The individual often referred to as the Mad King of Nepal was Rana Bahadur Shah.
Who was the Mad King of Nepal?
Rana Bahadur Shah, born on May 25, 1775, ascended to the throne of Nepal at a very young age. His reign, though significant in terms of consolidating royal power, was largely defined by profound political instability and a series of personal eccentricities that eventually earned him the posthumous moniker "Mad King."
The Tumultuous Reign of Rana Bahadur Shah
Rana Bahadur Shah's rule was characterized by a string of unconventional and often controversial decisions that bewildered his contemporaries and shaped his historical reputation. His behavior reportedly became increasingly erratic following the death of his junior queen, Kantawati Devi, to whom he was deeply devoted. Distraught by her passing, he reportedly engaged in acts considered sacrilegious, such as the desecration of temples and idols, which contributed to public outrage and the widespread perception of him as mentally unstable.
Key events and behaviors during his life that contributed to his "mad" reputation include:
- Abdication: In 1799, in a highly unusual move, he abdicated the throne in favor of his infant son, Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah. He then retired to lead a religious life, adopting the name Nirgunananda Swami.
- Interference post-abdication: Despite his renunciation, his period of religious life was short-lived. He continued to meddle in state affairs, creating significant friction with the regency council led by his half-brother, Sher Bahadur Shah.
- Erratic decisions: His return to active political life was marked by further impulsive and destabilizing decisions, exacerbating the internal conflicts within the royal court.
Key Facts About Rana Bahadur Shah
The following table summarizes important biographical details of Rana Bahadur Shah:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Successor | Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah |
| Born | 25 May 1775, Basantapur, Nepal |
| Died | 25 April 1806 (aged 30), Basantapur, Nepal |
| Cause of Death | Assassination |
Assassination and Legacy
Rana Bahadur Shah's tumultuous life ended abruptly on April 25, 1806, when he was assassinated at the age of 30. His death, carried out by his own half-brother Sher Bahadur Shah, plunged Nepal into an even deeper period of political turmoil and internal strife. His legacy remains a complex subject in Nepalese history, remembered for both his attempts to centralize royal authority and the personal instability that led to his infamous title.
