Nepal at the Crossroads: The Resurgence of Monarchy and Hindu State Demands

In recent months, Nepal has been witnessing a significant political and ideological resurgence as thousands take to the streets demanding the restoration of the monarchy and the re-establishment of Nepal as a Hindu nation. This wave of demonstrations, predominantly seen in Kathmandu and other urban hubs, reflects a broader undercurrent of public dissatisfaction with the current federal democratic structure, political instability, and perceived erosion of national identity.

Historical Background: From Monarchy to Republic

Nepal was a Hindu kingdom ruled by a monarchy for over 240 years. The Shah dynasty, established in 1768 by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, played a central role in unifying the country. However, the monarchy's role began to wane in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as democratic aspirations grew among the population.

The turning point came in 2001, when a tragic royal massacre led to the deaths of King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya, and several other royal family members. His brother, Gyanendra Shah, assumed the throne. However, Gyanendra’s rule soon became controversial. In 2005, he dismissed the elected government and took direct control, citing the need to deal with the Maoist insurgency. This move was met with widespread protests and international condemnation.

By April 2006, a massive people’s movement known as the “Loktantra Andolan” (People’s Movement) forced Gyanendra to step down and reinstate the parliament. The political transition culminated in 2008, when the monarchy was officially abolished and Nepal was declared a federal democratic republic. The country also adopted a secular identity, removing its previous status as the world’s only Hindu kingdom.

Current Unrest: Monarchy and Hindu State Re-emerging

Despite the aspirations for a democratic republic, Nepal has faced chronic political instability since 2008. The country has had 14 prime ministers in 17 years, and frequent changes in government have hindered policy continuity and development. Corruption, unemployment, and slow economic growth have further eroded public trust in democratic institutions.

This disillusionment has fueled the resurgence of monarchist and Hindu nationalist sentiments. On March 5, 2025, a massive motorcycle rally organized by the pro-monarchy Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) in Kathmandu called for the reinstatement of the monarchy and declaration of Nepal as a Hindu nation. Thousands of supporters joined the rally, waving national flags and holding up pictures of former King Gyanendra Shah.

When Gyanendra returned to Kathmandu from Pokhara on March 11, 2025, he was greeted by a crowd of nearly 10,000 supporters at Tribhuvan International Airport. Many chanted slogans such as “Bring back our king” and “Make Nepal a Hindu state again.” These events underline the symbolic and emotional connection some Nepalis still feel toward the monarchy and traditional identity.

The Numbers and Political Landscape

While the demonstrations are visually and emotionally impactful, monarchist political parties have not secured significant seats in national elections. The RPP, despite being vocal and visible, remains a minor party in Nepal’s parliament. In the 2022 general elections, the RPP won just 14 out of 275 seats in the House of Representatives.

This indicates that although a section of the population supports the monarchy and Hindu state demands, it is not yet a majority view. Nevertheless, the movements have created political ripples. Prominent figures, including Tourism and Culture Minister Prem Ale, have suggested that if a majority of Nepalis support a Hindu state, a referendum could be considered — a significant departure from earlier hardline secular stances.

Conclusion: A Nation in Transition

Nepal’s struggle is emblematic of the tension between tradition and modern democratic values. The desire for stability, identity, and governance accountability has led some to romanticize the monarchy era, despite its historical authoritarianism. At the same time, others fear that restoring the monarchy or Hindu statehood would roll back hard-won democratic and secular gains.

The coming months and years will be crucial for Nepal. The government faces the challenge of restoring public trust, improving governance, and addressing national identity debates in a way that includes all communities. Whether the monarchy will return or the secular republic will strengthen depends on the political will, civic engagement, and perhaps, a future referendum that could decide the country’s ideological path.