King Mahendra's Accession to the Throne
| Political |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published:
4 min read
King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev ascended to the throne of Nepal following the death of his father, King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah Dev. The transition occurred during a period of significant political turmoil and change within the country.
Nepal, at that time, was navigating the early stages of democratic experimentation following the end of the autocratic Rana regime. The Ranas had ruled Nepal for over a century, and King Tribhuvan played a pivotal role in dissolving their power, paving the way for a more democratic form of governance. Upon King Mahendra’s ascension, Nepal was still adjusting to these changes.
King Mahendra took on the role with a vision of continuing his father's legacy while also incorporating his own strategic insights. His reign saw the introduction of the Panchayat system, a party-less political system, which he believed was more suited to Nepal’s unique socio-political fabric. Despite its intended purpose, the Panchayat system resulted in consolidating monarchical power and had a mixed reception among the populace and political analysts.
Economically, King Mahendra’s era was marked by efforts to modernize the country. He initiated several development plans focusing on infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The King’s leadership saw some progress in these sectors, although the outcomes varied, often limited by Nepal's challenging geography and limited resources.
King Mahendra's rule significantly influenced Nepal’s foreign policy. He aimed to maintain Nepal's sovereignty and neutrality by balancing the influences of its powerful neighbors, India and China. His foreign policy initiatives included establishing diplomatic relations with several countries and joining international organizations to enhance Nepal's global standing.
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Primary Reference: Tribhuvan of Nepal - Wikipedia
Location : Nepal

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