End of Rana Rule — King Tribhuvan Returns from Exile in India
राणा शासनको अन्त — राजा त्रिभुवनको भारत亡命बाट फर्किनु
What happened
King Tribhuvan secretly fled to the Indian Embassy and then to India to escape the Rana rulers. With India's help, he made a deal that ended the Rana family's 104-year grip on power. When he came back to Kathmandu on 15 February 1951, millions celebrated. Democracy had arrived in Nepal.
Full Verified Record
In November 1950, King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah took refuge in the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, then flew to India with his family — a dramatic act that undermined the Rana regime's legitimacy. India, newly independent and sympathetic to Nepal's democratic movement, backed the Nepali Congress-Rana negotiations. The 'Delhi Compromise' of February 1951 ended 104 years of Rana autocracy. King Tribhuvan returned to Kathmandu on 15 February 1951 to massive public celebrations — the day is now marked as Democracy Day (Prajatantra Diwas). A coalition government of Rana ministers and Nepali Congress leaders was formed. Prime Minister Mohan Shamsher resigned. Nepal's democratic era had begun.
फेब्रुअरी १५, १९५१ मा राजा त्रिभुवन भारतबाट काठमाडौं फर्किए र १०४ वर्षे राणा शासनको अन्त भयो। यो दिनलाई नेपालमा प्रजातन्त्र दिवसको रूपमा मनाइन्छ।
Why it mattered
The end of Rana rule was Nepal's first democratic revolution. It opened Nepal to education, modernisation, and political participation for the first time. February 15 (1 Falgun) is still celebrated as Prajatantra Diwas (Democracy Day) in Nepal. The event established India's role as a key shaper of Nepali political transitions.
Who was affected
All 8 million Nepalis via political liberation. Political prisoners released. Nepali Congress party which entered government. Rana families who lost near-total power. The emerging educated class which gained political voice.
Verification
verified
Editorial status
approved
Fact sensitivity
Level 1 of 5
Last updated
29 May 2026