 |
| Photo Source: Social Media/King Birendra |
King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev was the 11th King of Nepal and one of the most beloved monarchs in the country’s history. His reign, which spanned from 1972 to 2001, was a transformative period during which Nepal witnessed a major political shift from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy. Remembered for his calm demeanor, progressive outlook, and tragic end, King Birendra left a legacy that continues to resonate in modern Nepal.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev |
| Born: | December 28, 1945 – Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Died | June 1, 2001 (aged 56) – Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Resign | January 31, 1972 – June 1, 2001 |
| Spouse | Queen Aishwarya Rajya Lakshmi Devi Shah |
| Children | Prince Dipendra, Prince Nirajan, Princess Shruti |
| Parents | King Mahendra and Crown Princess Indra Rajya Lakshmi Devi Shah |
Early Life and Education
Born at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace, Birendra was the eldest son of then Crown Prince Mahendra and Crown Princess Indra. Following the death of King Tribhuvan in 1955, his father ascended the throne, and Birendra became crown prince.
His education reflected his royal responsibilities and international exposure. He studied at St. Joseph’s College in Darjeeling for eight years and later joined Eton College in the UK in 1959. He also studied at the University of Tokyo, attended Harvard University (1967–68), and briefly enrolled at SOAS, University of London. His international education profoundly influenced his liberal worldview and dedication to democratic ideals.
Birendra was known for exploring rural Nepal on foot during his youth, living modestly among common people to understand the country better. He was also a patron of the arts and an avid traveler and pilot.
Marriage and Family Life
On February 27, 1970, King Birendra married Aishwarya Rajya Lakshmi Devi, a member of the prominent Rana family and his second cousin. Their wedding was one of the most extravagant Hindu royal ceremonies ever, costing over $9.5 million.
They had three children:
-
Crown Prince Dipendra
-
Prince Nirajan
-
Princess Shruti
Despite his royal status, King Birendra was known for his humility and approachability. He was deeply respected and admired by the public.
Ascension and Early Reign
King Birendra ascended the throne on January 31, 1972, following King Mahendra’s death. His formal coronation took place on February 24, 1975, after a period of mourning and religious astrological considerations.
Initially, he inherited an absolute monarchy under the Panchayat system, a party-less political structure established by his father. However, King Birendra showed a more democratic inclination from the beginning of his reign.
Key Milestones During His Reign
Panchayat Era and 1980 Referendum
In 1980, amid rising political activism and student-led movements, King Birendra announced a national referendum offering citizens a choice between the Panchayat system and a multiparty system. The Panchayat system narrowly won (55% to 45%), but the event marked the beginning of gradual political liberalization.
King Birendra also reorganized the country into five development regions to promote balanced growth across Nepal, personally visiting each region annually.
1990 People’s Movement and Constitutional Reform
A turning point in his reign came during the 1990 Jana Andolan (People’s Movement), a nationwide pro-democracy uprising. After weeks of civil unrest, King Birendra accepted the demands of protestors and political parties. He:
-
Lifted the ban on political parties
-
Appointed an independent Constitution Recommendation Commission
-
Promulgated the 1990 Constitution, establishing Nepal as a constitutional monarchy with multiparty democracy
This decision is widely viewed as his most important and courageous political contribution.
Vision for Peace and Neutral Diplomacy
King Birendra maintained Nepal’s non-aligned foreign policy during the Cold War, carefully balancing relations with both India and China. His dedication to peace, harmony, and development defined his leadership style.
He championed:
-
Education and infrastructure development
-
Environmental conservation
-
Cultural preservation
Health and Final Years
In the late 1990s, King Birendra was diagnosed with coronary artery disease and reportedly underwent angioplasty in the UK. Despite his health concerns, he continued to perform his royal duties and advocate for peaceful governance.
The Royal Palace Massacre (2001)
On the night of June 1, 2001, tragedy struck the Nepalese monarchy. A massacre at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace resulted in the deaths of King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya, their children, and several other royal family members. The attack was allegedly carried out by Crown Prince Dipendra, who was said to be angry over personal disputes. Dipendra fell into a coma and was briefly declared king before dying three days later.
Royal Family Members Killed:
-
King Birendra
-
Queen Aishwarya
-
Prince Nirajan
-
Princess Shruti
-
Prince Dhirendra (Birendra’s younger brother)
-
Princess Shanti (Birendra’s elder sister)
-
Princess Sharada (another sister)
-
Princess Jayanti (cousin)
-
Kumar Khadga Bikram Shah (Sharada’s husband)
-
Crown Prince Dipendra (perpetrator, died by suicide)
Four other family members were wounded. After Dipendra’s death, Birendra’s younger brother Gyanendra Shah was declared king.
Legacy
King Birendra remains one of Nepal’s most revered monarchs. His image as a compassionate, intellectual, and peace-seeking king is deeply etched in the hearts of the Nepalese people.
His enduring contributions include:
-
Transitioning Nepal toward democracy
-
Strengthening national unity
-
Promoting peaceful foreign policy
-
Advocating sustainable development
Even decades later, King Birendra is remembered not just as a ruler, but as a symbol of integrity and vision in Nepal’s complex political journey.
0 Comments