Kingdom Lost: Nepal’s Tryst with Democracy

by Sagar S.J.B. Rana

Kingdom Lost is a sequel to Singha Durbar released in 2017. The urge and rationale for a book on the Rana regime arose on the belief that such a work, coming from one with ancestral links with the Rana family and political links with the democratic forces and Nepali Congress, will reflect an objective and balanced view of those times. As the work, starting sometime in 2006, progressed, the author was drawn into exploring the entire range of Nepali history, with a stress on the modern era.
Singha Durbar covers the period till the fall of the Rana regime in 1951, and this sequel starts off then and ends in 2008. Kingdom Lost in particular relies heavily on one-on-one interviews with key political and military leaders of the country. The author’s uninterrupted involvement in the churning of political activities and extensive travels allows graphic depiction of the tumultuous sequence of history.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 5, 2023

Reviews

[Dirghayu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book ambitiously tackles two major political events in Nepal but ultimately fails to provide a balanced or thorough analysis. The author demonstrates a clear bias toward the Nepali Congress, particularly in favor of Sher Bahadur Deuba, while displaying the controversial Girija Prasad Koirala in a negative light. The works of communist parties during the Panchayat era is notably lacking in detail, which limits a fuller understanding of the political landscape.

While the author highlights the corruption of UML ministers, there is a noticeable defensiveness regarding Deuba's missteps during his tenure as prime minister. The coverage of the post-1991 era is sparse, potentially influenced by the continued political relevance of the figures involved.

Additionally, the book suffers from numerous editing mistakes and factual inaccuracies, further diminishing its reliability. It may be useful for readers seeking a superficial understanding of Nepalese politics, but those looking for a comprehensive and unbiased exploration will likely find it wanting.

[Divyanshu Dahal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book providing thorough description of political history of Nepal from the end of Rana regime(2007 BS) to the end of Shah dynasty's rule.