Jung Bahadur Rana

Jung Bahadur Kunwar Ranaji, (born Bir Narsingh Kunwar, 18 June 1817 – 25 February 1877; popularly known as Jung Bahadur Rana (JBR, )) belonging to the Kunwar family was a Khas Chhetri ruler of Nepal and founder of the Rana Regime in Nepal. Jung Bahadur took control of the government after killing an alleged usurper Gagan Singh, who was accused of plotting with the junior queen in 1846 to become prime minister by putting the queen's son on the throne. His original name was Bir Narsingh Kunwar but he was popularly known as Jang Bahadur, a name given to him by his maternal uncle Mathabar Singh Thapa. Mathabar Singh Thapa used to call Jang Bahadur Jangay for his boldness. His mother Ganesh Kumari was the daughter of Kaji Nain Singh Thapa, brother of Mukhtiyar Bhimsen Thapa of the then prominent ruling Thapa dynasty. During his lifetime, he eliminated the factional fighting at the court, removed his family's rivals like Pandes and Basnyats, introduced innovations in the bureaucracy and judiciary, and made efforts to modernize Nepal. He is one of the most important figures in Nepalese history. Some modern historians blame Jung Bahadur for setting up an oppressive dictatorship in Nepal that lasted 104 years- the dark period of Nepalese history. Other historians blame his nephews, the Shumsher Ranas, for the dark period. Rana's rule is associated with tyranny, debauchery, economic exploitation and religious persecution. Early life and family Birth Jung Bahadur was born on 18 June 1817 in Balkot in southern Nepal to Bal Narsingh Kunwar, a bodyguard of King Rana Bahadur Shah, and his second wife Ganesh Kumari. His father was present at court when the King was murdered by his own half-brother Sher Bahadur Shah. In retaliation, Bal Narsingh immediately murdered Sher Bahadur. For this act, Bal Narsingh was rewarded with the hereditary position of Kaji. Consequently, Bal Narsingh was the only person allowed to carry weapons inside the court.