Book Review- Unmasking The True Face of Nepal’s Feudalism

Yuba Nath Lamsal

Nepalma Samantbad: Hatya, Himsa Ra Sadyantrako Itihas (Feudalism in Nepal: History of Killing, Violence and Conspiracy)

Authored by Professor Dr Gopal Shiwakoti

Published by Pairavi Prakashan

Page: 857

Price: NRs 575

This is a new book that goes to Dr Gopal Shiwakoti’s credit. A renowned professor in political science, who taught more than three decades in campuses under the Tribhuvan University, the pioneer university of Nepal, Shiwakoti always carries twin hats— teacher as well as journalist. As a journalist he has served more than three decades on different capacities—as a reporter, editor and columnist. Even now he is active in media sector and edits a journal and writes column for different newspapers, magazines and journals. Apart from journalistic writing, Dr Siwakoti’s additional feat is his academic and scholarly writing. He has written many books on different areas of political science and history, which have been proved highly useful and valuable not only for the students of political science but also to all who are interested on issues pertaining to political science and political theories. He has recently come up with a new book called Feudalism in Nepal: A history of conspiracy, killings and violence, which mainly deals with events that took place in Nepal right from as early as ancient time and their analytical interpretation.

It is said that history is not only a record of the past but the real history is both the record as well as their realistic interpretation. If any book is devoid of interpretation of the events may not necessarily be called a history book. Unfortunately, most of the history books written so far do not possess the quality of being called history books. Our Nepali historians have written history books but most of the events these books contain are incomplete, biased or distorted. This often makes difficult to understand the real history of Nepal. Even now we have to depend upon the works of foreigners about our own history, although they, too, are biased and incomplete, to some degree. Comparatively, foreign historians are fairer and more comprehensive than the Nepali writers and historian. This is not mere accusation but the facts tell this bitter truth. It may be embarrassing for the self-esteemed Nepali people. But we have to accept the fact and facts tell otherwise. However, recently, a new trend is emerging in history writing of Nepal. Some already established and many budding writers are making really hard work with much research and have produced books and contributed write ups on various aspects of Nepali life including history. Dr Siwakoti’s  book, which is under review, is an attempt towards this direction.  Although Dr Siwakoti is a political scientist, he has written this book from the perspective of political science as well as history with realistic interpretation. This is a book which has revealed many undisclosed aspects, events and issues of the past that give us a comprehensive knowledge on how Nepal came into being.

Nepal’s history is definitely the history of conspiracy, bloodshed, war and violence. The rulers always applied violence and conspiracy to grab power and retain it. This is what exactly has been portrayed and explained in this book called ‘Feudalism in Nepal: History of Violence and Conspiracy’.

More than that this book has covered the events and issues right from the ancient period and dealt with in detail the different phases and stages of Nepal’s history. The book’s conclusion is that Nepal’s history is the history of feudalism. Whether it is under Rana Oligarchy or Shah’s absolute regime or brief period of multi-party democracy, feudal forces called the shots in power and governance. The book begins with the classical and theoretical concept and definition of feudalism and its forms, structures and essence. The author has directly linked Nepal’s feudalism with Hinduism and land use pattern and culture.  Later he moves onto the second paragraph which mainly deals with how feudalism grew and had its foothold in different countries of Europe and Asia. The third chapter is primarily related with how feudalism originated and consolidated  it in India. The writer is of the opinion that India’s feudal power saw its decline with the invasion by outsiders mainly Turks. However, India’s social super structure was and, to some extent, even now is based on feudal concept and system. Although India has entered into the age of capitalism especially after British came to control it, India’s society still has feudal character.

Of the total 14 chapters, the author has devoted eight chapters to Nepal’s feudal system, character and its different stages. With the emergence of Nepal as a political entity right from the beginning, feudalism had its domination in all spheres of society. But writer has failed to go prior to Lichchhivi period although Nepal’s history goes way back to Vedic and pre-Vedic era. The book does not mention anything about how political, social and cultural systems and practices existed during the Kirat, Gopal and other dynasties that ruled and controlled Nepal. This gives the sense that feudalism began only with the advent of Lichchhivi dynasty in Nepal’s political power. This is not true because feudalism was well in practice even before the Lichchhivis came to power.

Despite this lacuna, the book has explained thoroughly the era and period after the Lichchhivis came to power including the period under Malla dynasty and Shah dynasties. Apart from this, the author has taken some additional initiatives not only to go beyond the traditional method of history writing by explaining the political, cultural, social, economic and religious pattern of feudalism in the smaller states prior to the unification of Nepal. Dr Siwakoti has touched upon the feudal traditions and practices in each individual units and principalities.

 In summation, the book is a compilation of events and their thorough analysis from realistic point of view, which gives a different but real perspective and angle in understanding Nepal’s feudal structure, its origin, development and decline.  Thus, this is a very useful book, which is worth reading to understand feudalism all over the world in general and Nepali feudalism and its character in particular.