPTER ONE NEPAL: A REFLECTION OF UNITY IN DIVERSITY 1.1. Topography: A Unique Variety 11 1.2. Cultural Pluralism 13 1.3. Religiousness of People and the State 16 1.4. Linguistic Reality, ‘Official’ and ‘National’ Languages 17 CHAPTER TWO THE NEWAR: AN ACCOUNT OF AUTHORS & VICTIMS OF THEIR HISTORY 2.1. The Newar as Authors of their history 24 2.1.1. Definition of Nepal and Newar 25 2.1.2. Nepal Mandala and Nepal 27 Territory of Nepal Mandala 28 viii 2.1.3. The Newar as a Nation: Conglomeration of Diverse People 29 2.1.4.
    [Show full text]
  • Nepal, Country Information
    Nepal, Country Information NEPAL ASSESSMENT APRIL 2003 Country Information and Policy Unit I. SCOPE OF DOCUMENT II. GEOGRAPHY III. ECONOMY IV. HISTORY V. STATE STRUCTURES VI. HUMAN RIGHTS VIA. HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES VIB. HUMAN RIGHTS - SPECIFIC GROUPS VIC. HUMAN RIGHTS - OTHER ISSUES ANNEX A: CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS ANNEX B: POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS ANNEX C: PROMINENT PEOPLE ANNEX D: GLOSSARY ANNEX E: REFERENCES TO SOURCE MATERIAL 1. SCOPE OF DOCUMENT 1.1 This assessment has been produced by the Country Information and Policy Unit, Immigration and Nationality Directorate, Home Office, from information obtained from a wide variety of recognised sources. The document does not contain any Home Office opinion or policy. 1.2 The assessment has been prepared for background purposes for those involved in the asylum / human rights determination process. The information it contains is not exhaustive. It concentrates on the issues most commonly raised in asylum / human rights claims made in the United Kingdom. 1.3 The assessment is sourced throughout. It is intended to be used by caseworkers as a signpost to the source material, which has been made available to them. The vast majority of the source material is readily available in the public domain. 1.4 It is intended to revise the assessment on a six-monthly basis while the country remains within the top 35 asylum-seeker producing countries in the United Kingdom. file:///V|/vll/country/uk_cntry_assess/apr2003/0403_Nepal.htm[10/21/2014 9:56:28 AM] Nepal, Country Information 2. GEOGRAPHY Geography 2.1. The Kingdom of Nepal is a high Himalayan country, flat and fertile in the south (Terai region).
    [Show full text]
  • Political Parties in Nepal by a Nepali
    July 19, 1952 THE ECONOMIC WEEKLY Political Parties in Nepal By a Nepali EPAL does not have any been one of betrayal. The same backward economy, this is invari­ N genuine democratic tradition fate overtook the Nepal Praja Pari­ ably the method that has to be and the existence of an autocratic shad also. One of its important followed. family system among a people very members, allured by the assurances The Biratnagar strike was sup­ largely illiterate has created a mass of the Ranas, turned approver. pressed and nothing substantial was psychology which is still impervious Almost all its top-ranking leaders achieved. Neither the demands of to democratic ideas. The history of were arrested during 1942-43. Of the labourers were met nor could the political parties of Nepal, there­ these, Sri Dharma Bhakta, Ganga the political objectives be fulfilled. fore, is a history of emigre groups Lal and Dashrath Chand were shot On the contrary, the strikers were working mainly outside the country dead and Shukra Raj was guillotin­ crushed and Koirala and most of or at any rate drawing their leaders ed; Tank Prasad, Chuda Prasad and his associates were arrested and and inspiration from there. The Ram Hari were condemned to sent to Kathmandu. Here they Rana autocracy dominated Nepal rigorous imprisonment for life. were thrown behind bars without and the overthrow of this system trial. In any case a legal trial was the main object of all such Nepali National Congress would have been a mere farce, with groups in the past. Quite naturally, the Prime Minister having all the any attempt to establish such groups Following the ruthless suppres­ authority.
    [Show full text]
  • Modernism and Modern Nepali Poetry – Dr
    Dancing Soul of Mount Everest Creator & Creation (Selected Modern Nepali Poems) Editing Advisors Dr. Govinda Raj Bhattarai Rajeshwor Karki Proposer Dr. Laxman Prasad Gautam Editor Momila Translator & Language Editor Mahesh Paudyal Publisher Nepali Kalasahitya Dot Com Pratishthan [Nepali Art & Literature Dot Com Foundation] (Under the project of Nepal Academy) Dancing Soul of Mount Everest Creator & Creation (Selected Modern Nepali Poems) Editor : Momila Translator & Language Editor : Mahesh Paudyal Publisher : Nepali Kalasahitya Dot Com Pratishthan (Nepali Art & Literature Dot Com Foundation) ©:Publisher Edition : First, 2011 Copies : 1001 Cover Design : Graphic Workshop Layout : Jeevan Nepal Printer : Modern Printing Press Kantipath, Kathmandu, Phone: 4253195 Price : NRs. 1,200.00 IRs. 1,000.00 US$ 25.00 Euro 20.00 ISBN: 978-9937-2-3657-7 DANCING SOUL OF MOUNT EVEREST (an anthology of selected modern Nepali poems) Editorial Context Heart-Transfer/Moksha Esteemed Readers! Here in editorial context, I extend words of gratitude that express themselves, though they might have remained apparently unexpressed. All of your accepted / unaccepted self-reflections shall become collages on the canvas of the history assimilated in this anthology. Dear Feelers! Wherever and whenever questions evolve, the existential consciousness of man keeps exploring the horizon of possibilities for the right answer even without the ultimate support to fall back upon. Existential revelations clearly dwell on the borderline, though it might be in a clash. In the present contexts, at places, questions of Nepali identity, modernity, representativeness, poetic quality, mainstream or periphery, temporal boundaries and limitations of number evolve – wanted or unwanted. Amidst the multitude of these questions, Dancing Soul of Mount Everest has assumed this accomplished form in its attempt to pervade the entirety as far as possible.
    [Show full text]
  • Ambiguous Bikās: History of the Concept of Development in Nepal 1900–2006
    Department of Political and Economic Studies University of Helsinki Finland Ambiguous Bikās: History of the Concept of Development in Nepal 1900–2006 Bandana Gyawali ACADEMIC DISSERTATION To be publicly discussed, by due permission of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Helsinki, in lecture room PIII, Porthania (Yliopistonkatu 3) at 11:00 on Thursday, 23 August 2018 Publication of the Faculty of Social Sciences 82/2018 Development Studies Opponent Professor Mark Liechty, Departments of Anthropology and History, University of Illinois at Chicago Pre-examiners Professor Stacy Leigh Pigg, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Simon Fraser University Professor Tatsuro Fujikura, Department of South Asia and Indian Ocean Studies, Kyoto University Supervisors Professor emeritus Juhani Koponen Department of Political and Economic Studies, Development Studies, University of Helsinki Docent Sudhindra Sharma, Interdisciplinary Analysts, Kathmandu, Nepal © Bandana Gyawali Distribution and Sales Unigrafia Bookstore http://shop.unigrafia.fi ISSN 2343-273X (Print) ISSN 2343-2748 (Online publication) ISBN 978-951-51-3319-9 (Paperback) ISBN 978-951-51-3320-5 (PDF File) Unigrafia, Helsinki 2018 ABSTRACT Development, an ambiguous sociopolitical concept, has become entrenched in the imaginations and vocabulary of the people of Nepal for decades. Its Nepali translation, bikās, is commonly believed to have come into existence with the American Point Four assistance in 1951, followed by a plethora of technical and financial assistance offered by various countries. That development is to be achieved mainly through foreign-aided interventions that will ultimately propel the country to economic prosperity and social wellbeing akin to the West is the dominant view in Nepal. Such a view makes development a fairly recent phenomenon.
    [Show full text]
  • A History of Nepal John Whelpton Index More Information
    Cambridge University Press 0521804701 - A History of Nepal John Whelpton Index More information Index Note: Readers seeking information about particular individuals or events should also consult the ‘Key events’ (pp. x–xviii) and ‘Biographical notes’ (pp. 238–51) sections. The index also omits names of ethnic groups or castes which appear only in table 1.1 (pp. 9–10). abortion, 164 Armenians, 28 Acham, 58, 218 army Acharya, Tanka Prasad, 67, 68, 82–3, 88, 90, 94, contemporary role, 207, 225 155 deployment against Maoists, 218 personal attitudes, 155, 158–63 in early period, 50 as prime minister, 91–2, 133, 168–73 Arniko Rajmarg, 137 Adhikari, Man Mohan, 113, 193 Arthashastra, 252,n.8 administrative system, 129 Arun River, 13, 75, 179 affirmative action, 118 Arya Samaj, 79–80 see also reservations ascetics, 26, 30, 52, 80 Afghanistan, 44, 65 Ashrit, Jivraj, 190 Afghans, 15 Asian Development Bank, 128 Agincourt, Battle of, 38 Assam, 2, 13, 15–16, 112 Agricultural Perspective Plan, 201, 230 assimilation, 3, 11 agricultural tools industry, 133 Auckland, Lord, 44 agriculture, 1, 12, 15, 23, 26 aul, 14, 27 after 1951, 122, 126, 129, 134, 140–4, 200–1, Australia, 134, 148 230–2 Austroasiatic language family, 12 in early period, 16–18 Awadhi language, 15, 186 research in, 135 after unification, 54–5, 74 Back to the Village National Campaign, 108, 109 agro-industry, 147–8 Baglung, 55, 60 air transport, 79, 130, 138–9 Bagmati River, 157 Al Beruni, 180 bahudaliya janbad, 197 alcohol, use of, 159–60, 226–7 Bairagis, 52 All India Gorkha League, 75 baisi
    [Show full text]
  • Nepal.Pdf 38 Cleanairnet.Org
    Table of Contents Geography ____________________________________________________________ 4 Introduction _______________________________________________________________ 4 Climate ___________________________________________________________________ 7 Rivers ____________________________________________________________________ 8 Cities _____________________________________________________________________ 9 Population 2001 ____________________________________________________________ 9 Environmental Concerns____________________________________________________ 12 Natural Hazards___________________________________________________________ 14 History ______________________________________________________________ 15 Introduction ______________________________________________________________ 15 Ancient History ___________________________________________________________ 15 The Medieval Period _______________________________________________________ 16 The Modern Period ________________________________________________________ 18 Recent Events _____________________________________________________________ 29 Economy_____________________________________________________________ 30 Introduction ______________________________________________________________ 30 Industry and Manufacturing ________________________________________________ 30 Agriculture _______________________________________________________________ 32 Banking and Currency _____________________________________________________ 33 Trade ____________________________________________________________________
    [Show full text]
  • Nepal-And-The-Gospel-Of-God Lindell.Pdf
    NtPAL AND THE CiOSPtL oFfiOD NtPM AND THE fiOSPtL OF(i0D by Jonathan Lindell for the United Mission To Nepal Cover and Drawings by Hem Poudyal Published by the United Mission to Nepal in collaboration with Masihi Sahitya Sanstha. 1979 This special Jubilee Edition of NEPAL AND THE GOSPEL OF GOD celebrates the 25th anniversary of the founding of the United Mission to Nepal which took place on March 4-5, 1954, in Nagpur, India. The book is owned and pub~ished by the UNITED MISSION TO NEPAL P.O. Box 126 Kathmandu, Nepal. The printing and distribution of this Jubilee Edition has been undertaken in collaboration with the MAS/HI S.tHITYA SANSTHA (Booksellers and publishers of Christian Literature) 70-Janpath New Delhi-I, India. 5000 copies printed in February 1979 by H.K. Mehta at Thomson Press (India) Limited, India ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Board of Directors of the United Mission to Nepal decided to have this book written and asked a member of the Mission to write it. A small committee has offered guidance in its preparation. Colleagues and friends have critically read the text and offered helpful suggestions and corrections. Volunteers have typed the manuscript. These people have believed iµ this book project and have freely helped to make it possible. In this respect the book is a product of the Mission. Sincere thanks are expressed to all who have shared in its creation. The author has drawn extensively on the contents of two books by Fr. Fulgentius Vannini, A.F.M., Cap., especially in preparing Chapter 1, and is grateful for permission to quote from these books.
    [Show full text]
  • Sikkim University
    The Madheshi Question in Nepal: Implications for India-Nepal Relations A Dissertation Submitted To Sikkim University In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Philosophy By Rasik Rai Department of International Relations School of Social Sciences February 2017 Gangtok 737102 INDIA ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A note of gratitude to a number of people, whose genuine support and encouragements made this dissertation a successful work. The dissertation began and ended with the dedicated guidance and enormous help of my supervisor Mr. Ph. Newton Singh. Sir, without whom it would be almost impossible for the completion of the same. I would like to express my heartiest thankfulness and acknowledge him for the guidance and enduring support he bestowed upon me throughout. I also express my sincere thanks to the faculty members of my Department (International Relations), Dr. Manish, Dr. Teiborlang and Dr. Sebastian N. for their valuable suggestions. One of the major resources throughout the dissertation writing has been the library of Sikkim University and Central Library of Sikkim. Therefore, I am thankful to all the concerned authorities of these libraries who provided me access to the library and procure relevant materials during the course of my research. In the end, I extend my thanks to the entire family members especially papa, friends and relatives who believed on me. It was indeed their constant support, encouragement and patience which contributed at large in the process of this research. Rasik Rai Lists of Abbreviation
    [Show full text]
  • Nepalese Political Parties: 1987A
    16 17 Berreman, Gerald D. 1962. Behind many Masks: Ethnography and Impression TOPICAL REPORT Management in a Himalayan Village. Monograph of the Society of Applied Anthropology; NoA. Also published in Berreman 1992. Nepalese Political Parties: 1987a. "Pahari Polyandry: A Comparison." In: M.K . Raha (ed.), Polyandry in India: Demographic. Economic. Social, Religious and Psychological Developments since the 1991 Elections Concomitants of Plural Marriages in Women. Delhi: Gian Publishing House, pp. 155-178. John Wbelpton 1987b. "HimaJayan Polyandry and the Domestic Cycle." In: M.K. Raha (ed.). Polyandry in India ( ... ), pp. 179-197. Based on a 'computer file updated regularly since 1990, this survey does not 1992. Hindus of the Himalayas: Ethnography and Change. Delhi, etc. : claim to be analytical but simply records some of the main developments in Oxford University Press. intra· and inter·party politics up to the recent (November 1994) general Bhall, O.S. and Jain, S.O. 1987. "Women's Role in a Polyandrous Cis-Hima1ayan election.! Infonnation has been drawn principally from the Nepal Press Digest, Society: An Overview." In: M.K. Raha (ed.). Polyandry in In dia ( ... ), pp. also from "Saptahik Bimarsha", Spotlight and other publications and from 405-421. interviews conducted in Kathmandu. Only brief mention has been made of the Brown. Charles W. and loshi, Maheshwar P. 1990. "Caste Dynamics and pre·1991 history of each party, including its role in the Movement for the Fluidity in the Historical Anthropology of Kumaon." In: M.P. loshi, A.C. Restoration of Democracy, and fuller details will be found in Whclplon 1993 and Fanger and C.W.
    [Show full text]
  • Imperialism and Nepal
    CHAPTER III BACK GROUND OF POLITICAL EXTREMISM IN NEPAL Imperialism and Nepal The rise of political extremism within Nepal had two main sources : - (1) Internal and (2) External. Internally, Nepal was a feudal state with an extremely backward economy and a fragmented society, Prithvinarayan Shaha and Bahadur Shaha territorially united a land mass under Gorkha military power, which was mutilated by the Anglo-Gorkha war, and gave shape to modern Nepal. No communication system could develop among the regions, no civil society could grow. The royal family was plagued by factionalism and intrigues were very often erupting into murder. Such intrigues virtually transferred power even in the nineteenth century from the Monarch to the Prime Minister, Bhimsen Thapa. 1 As early as 1833, Brian Hodgson reported that, "The Minister had grown so great by virtue of two minorities (with but a short interval between them) and 30 years of almost uninterrupted sovereign sway that he can 1. Shaha, Rishikesh, An Introduction to Nepal., pp.102-107. 55 not no~ subside into subject and is determined to keep the Raja cypher, as his nonage, both with respect to power and to observance as far as possible". 2 The 'kot massacre' of 1846 merely confirmed this transfer of power from King to Prime Minister who happened to be a Rana. The earlier Prime Ministers were Pandes. This situation created an intra-caste rivarly, within the Nepalese Chhatri elite, between the Ranas, the Pandes and the Shahas. 3 The second impact of this transfer of power was the growth of factionalism and intrigues within the Ran a dynasty.
    [Show full text]