NO we don't need a king in any form.

Culture evolves over time. If you are so passionate about preserving your culture, why don't you go back to Nepal, live the life from 2000 years ago and then share your opinions. It is very convenient to enjoy western comforts, dream of making big in the west, and shout about preserving culture.

If you want to preserve culture, why not go all the way back and re-instate Sati pratha. You can't pick and choose which cultures you want to reclaim. You can only live the ones that you identify with, and the rest will die in due course.

So, what exactly do we need a king for? If Kumari guthi needs king's participation in selection of new Kumari, then why not go back to the roots of Kumari, get a Malla or Licchhavi blood to do the role?

If you have it in your heart, the culture will survive all odds. Unfortunately all cultures die with each dying person.

Any rebuttals?

_x