Nepal, the Himalayan nation nestled between two geopolitical giants, India and China, finds itself at a crucial turning point in its political evolution. More than 15 years after transforming from a monarchy to a secular federal republic, the country is witnessing a resurgence of public sentiment in favour of restoring the monarchy and re-declaring Nepal a Hindu state.

Nepal’s transition to republicanism in 2008 was born of a historic moment. The People’s Movement (Jan Andolan II) of 2006, coupled with the Maoist insurgency and widespread political discontent, dismantled the centuries-old Shah monarchy. King Gyanendra’s controversial assumption of absolute power in 2005 and the memory of the tragic royal massacre of 2001 further alienated the monarchy from public sympathy. In its place, a secular, democratic republic was envisioned—a system intended to be more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of the people.

Yet, over the past decade and a half, the new system has struggled to deliver on its promises. Political instability, weak governance, rampant corruption, and recurring constitutional crises have plagued the republic. Frequent changes in government, infighting within and between parties, and the growing perception of elite capture have alienated the public. Rather than serving as an instrument of reform, democracy has increasingly come to be seen as a vehicle for power struggles and patronage.

The Resurgence of Monarchist Sentiment

In this environment of political fatigue and disillusionment, the monarchy has begun to re-emerge as a symbol of lost stability and national unity. Former King Gyanendra Shah, though largely silent since his abdication, has drawn large and enthusiastic crowds during his recent public appearances. Rallies in cities such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bharatpur have featured chants of “Raja aaunuhos, desh bachaunuhos” (King, please return and save the nation), reflecting a growing nostalgia for the monarchy’s symbolic role.

Importantly, this revival is not confined to older generations. A significant number of young Nepalis, many of whom have no direct memory of the monarchy, have also joined the call for its return. Their support reflects less a desire for absolutism and more a protest against the dysfunction of the current political order. For these citizens, the monarchy represents continuity, dignity, and a cultural anchor amidst a landscape of chaos and disillusionment.

Religion and Identity I

Closely intertwined with the monarchist revival is the demand to re-declare Nepal a Hindu state. Until 2006, Nepal held the distinction of being the world’s only Hindu kingdom. The adoption of secularism was a key feature of the new republic, intended to protect religious freedom and promote pluralism. However, many Nepalis viewed this change as abrupt and externally imposed, pushed through by political elites under the influence of Western donors without adequate public consultation.

Today, calls to restore the country’s Hindu identity are gaining traction. Over 80% of the population identifies as Hindu, and many feel that secularism has diluted Nepal’s cultural essence. Critics argue that the secular framework has opened the door to aggressive proselytisation by foreign-funded religious groups, undermining indigenous traditions. Right-wing parties like the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) have successfully tapped into this sentiment, increasing their influence and electoral support.

Supporters of the Hindu state also advocate for a constitutional monarchy, proposing a hybrid model where the king serves as a cultural figurehead while executive powers remain with elected officials.

This arrangement, they argue, would restore national pride without undermining democratic governance.

Domestic and Regional Influences

The monarchy-Hindu state discourse is not happening in a vacuum. It reflects deeper concerns about national identity, sovereignty, and external interference. There is a growing sentiment among Nepalis that the current political leadership has made the country too dependent on foreign powers, including China, and Western donors. Disputes over territory issues and the growing presence of Chinese influence in infrastructure and politics, have sharpened concerns over sovereignty.

Closer home, with its assertive Hindu resurgence in India, there may well be strong ideological undercurrents in Nepal. Sections of Nepali society see ideological parallels with India’s social and political movement and feel justified enough to demand a similar reassertion of national-religious identity. The 2015 Constitution, while a milestone, remains contested.  Many ethnic and regional groups, especially in the Terai region, continue to express dissatisfaction with its provisions. In this context, both monarchy and Hindu statehood are being reimagined as potential correctives to a political project perceived as flawed from inception.

The Political Establishment’s Response

Nepal’s current political establishment, particularly the major parties like the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), has largely dismissed these monarchist and religious revivalist demands. They argue that the republican and secular structure is now embedded in the constitution and that any reversal would be regressive. However, the lack of effective governance and credible alternatives has left these parties vulnerable to public criticism and electoral decline.

While most mainstream politicians oppose the re-establishment of the monarchy, they are increasingly being forced to acknowledge the growing ground-level support. The RPP’s gains in recent elections and its successful mobilisation around monarchy and Hindu statehood are indicators that this is no longer a fringe narrative.

The Road ahead

Nepal today stands at a crossroads. On one hand, it has committed itself to the ideals of democracy, pluralism, and secular governance. On the other, the popular demand for a return to traditional values, national pride, and religious identity is growing louder. Whether these calls will translate into actual constitutional change remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the current political order is facing a serious crisis of legitimacy.

The challenge lies in balancing modern democratic ideals with the deep cultural and historical roots of the Nepali identity. The state must find a way to bridge the growing disconnect between the republican project and the public imagination. Dismissing popular sentiment outright risks further alienating an already disillusioned electorate.

In Conclusion. Nepal’s political future stands at a delicate crossroads. The current calls for the restoration of the monarchy and a Hindu state are not simply about returning to the past. They reflect a crisis of faith in the present system. Unless Nepal’s political leadership addresses the root causes of public dissatisfaction – governance failure, political instability, and erosion of cultural identity, these movements will only gain strength.

Democratic institutions must respond not with dismissal, but with introspection and reform. The republic must prove that it can deliver on its promises. If it fails to do so, the forces of tradition may well find themselves once again at the centre of Nepal’s political life.

References

Bhandari, K. (2019). The rise and fall of the monarchy in Nepal: Historical and contemporary perspectives. Nepal Journal of Social Science and Public Policy; Human Rights Watch. (2015). Like we are not Nepali: Protest and repression in the Terai region; International Crisis Group. https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-asia/nepal/

276-nepals-political-crisis-beyond-impeachment; Nepali Times. (2023–2024). Monarchists return to the streets; The Kathmandu Post. https://kathmandupost.com