Nepal, explained.
Pro-monarchists hold a street demonstration in Nepal, demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy, 8 April 2025 (Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A constitutionally enshrined republic means the only way back for the king is via elections, regardless of the preference of big neighbours.
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Nepal: Between India, China, Hindu nationalism and a royal returnNepal: Between India, China, Hindu nationalism and a royal return
In recent weeks, Nepal has witnessed large-scale clashes between pro-monarchy supporters and security forces. The centuries-old monarchy, which was abolished in Nepal in 2008, has regained popularity among right-wing Hindu groups and other advocates.
The Shah dynasty had ruled Nepal for centuries, but the desire for a democratic government gained momentum in the latter half of the 20th century. The popular People’s Movement of 2006, also known as the Jana Andolan II, played a crucial role in Nepal’s political transition. Mass protests against the monarchy led to a series of changes which ultimately resulted in the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accords on 21 November 2006 between the government and the Maoist rebels, paving the way for a political reshuffle.
In May 2008, the newly elected constituent assembly took a historic step by voting to abolish the monarchy, formally ending the Shah dynasty’s century-old rule. This decision marked the official declaration of Nepal as a republic.
The protesters called for the return of Gyanendra Shah, the last royal ruler of Nepal before the monarchy was dissolved. They demanded a constitutional monarchy that declares Nepal a parliamentary democracy with a Hindu identity.
If the crown returns in Nepal, the first and biggest effect will be felt by India.
The Hindu population in Nepal fears the growth of other religions in the country and has been pushed into an existential crisis with the idea of the Hindu majority being at risk. Even after the republic was established, right-wing Hindu groups have sought to restore monarchy in Nepal – if not full monarchy, at the very least ceremonial monarchy.
The current movement for the restoration of monarchy in Nepal aims to undo the achievements of the people’s movement of 1990, which replaced absolute monarchy with constitutional monarchy, and the 2006 movement, which replaced constitutional monarchy with a republic.
Context is important. The delivery of public services has not met the expectations of the people. Cases of corruption had been increasing over the years. These factors created the conditions for the re-emergence of the hitherto dormant royalists who demanded the restoration of monarchy in Nepal with the return of former king Gyanendra Shah. The pro-monarchists accused several political parties, including that of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, of being corrupt and incompetent in leading the country.
The protesters had given the government the ultimatum: restore monarchy in Nepal or face intensifying demonstrations. They then called for a large-scale protest last week in Kathmandu and thousands heeded the call. The protest was accompanied by widespread vandalism, destruction of government offices, shopping malls, and private houses. As the clashing protesters and police moved towards the international airport, the authorities halted flights and the army had to be deployed.
The Nepali Congress, the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist Leninist), the Maoist Centre, and the Communist Party of Nepal (Socialist) have all strongly condemned the monarchist violence. They want to hold the former king responsible for the protests, the destruction of public property, and the lives lost during the confrontation.
Gyanendra Shah has not made any comments about his prospective return to power. Although the support for monarchy in Nepal has grown exponentially in recent years, the chances of the former king gaining back control remain slim. The Republic has been constitutionally enshrined and the mainstream political parties of the country remain opposed to the idea of reinstating the monarchy.
Although the large Hindu population along with the pro-monarchy groups in Nepal eagerly wait for the return of monarchy, satisfaction may never come.
If the crown returns in Nepal, the first and biggest effect will be felt by India. Nepal’s oldest and closest partner has been silent about the protests. When India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar was questioned by Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba whether India supported the return of monarchy in Nepal, Jaishankar categorically denied it.
There may be individual groups in India who support the idea of Nepal becoming a Hindu rashtra or even the restoration of monarchy. However, that is not the official position of the Indian government.
The whole narrative of India approving the return of monarchy seems to have been more for domestic consumption. The same monarchists who used to accuse India of interfering in Nepal’s politics are now using the image of an Indian Chief Minister to imply that India supports their movement.
India might assume that dealing with a monarchy in Nepal would be easier than dealing with an ever-changing government that leans towards Beijing and its policies. This rests on an assumption that a reinstated monarch would renew old diplomatic relations and ties with India. But considering China’s now well-established position in Nepal, this is unlikely.
Although the large Hindu population along with the pro-monarchy groups in Nepal eagerly wait for the return of monarchy, satisfaction may never come. Nepal has now transformed into a full republic, and the only way for the former king to return to power would be through contesting formal elections.
About the author
Barshaneel Bora
Barshaneel Bora is a writer and an academic researcher, who has previously worked with top law schools in India.
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