A Level Nepal Studies CAIE

This subject is broken down into 29 topics in 6 modules:

  1. Geography of Nepal 4 topics
  2. Nepalese History 6 topics
  3. Nepalese Culture and Society 5 topics
  4. Politics and Government 5 topics
  5. Economic Development of Nepal 5 topics
  6. Foreign Relations and Regional Dynamics 4 topics
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  • 6
    modules
  • 29
    topics
  • 10,817
    words of revision content
  • 1+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Nepal Studies

Geography of Nepal

Physical features (mountains, rivers, climate)

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Physical features (mountains, rivers, climate)

Physical Features of Nepal

Mountains

  • Nepal holds eight of the world's highest peaks, out of ten, known as the Eight-Thousanders.
  • The most prominent mountain and world's highest peak, Mount Everest, is located in Nepal, standing at 8,848 meters above sea level.
  • Other notable mountains include Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,481m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Manaslu (8,156m), and Annapurna I (8,091m).
  • These mountains form part of the Himalaya range, a significant geographical barrier impacting Nepal's climate and biodiversity.

Rivers

  • The major rivers of Nepal are the Ghaghara, Gandaki, and the Kosi. They are all tributaries of the Ganges.
  • Ghaghara (locally known as Karnali) is the longest river in Nepal.
  • The Bagmati river is culturally significant, particularly in Kathmandu Valley, known for hosting traditional cremation ceremonies.
  • These rivers are often fed by glacial melt from the Himalayas and have a large majority of their flow occurring during the monsoon.

Climate

  • Nepal's climate varies significantly due to its wide range in altitude, from tropical in the lowlands to arctic at higher altitudes.
  • The country experiences a monsoon climate, with the majority of precipitation occurring between June and September due to the South-West Monsoon.
  • Average temperatures vary from around 25°C in the Terai plains to below zero in the mountainous regions.
  • Climatic zones in Nepal are categorized into five main zones: the Terai, the Hill region, the Mountain region, the Sub-alpine region, and the Alpine region.
  • Climate change is a significant concern for Nepal with increasing temperatures impacting glacial melt rates and weather patterns.

Course material for Nepal Studies, module Geography of Nepal, topic Physical features (mountains, rivers, climate)

Nepal Studies

Politics and Government

Constitutional history and development

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Constitutional history and development

Constitutional History and Development in Nepal

Pre-Democracy Era

  • Mulkaji: Prior to the creation of a formal constitution, Nepali administration was based on traditional societal norms spearheaded by the Mulkaji (Chief Kaji).
  • Rana Rule: During this period (1846–1951), the Rana family ruled Nepal as hereditary Prime Ministers, curtailing the power of the monarchy.
  • Muluki Ain: This was the first legal code of Nepal implemented by Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana in 1854. The 'Muluki Ain' was used to unify and manage various ethnic groups under one legal umbrella.

Establishment of Democracy and Initial Constitutions

  • First Constitution 1948: The Government of Nepal Act 1948 was the first constitution of Nepal during the transitional period in the late 1940s.
  • Interim Government Act 1951: This led to the end of Rana Regime and restoration of democracy in Nepal.
  • Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1959: Nepal’s first attempt at a working democratic constitution, it was abrogated in 1962 by King Mahendra and introduced the Panchayat system.

Panchayat Era

  • Panchayat System: Introduced by King Mahendra as a "party-less" system of governance, the Panchayat system lasted for nearly 30 years (1962–1990).
  • Constitution of Nepal (1962): This constitution formalised the Panchayat system, making the King the executive head of state.

Restoration of Democracy

  • People’s Movement 1990: This overthrew the Panchayat system and led to the establishment of a multi-party system in Nepal.
  • Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990: This constitution established a parliamentary system where the King remained as ceremonial head while the Prime Minister was the executive head.

Present Constitution

  • Interim Constitution of Nepal 2007: Laid groundwork for the current constitution and guides Nepali politics through the tumultuous period of post-war reconstruction and the Maoist insurgency.
  • Constitution of Nepal 2015: The most recent and current constitution of Nepal. It declares Nepal a secular, inclusive and federal democratic republic.
  • The Constitution embraces a multi-party system, fundamental rights, competitive multiparty democratic system, constitutional balance, periodic elections, adult franchise and rule of law.

This detailed sequence of events can remind us how constitutional development is central to the evolution of Nepal's societal, political and cultural landscapes. It is a vital part of their ongoing journey towards a more democratic and inclusive state.

Course material for Nepal Studies, module Politics and Government, topic Constitutional history and development

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