⏱ 4 min read
Between 2052 and 2065 BS, Nepal went through an armed conflict, a royal massacre, a royal takeover, a massive people’s movement, a peace agreement and finally the end of the monarchy. These events led to the Constitution of 2072. This note sets them out in order with the key dates asked in Lok Sewa.
1. Armed conflict and royal events
| Event | Date (BS) | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Start of the Maoist armed conflict (“People’s War”) | 1 Falgun 2052 | Led by CPN (Maoist); lasted about ten years; about 17,000 people were killed |
| Royal massacre | 19 Jestha 2058 | King Birendra and most of his family were killed at Narayanhiti Palace; Gyanendra became king |
| Royal takeover | 19 Magh 2061 | King Gyanendra dismissed the government and took direct rule |
2. Path to the People’s Movement
- The Seven Party Alliance (SPA) of parliamentary parties opposed the royal takeover.
- On Mangsir 2062 BS (November 2005), the SPA and the Maoists signed the 12-point understanding in New Delhi to end autocratic monarchy and hold a Constituent Assembly election.
3. People’s Movement 2062/63 (Jana Andolan II)
- It lasted 19 days, from 24 Chaitra 2062 to 11 Baisakh 2063 BS (6 to 24 April 2006).
- Millions joined strikes and protests across the country; many people were killed or injured.
- On 11 Baisakh 2063 BS, King Gyanendra reinstated the dissolved House of Representatives. This day is marked as Loktantra Diwas.
- Girija Prasad Koirala became Prime Minister.
- The reinstated House declared Nepal a secular state and cut the king’s powers.
4. Peace agreement and Interim Constitution
- The Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed on 5 Mangsir 2063 BS (21 November 2006) between Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), formally ending the armed conflict.
- The Interim Constitution of Nepal 2063 came into force on 1 Magh 2063 BS.
- The UN Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) monitored arms and armies.
- The Madhesh movement of 2063 BS led to an amendment for a federal system.
5. Constituent Assembly and Republic
- The first Constituent Assembly election was held on 28 Chaitra 2064 BS (10 April 2008); the CA had 601 members.
- Its first meeting on 15 Jestha 2065 BS (28 May 2008) ended the 240-year-old monarchy and declared Nepal a Federal Democratic Republic. Jestha 15 is Republic Day.
- Narayanhiti Palace became a museum.
- The first CA was dissolved in 2069 BS without a constitution; the second CA was elected on 4 Mangsir 2070 BS and passed the Constitution of Nepal 2072.
6. Timeline of key events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1 Falgun 2052 BS | Maoist armed conflict begins |
| 19 Jestha 2058 BS | Royal massacre; King Birendra and family killed |
| 19 Magh 2061 BS | King Gyanendra takes direct rule |
| Mangsir 2062 BS | 12-point understanding between the Seven-Party Alliance and the Maoists |
| Chaitra 2062 – 11 Baisakh 2063 BS | Jana Andolan II; King reinstates the House of Representatives |
| 5 Mangsir 2063 BS | Comprehensive Peace Accord signed |
| 1 Magh 2063 BS | Interim Constitution comes into force |
| 28 Chaitra 2064 BS | First Constituent Assembly election |
| 15 Jestha 2065 BS | Nepal declared a federal democratic republic |
7. Results of the movement
- End of the monarchy and the start of the republic.
- End of the armed conflict and integration or rehabilitation of Maoist combatants.
- Election of a Constituent Assembly with inclusive representation.
- Federalism, secularism and inclusion became central demands, later included in the 2072 Constitution.
8. How this topic is asked in the exam
Objective items ask the dates of the royal massacre, the Peace Accord, the Interim Constitution and the declaration of the republic. Subjective questions ask about the achievements of Jana Andolan II or the peace process. Arrange points in time order and end with the outcome.
📌 Key points to remember
- Armed conflict began on 1 Falgun 2052 BS.
- Royal massacre: 19 Jestha 2058 BS; Gyanendra became king.
- Royal takeover: 19 Magh 2061 BS.
- 12-point understanding between SPA and Maoists in New Delhi (Mangsir 2062).
- Jana Andolan II lasted 19 days (24 Chaitra 2062 to 11 Baisakh 2063).
- House reinstated on 11 Baisakh 2063 (Loktantra Diwas).
- Comprehensive Peace Agreement: 5 Mangsir 2063 (Koirala and Prachanda).
- Interim Constitution: 1 Magh 2063; CA election: 28 Chaitra 2064 (601 members).
- Republic declared on 15 Jestha 2065 BS (Republic Day).
📝 Quiz
Test yourself: People’s Movement 2062/63, Peace Agreement and Republic
50 questions check what you read about Armed conflict and royal events, People’s Movement 2062/63 (Jana Andolan II) and Constituent Assembly and Republic. Each attempt picks 25 at random.
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