Rana family

Nepali dynasty

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

The Rana era in Nepal, spanning from 1846 to 1951, was a period when the Rana family held control of the government. Jung Bahadur Rana seized power in 1846, becoming the permanent prime minister and establishing a hereditary title for his family. During this time, Nepal maintained relations with the British, receiving their support. However, after the British withdrew from India in 1947, the Rana regime faced increased vulnerability. A revolution in 1950, with diplomatic backing from India, led to King Tribhuvan regaining sovereignty in 1951, ending the Rana family's rule.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Rana era
…in the hands of the Rana family. Jung Bahadur (1817–77) seized power in 1846 and made himself permanent prime minister. He was given the hereditary title of Rana. Under the Ranas, Nepal maintained relations with the British, who provided it with support. When the British withdrew from India in 1947,…
Read More
…in the hands of the Rana family. Jung Bahadur (1817–77) seized power in 1846 and made himself permanent prime minister. He was given the hereditary title of Rana. Under the Ranas, Nepal maintained relations with the British, who provided it with support. When the British withdrew from India in 1947,…
Read More