Kathmandu, Nepal – The recent Gen Z-led protests that toppled KP Sharma Oli’s government have reignited Nepal’s old debate over monarchy. With growing pro-monarchy demonstrations, many Nepalese are revisiting the nation’s troubled royal past, including the horrific 2001 palace massacre that shocked the world.
The Royal Massacre of 2001
King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, regarded as a beloved monarch for his reforms and development initiatives, was killed along with his family on June 1, 2001, inside Narayanhiti Palace, Kathmandu. The tragedy unfolded when Crown Prince Dipendra, reportedly angered over family opposition to his relationship with Devyani Rana—who had ties to the Gwalior royal family—opened fire on his parents, siblings, and several relatives.
Dipendra allegedly carried out the massacre after leaving a royal gathering, returning in commando fatigues armed with assault rifles. Survivors recalled King Birendra asking, “Kay gardeko?” (“What have you done?”) before succumbing to his injuries. Dipendra slipped into a coma after a suspected suicide attempt, was briefly crowned King, and died on June 4. His uncle, Gyanendra, then ascended to the throne, ruling until Nepal officially abolished the monarchy in 2008.
The Gwalior Connection
Dipendra’s relationship with Devyani Rana, daughter of politician Pashupati Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana and Usha Raje Scindia of the Gwalior royal lineage, has often been cited as a motive. Reports suggest Queen Aishwarya opposed the match, insisting Dipendra marry another royal. Devyani’s family was also reluctant, fearing her lifestyle would diminish if she married into the Nepalese royal family.
Oli vs. Gyanendra
Months before his ouster, then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli accused former King Gyanendra of fueling violence during a pro-monarchy protest in March 2025. Addressing Parliament, Oli stated that Gyanendra bore responsibility for inciting unrest that left two people dead.
In response, the former King condemned the violence but maintained that democracy remains the best system to safeguard civil liberties.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Today, with Nepal facing a fresh wave of political instability, voices calling for a return to monarchy are growing louder. For many citizens, however, memories of the bloody 2001 regicide serve as a grim reminder of the nation’s turbulent royal past.