In recent months, Nepal has witnessed a growing movement advocating for the return of the monarchy. Supporters argue that the country has suffered under a federal democratic system and that a king would restore stability. But beneath the surface of this seemingly nostalgic appeal, many see a deeper, more troubling agenda—one that seeks to reinforce the caste-based hierarchy that Nepal officially abolished decades ago.
At the heart of this movement are Hindu nationalist groups who argue that Nepal should return to its roots as a Hindu kingdom. Their rhetoric, however, goes beyond religious sentiment. It subtly echoes the old structures of privilege that benefited certain castes while marginalizing others. The monarchy in Nepal was historically intertwined with a rigid social order, where power, wealth, and influence were largely concentrated among high-caste elites. Critics fear that the push for a king is, in reality, a push to restore that old order under the guise of national identity and cultural preservation.
A Return to “Tradition” or a Step Backward?Since Nepal abolished its 240-year-old monarchy in 2008 and became a secular republic, the country has struggled with political instability, corruption, and economic difficulties. Monarchists capitalize on these frustrations, promoting the idea that a king could solve Nepal’s problems.
However, democracy in Nepal—though flawed—has given a voice to MARGlNalized communities that were historically silenced. The abolition of the monarchy came with the promise of a more inclusive society, one that recognizes the rights of indigenous groups, Dalits, and Madhesis, among others. The fear now is that the monarchy’s return would undo this progress.
For many Nepalis, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, the call for a Hindu kingdom is not about faith but about control—control over who gets to lead, who has access to resources, and who remains at the bottom of the social hierarchy. The old monarchy was not just a system of governance; it was a structure that maintained Brahmin and Chhetri dominance in politics, education, and economic opportunities.
The Global Rise of Religious NationalismNepal’s situation is not unique. Across South Asia, religious nationalism has been on the rise. In India, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has used Hindu nationalism as a political tool, MARGlNalizing religious minorities. In Nepal, Hindu nationalist forces see an opportunity to implement a similar ideology, using monarchy as a rallying symbol.
The recent pro-monarchy demonstrations are often accompanied by calls to restore Nepal as a “Hindu Rashtra” (Hindu Nation), mirroring the religious rhetoric used by hardliners in India. This raises concerns that a revived monarchy would not be a neutral guardian of all Nepalis but a tool for enforcing a rigid Hindu identity—one that leaves little room for Nepal’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.
What’s Next for Nepal?Nepal’s young democracy has many challenges, but the solution is not to revert to an outdated system that served a privileged few. Instead, strengthening institutions, addressing corruption, and ensuring social inclusion should be the priority.
The monarchy may be a romanticized idea for some, but for many Nepalis, especially those from MARGlNalized backgrounds, it represents a past they do not wish to return to. The question now is whether Nepal will continue on its democratic path or fall into the hands of those who see democracy as an obstacle to their caste and religious supremacy.
As history has shown, nostalgia can be a powerful tool in politics. The real challenge is ensuring that it does not become a weapon for reversing progress.
Last edited: 22-Mar-25 07:35 PM
