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By Shashi P.B.B. Malla

Political Culture

By ‘Political Culture of Nepal’ we mean the attitudes, beliefs, and values which underpin the operation of the Nepalese political system.

These are seen as including;

  • knowledge and skills about the operation of the

Nepalese political system

  • Positive and negative emotional feelings towards it, and
  • Evaluative judgements about the system.

Some of the distinctive regional and ethnic groups within Nepal are the Terai/Madhesi groups like the Tharus, the Sherpas of the north-east, the Kirati ( Rai and Limbu ) of the east, and the Magar, Gurung of the Western hills.

There has been some feeling ( especially among commentators from Madhes ) that the high caste Hindus of Kathmandu and the Western hills – the so-called  Khas-Arya elite – have been dominating the system ever since the country was unified and came into existence.

However, during the unification process under the Great Warrior-King Prithvi Narayan Shah, leaders from various ethnic groups played prominent roles.

No doubt, the influence of particular individuals in the political process varies significantly and has to be taken into account.

Moreover, cultural explanations can assist in the understanding of how reactions to political events and developments may vary in different societies.

Thus the Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma as actually practised is subtly different in India and Nepal.

The Sanatana Dharma of Nepal has developed a syncretic form unseen in India. It is more tolerant and can co-exist with other religions.

This was also a major contribution of the Nepali monarchs – whether of the Valley or the entire country.

The analysis of Nepali subcultures ( without denigrating them in any way whatsoever ) remains important in understanding tensions and cleavages within Nepali society writ large.

Nepal’s Political Culture During the Infamous Himalayan Republic

This was indeed a terrible time when old, established political parties held complete sway.

We had democracy or Loktantra – but in name only.

The political direction and political leadership collapsed.

The political culture was wholly negative – corruption was endemic and there was no sign of good governance.

Nepal’s Political Culture Now, in the Transition Period

In the transition period, Nepal’s political culture is in flux.

The transition government under PM Sushila Karki has not been able to give direction and momentum in developing Nepal’s political culture.

What We Hope Nepal’s Future Political Culture Should Be

We can only hope that after the March elections, the political culture of the country will transform.

Above all, we need a strong government with determined leadership willing and able to confront the pressing problems in the nation.

As the former monarch, HM King Gyanendra said in his address to the nation on National Unity Day, it is a question not of building but saving the nation.

Because of gross state mismanagement, we have, unfortunately, reached a stage where the very existence of the nation is at stake.

We desperately need a national dialogue, but we have no active national leader to lead it.

Thus, it is essential that the former monarch be given political space to articulate his views.

As an elderly farmer said: “We will have no country if there is no king. Without a king as our guardian, the country is in this [current] trouble” (Republica, Jan. 12).

The very essence of our nature of being Nepali depends very much on the Hindu monarch preserving our unique political culture.

The writer can be reached at: shashimalla125@gmail.com