Nepal: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present

by Axel Michaels

Until 1951 Nepal was closed to the world, landlocked between the strongest Asian powers, India and China. With its exceptional landscape, it touts the highest mountains and the greatest biodiversity on earth. It is best known as the home of Mt. Everest and holds particular fascination for those interested in climbing the Himalayas. Having long maintained its self-imposed isolation, the nation is one of the least developed in the world. Yet it is inhabited by a remarkably diverse population of 125 ethnic groups, 123 languages, and numerous religions, most notably Hinduism and Buddhism.

In this book, South Asia expert Axel Michaels covers the history of Nepal from prehistoric times and the period of the Licchavi dynasty through more recent developments, such as the rise of the republic, the first elections challenged by the Maoist insurgency (1996-2006), and the royal massacre in 2001. Chapters discuss the different principalities on the territory, among them the mysterious and legendary Mustang and Sherpa realms. Since the eighteenth century, these domains have been bundled into a contentious national history. Thus, going well beyond the center of power in the Kathmandu Valley, the book examines Nepal's relations with neighboring cultures in India, Tibet, and China, as well as the influence of British colonial power. It particularly focuses on its rich history of arts, architecture, and handicrafts. Although the Buddha was born in Nepal, the country is the world's last Hindu kingdom and is also a stronghold of Tantric traditions, shamanism, and many folk religions
whose festivals and rituals mark daily life.

Based on a wealth of primary sources in Nepali, Sanskrit, and other indigeneous languages, Nepal offers a comprehensive and updated history of this unique culture and history.

Genres: History

432 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Miguel Miró · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very academic book, serves its purpose to learn about Nepal's history and its current status but fails to convey it in a coherent narrative.

Regarding the origin of Nepali religion:

"Buddhism spread in parallel with Hinduism but was not always supported to the same extent by rulers."

Regarding its isolation nature:

"One reason why they could exist so long was Nepāla’s geographical remoteness, which discouraged distant rulers from conquering the Kathmandu Valley. Mogul rulers appear to have been content to receive elephants annually as tribute from Nepāla."

"The political power structure in Nepal from the eighteenth century on was complicated by the country’s ethnic variety, rugged geography, and political isolation, all of which favored a polycentric division of power featuring more or less strong petty kingdoms, added to which was an overly fearful administration."

Regarding the democratisation of the country:

"Law in Nepal, both prior to and within the Ain, differs from Western or Roman law primarily in the fact that the individual can hardly be separated from his or her social group

"Maoism in Nepal is not only the result of terror or economic oppression by the Śāha and Rāṇā rulers, but also the logical fulfillment of old royal heroic ideals and promises never followed through on."

"Before the middle of the twentieth century. Nepal was by no means prepared to open up to the world, to dare to try new forms of political rule, or to reform itself socially and economically. And yet it slowly succeeded in entering the modern age following the renewed assumption of power by the Śāha and the increasing democratization and reform movements pursued in the footsteps of India."

In summary:

"This shows that Nepal has followed a three- stage model of national unity: It began with the “Empire” model of Pṛthvīnārāyaṇa Śāha, with different social hierarchies and legal systems, without any tendency to a unified culture. Under the leadership of Mahendra (and, to some extent, Bīrendra Śāha), the Panchayat system emerged as a symbol of a culturally unified nation in contemporary times. This system aimed to incorporate modern democratic principles, citizenship, efficient governance, and a commitment to ensuring equal treatment of all citizens under the law, while also safeguarding their well- being within a welfare state, along with a kind of unified national culture, with minority cultures simultaneously being suppressed or neglected. Finally, it moved to the Republic of Nepal’s model of “pluricultural integration” after 1990, as ethnic minorities claim their political rights and see them becoming written into the constitution (having the Maoists integrated in the system)."

"If Nepal succeeds in continuing down this road, preserving its ethnic and cultural diversity, leaving the ethnic populations with a certain degree of autonomy, while at the same time integrating them into political decision- making processes, and if it manages the reforms needed for landownership, labor, education, and infrastructure, then the country can become a model for unity in diversity, even in the age of leveling globalization."

[Ankit Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel Michaels’ Nepal: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present stands as a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Nepal’s rich historical tapestry. Michaels, a respected scholar in South Asian studies, presents a work that is both scholarly and engaging, offering readers an extensive journey through Nepal's past, from ancient times to the present day.

The book’s strength lies in its expansive coverage of Nepal’s history. Michaels meticulously chronicles the evolution of Nepalese society, starting with the early Kirat and Licchavi periods and extending through the Malla Kingdoms, British colonial influence, and modern democratic changes. His thorough examination of each era provides a detailed understanding of how historical events have shaped Nepal’s current socio-political landscape. The narrative is enriched by Michaels’ deep familiarity with the region’s diverse ethnicities, religions, and political shifts, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in South Asian history.

Michaels’ writing is both clear and engaging, transforming complex historical developments into accessible and compelling prose. He adeptly balances scholarly detail with readability, ensuring that the book is approachable for both general readers and academic audiences. His use of primary sources and historical data adds depth to the narrative, while his skillful storytelling maintains reader interest throughout.

Another notable aspect of the book is its exploration of Nepal’s cultural heritage. Michaels delves into the country’s rich traditions, religions, and artistic expressions, providing a well-rounded view of how cultural practices intersect with historical events. This cultural dimension adds a layer of depth to the narrative, highlighting the integral role that culture plays in shaping historical outcomes and societal norms.

However, the book's extensive scope can sometimes be overwhelming. The breadth of topics covered, from ancient history to contemporary issues, may challenge readers who are new to Nepalese history. The multitude of historical figures, events, and cultural practices presented can occasionally feel dense, requiring careful reading to fully appreciate the nuances.

In conclusion, Nepal: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present is a remarkable and enriching work that offers a thorough and thoughtful examination of Nepal’s historical journey. Axel Michaels has crafted a book that not only educates but also captivates, making it a significant contribution to the study of South Asian history. Whether you are an academic, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about Nepal, Michaels’ book is a valuable and rewarding read that deepens understanding and appreciation of this fascinating nation.

[Justine K Drennan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book felt like a tour where you see too many temples. The author seems to have a passion for and great academic knowledge of sacred architecture and religious practice—which makes sense as to why he’d be into Nepal in the first place. But I wanted to know more about the people, especially in modern times, and less about, say, what year part of a particular religious site was gilded. There might be less recorded about the people than the temples—and I get that it’s hard to write a history of Nepal because the country is so diverse. Even so, the balance felt off to me, and modern history very rushed. He sums up major modern events in a couple lines, eg., “People demanded democratic reform. In 1979–80 mass protests were again staged and violently suppressed.” That’s it, with no sense of how these things really developed. In fact, he emphasizes how disconnected palace and ‘governing’ elites were from basically everyone else for almost all of Nepali history, making the lack of attention to how the population got politicized in the lead up to the Maoist uprising all the more disappointing. Meanwhile, details about religious ritual in the Kathmandu valley are repeated multiple times in different sections.

The author mentions in the intro that someone suggested a reorganization of the book, and I don’t know what the previous org was, but I fear they may have done him a disservice. Laying it out topically and then chronologically, and then topically again, made for both confusion and repetition. It probably doesn’t help, as he also mentions in the intro, that the text was translated from German, which in my experience often makes for fairly dry prose. It might be partly a case of the author knowing his stuff very well but/hence lacking the perspective to convey it effectively. He relies a lot on long lists of things—of temples, rituals, kings, jatis, etc—that mean little to the uninitiated reader when just enumerated like that. Reading what monument was built when in which town that was never mentioned before tells me that the author has done his research, but little else.

[Konrad von Pless · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard for me to speak about the book's precision, as I am not an expert on Nepal, but it neatly presents the country, its people, culture, history, and problems in a concise and accessible form.