Ranas Of Nepal

This unique book with its captivating narrative and breathtaking images, both old and new, captures the spirit of an important era in the history of the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. Spanning three centuries from the 19th to the 21st, The Ranas of Nepal chronicles the story of the Ranas inextricable link with the history of Nepal; it follows the role that the clan played in the theatre of sub-continental politics and records their enduring imprint right up to the present day. The violent beginnings of the regime in the mid-19th century saw Jung Bahadur Rana climb to the pinnacle of power and lay the foundation of the Rana oligarchy. At the turn of the century, Maharaja Chandra Shumshere’s uninterrupted 29-year period of rule was one of consolidation and stability, when Nepal remained an island of peace and sovereignty even as the world and the subcontinent witnessed times of war and political turmoil. With the changing geo-political situation in the mid-20th century, as the British left the Indian subcontinent, the curtain also came down on 104 years of Rana rule in Nepal. In the middle section of the book, the reader will discover the essence of Rana culture and lifestyles: their unique religious traditions and customs, their costumes and jewellery, cuisine and architecture, rich weaves of heritage that carry their history into the present. The final section of the book dwells on the role the Ranas continue to play in the destiny of modern Nepal. Building upon their inheritance, today members of this family hold key positions in the spheres of industry, culture, politics and public life. Lavishly illustrated with photographs and paintings from the Rana family collections and written by members of the Rana family, this is truly an inside story of this fascinating clan.