Democratic Innovations in Nepal

Democratic Innovations in Nepal: A Case Study of Political Acculturation explores the transformative political journey of Nepal, focusing on the period following the 1950 revolution that ended the Rana oligarchy. The study examines the profound social and political changes unleashed in a society long isolated and regimented, highlighting the emergence of a vibrant literary renaissance, rapid expansion in education, and newfound political freedoms. This post-revolution period saw Nepal experimenting with diverse political forms and ideas, reflecting a broader attempt to reconcile traditional structures with modern democratic ideals. Despite this initial burst of creativity and freedom, the political landscape became increasingly mired in conflicts and instability, with traditional modes of governance resurfacing alongside innovative experiments in democracy.

The book provides a detailed account of Nepal's transitional political landscape through a case-study approach, capturing the interplay of traditional values and modern aspirations. It discusses the challenges faced by Nepal's elites in navigating the demands of modernization while contending with entrenched traditional influences. The study also places Nepal’s political evolution within a broader regional and global context, noting the country's unique position between the democratic and communist powers of India and China. By tracing Nepal's political development, the author sheds light on the broader dynamics of political change in traditional societies, offering insights into the successes and failures of democratic innovation in Nepal and its implications for other similarly situated nations.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1966.