Jana Andolan I & constitutional monarchyजनआन्दोलन र बहुदलीय प्रजातन्त्र
The people force open the system; a constitutional monarchy is born
Seven weeks of mass protest (Jana Andolan I, Feb–Apr 1990) forced King Birendra to legalise parties and accept the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990 (9 November 1990) — a constitutional monarchy with multiparty parliament, fundamental rights and an independent judiciary.
Jana Andolan I begins
18 February 1990
Party ban lifted
8 April 1990
1990 constitution
9 November 1990 (23 Kartik 2047)
What happened
On 18 February 1990 the Nepali Congress and a United Left Front launched coordinated nationwide protests. After weeks of strikes, curfews and dozens of deaths, Birendra lifted the party ban on 8 April 1990 and accepted a negotiated transition. The Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal — promulgated 9 November 1990 — vested sovereignty in the people for the first time, with a directly elected House of Representatives, fundamental rights and a constitutional king.
The 1991 election made Girija Prasad Koirala prime minister; the 1994 mid-term poll produced Asia's first elected communist government (CPN-UML under Man Mohan Adhikari). But governments churned, patronage flourished, and the promises of 1990 reached the hills slowly — grievances the Maoists would weaponise in 1996.
Key events, 1990–1996
The events of this era from the full political timeline — filter by thread.
9 Nov 1990People's movements
Jana Andolan I wins a constitution
After seven weeks of protest, Nepal becomes a constitutional monarchy with multiparty democracy.
Key figures
Ganesh Man Singh
Supreme commander of the 1990 movement
Krishna Prasad Bhattarai
Interim PM who oversaw the 1990 constitution and 1991 election
Girija Prasad Koirala
Dominant NC prime minister of the era
Jana Andolan I & constitutional monarchy: frequently asked questions
When did the Jana Andolan I & constitutional monarchy era in Nepal begin and end?+
The Jana Andolan I & constitutional monarchy era in Nepal ran from 1990 to 1996 (1990–1996).
What defined the Jana Andolan I & constitutional monarchy period?+
The people force open the system; a constitutional monarchy is born. Seven weeks of mass protest (Jana Andolan I, Feb–Apr 1990) forced King Birendra to legalise parties and accept the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990 (9 November 1990) — a constitutional monarchy with multiparty parliament, fundamental rights and an independent judiciary.
What are the key dates of the Jana Andolan I & constitutional monarchy era?+
Key milestones include — Jana Andolan I begins: 18 February 1990; Party ban lifted: 8 April 1990; 1990 constitution: 9 November 1990 (23 Kartik 2047).
What was a key event of the Jana Andolan I & constitutional monarchy era?+
Jana Andolan I wins a constitution (9 Nov 1990): After seven weeks of protest, Nepal becomes a constitutional monarchy with multiparty democracy.
Sources & data note
Dates and figures for Jana Andolan I & constitutional monarchy (1990–1996) as documented by the listed sources. Bikram Sambat equivalents are given where customary.