NEB Class 11 Humanities History Question Paper 2078 Nepal

The Mahishapala (Abhira/Mahispal) dynasty ruled the Kathmandu Valley after the Gopala dynasty.

Any two: (1) Remarkable progress in art, architecture and sculpture (e.g. the Changu Narayan inscription and stone images). (2) Development of trade and economy through links with Tibet and India, with a sound administrative and revenue system.

The Mallas ruled in the Kathmandu Valley (the three city-states of Kathmandu, Patan/Lalitpur and Bhaktapur) and the surrounding areas of medieval Nepal.

King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha started the unification campaign of Nepal.

Any two: (1) The Kot Massacre of 1846 A.D. (1903 B.S.), which let Jung Bahadur eliminate rival nobles. (2) Political instability and weak monarchy with frequent court conspiracies, allowing an ambitious leader to seize hereditary prime-ministerial power.

Chandra Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana was the first Rana ruler to take the title of His Royal Highness (HRH) Maharaja.

Any two: (1) Restoration of multiparty democracy and end of the partyless Panchayat system. (2) Promulgation of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990 (2047 B.S.) establishing constitutional monarchy and guaranteeing fundamental rights.

Mohan Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana was the first prime minister after the 2007 B.S. (1951 A.D.) revolution, heading the first Rana-Congress coalition government. (Matrika Prasad Koirala was the first elected/Congress prime minister soon after.)

The Kirat people (Rai and Limbu communities) celebrate Ubhauli and Udhauli as their major festivals.

Any two: (1) It enriches national heritage and promotes mutual tolerance, social harmony and unity in diversity. (2) It strengthens cultural tourism and the economy, while preserving varied traditions, knowledge and identities.

Nepal, as a founding-era member of the Non-Aligned Movement, advocated peaceful coexistence and non-alignment with power blocs, supporting world peace, disarmament and the sovereign equality of states.

Sources of the history of Nepal are broadly classified as: archaeological sources (inscriptions, coins, monuments, sculptures, palaces and temples) and literary/written sources (Vamshavalis/chronicles, manuscripts, royal documents, travellers' accounts and foreign records). Explanation of any two:

1. Inscriptions (Abhilekh): Stone and copper-plate inscriptions, such as the Changu Narayan inscription of Manadeva, are the most reliable and authentic sources because they are contemporary, dated records giving information about rulers, administration, religion and society.

2. Vamshavalis (Chronicles): Genealogical chronicles such as the Gopalraj Vamshavali record the succession of dynasties and major events; though sometimes mixed with legend, they provide valuable continuity of historical information where other sources are missing.

Kirat regime: The Kirats were among the earliest rulers of the Kathmandu Valley after the Mahishapala dynasty. According to chronicles they ruled for many centuries (traditionally listing 29 or 32 kings, beginning with Yalamber). They were of Mongoloid origin, skilled in warfare and archery, and are mentioned in the Mahabharata. Their administration was tribal and decentralised; the economy was based on agriculture and animal husbandry, and trade with Tibet and India flourished. They worshipped nature and ancestors. The Kirat period is important as a formative era of Nepalese civilisation before the Lichhavi rule.

OR — Sen states: After the decline of the Khasa Malla and with the fragmentation of the Makwanpur principality, the Sen dynasty established powerful states in the eastern and central Tarai and inner hills, notably Makwanpur, Palpa, Vijaypur and Chaudandi. The Sen rulers, of Rajput origin, controlled important trade routes and revenue, maintained strong armies, and patronised Hindu religion and culture. Their territories were later annexed during the unification of Nepal by the Gorkhalis.

Two of the teachings of the Divya Upadesh and their importance:

1. "Nepal is a yam between two boulders (India and China)." This counsel stresses balanced and cautious diplomacy with both giant neighbours. Its importance is that it laid the foundation of Nepal's non-aligned, balanced foreign policy that still guides relations with China and India.

2. "Do not let foreign merchants/missionaries into the country; promote indigenous goods and a self-reliant economy." This teaching emphasised economic nationalism and protection of sovereignty. Its importance lies in promoting self-reliance, safeguarding national industry and resources, and preserving independence from foreign domination.

(Other valid teachings include encouraging an inclusive 'garden of four castes and thirty-six sub-castes', maintaining a strong and honest army, and rooting out bribery.)

Bahadur Shah, the younger son of Prithvi Narayan Shah, served as regent during the minority of King Rana Bahadur Shah and greatly advanced the unification campaign. His contributions include: (1) extending the kingdom westward by annexing the Baise and Chaubise principalities up to the Kangra region; (2) directing the campaigns that brought much of the far-west and the Kumaon-Garhwal areas under Gorkhali control; (3) leading the Nepal-Tibet (and consequent Nepal-China) conflict that fixed northern frontiers; and (4) strengthening military organisation and central administration. He thus carried forward and consolidated the unification begun by Prithvi Narayan Shah, expanding Nepal to its greatest territorial extent of the period.

Major incidents of the Rana regime in timeline:

The fall of the Ranas in 2007 B.S. (1951 A.D.) had far-reaching political impacts: (1) it ended 104 years of autocratic, hereditary Rana rule and restored the active role of the monarchy; (2) it introduced democracy and multiparty politics, with the first interim Government of Nepal Act 2007 guaranteeing fundamental rights; (3) it opened Nepal to the outside world, ending isolation and beginning planned development and modernisation; (4) it gave rise to active political parties (notably the Nepali Congress) and political awareness among the people. However, the transition also brought political instability, frequent changes of government and power struggles between the king and parties, which eventually led to royal takeover and the later Panchayat system.

Dashain (example festival): Dashain is the greatest national festival of Nepal, celebrated mainly by Hindus over fifteen days in Ashwin. Social significance: It reunites families as members return home, strengthens kinship and community bonds through the giving of tika and blessings from elders to juniors, promotes goodwill by exchanging visits and gifts, and supports the economy through shopping, travel and seasonal trade. Cultural significance: It commemorates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil; rituals such as planting jamara, animal sacrifice, worship of Durga and flying kites preserve traditional beliefs and arts, transmit cultural values to the new generation, and reinforce religious identity and unity in diversity.

Structure of Nepalese society: Nepalese society is multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-cultural. Its structure can be analysed through: (1) caste/ethnic composition — diverse groups such as Brahmin, Chhetri, Newar, Magar, Tharu, Tamang, Rai, Limbu, Gurung, Dalits and others; (2) religion — Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Kirat, Christianity living together; (3) language — over a hundred languages of Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Burman families; (4) geography — mountain, hill and Tarai communities with distinct lifestyles; and (5) social institutions such as the family, marriage, kinship and traditional occupational divisions. Despite hierarchy and diversity it is bound by tolerance and 'unity in diversity'.

OR — Nepal-Japan relations: Diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan were established in 1956 A.D. The two countries share friendly, cooperative ties based on mutual respect and Buddhist cultural links. Japan is one of Nepal's major development partners, providing economic and technical assistance (grants and loans) in sectors such as infrastructure, education, health, agriculture and disaster relief. There is exchange of culture, tourism, education (Nepali students and workers in Japan) and high-level visits. The relationship is marked by goodwill, development cooperation and people-to-people contact.

Contribution of the Malla regime: The Mallas ruled the Kathmandu Valley for several centuries (roughly 1200-1769 A.D.) and made lasting contributions: (1) Art and architecture — building palaces, pagoda-style temples, courtyards and the famous Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. (2) Administration and law — King Jayasthiti Malla codified society and law and systematised caste-based social order; revenue and judicial systems were organised. (3) Trade and economy — flourishing trade with Tibet, including minting of coins for Tibet, which brought great prosperity. (4) Language and literature — promotion of Nepal Bhasa, Sanskrit and Maithili literature, drama and music. (5) Religion and culture — patronage of both Hinduism and Buddhism, festivals and rituals that survive today. The division of the valley into three rival kingdoms by Yaksha Malla, however, later weakened them and eased Gorkhali conquest.

OR — Role of Prithvi Narayan Shah in unification: Prithvi Narayan Shah, King of Gorkha (1722-1775 A.D.), is the architect of modern unified Nepal. His role: (1) realised the vision of a unified, strong state to resist British expansion; (2) strategically conquered the Kathmandu Valley after capturing Nuwakot (1744), Kirtipur and finally Kantipur, Patan and Bhaktapur (1768-69); (3) controlled trade routes by blockading the valley; (4) built a disciplined, loyal army and skilled diplomacy, dividing his rivals; (5) gave the visionary guidance of the Divya Upadesh, advocating balanced diplomacy ('a yam between two boulders'), economic self-reliance and national unity. He thus laid the political, military and ideological foundation of modern Nepal.

Achievements of the People's Movement of 2062/63 B.S. (2006 A.D.): (1) Reinstatement of the dissolved House of Representatives and end of the King's direct rule. (2) Curtailment of the monarch's powers and ultimately the abolition of the 240-year-old monarchy, declaring Nepal a Federal Democratic Republic (2008 A.D./2065 B.S.). (3) Conclusion of the Comprehensive Peace Accord (2006) ending the decade-long Maoist armed conflict and integrating the Maoists into mainstream politics. (4) Election of the Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution by the people's representatives. (5) Declaration of Nepal as a secular, inclusive and federal state, with greater rights for women, Dalits, Madhesis, Janajatis and marginalised groups. Critical analysis: The movement was a landmark in democratisation, ending autocracy and civil war and institutionalising republicanism, secularism and federalism. However, implementation was slow — the first Constituent Assembly failed to deliver a constitution, political instability and frequent government changes persisted, and many promised inclusive and developmental goals remain only partially fulfilled. Thus, while the revolution achieved profound structural and political transformation, translating those gains into stable governance and equitable development remains a continuing challenge.

Nepal, being a landlocked country situated between two large economies, India and China, has tripartite trade relations shaped by geography, dependence and opportunity:

1. Nepal-India trade: India is Nepal's largest trade partner, accounting for the bulk of Nepal's foreign trade. Open border, similar currency peg, transit facilities and preferential trade treaties (Nepal-India Trade and Transit Treaty) make India the main source of imports (petroleum, vehicles, machinery, consumer goods) and the main market for Nepali exports. However, dependence on Indian ports and periodic disruptions (e.g. blockades) expose Nepal's vulnerability.

2. Nepal-China trade: China has become an increasingly important partner, especially since Nepal sought alternative transit routes. Trade includes Chinese imports of electronics, machinery and consumer goods, with limited Nepali exports. Agreements on transit and the development of road, rail and dry ports (e.g. through Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi, and prospective connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative) aim to reduce over-reliance on India.

3. Tripartite/triangular character and trade deficit: Nepal runs a large and growing trade deficit with both neighbours, importing far more than it exports. Nepal can potentially serve as a transit/bridge economy between the two giant markets, but poor infrastructure, weak production base, high transport costs and difficult terrain limit this role.

Conclusion: Nepal's trade with India and China is marked by heavy import dependence and chronic deficits. To improve the condition, Nepal needs export diversification and promotion, better trade and transit infrastructure with both neighbours, and balanced diplomacy to use its strategic location as an advantage rather than a constraint.