Born in Balkot, southern Nepal, as Bir Narsingh Kunwar
Jung Bahadur Rana
Deceasedजङ्गबहादुर राणा
Also known as Bir Narsingh Kunwar, Jang Bahadur Kunwar
Founder of the Rana dynasty, which held hereditary power as Prime Ministers of Nepal for over a century
About
Jung Bahadur Rana was born Bir Narsingh Kunwar. In 1837, the powerful Mukhtiyar, a top government official, Bhimsen Thapa fell from power. Jung Bahadur and his family lost their position along with him. He briefly worked outside government before returning to Kathmandu court politics.
After the 1846 Kot Massacre, he seized control of the state. He founded the Rana dynasty. He installed himself and his heirs as hereditary Prime Ministers with near-total power. The Shah kings remained ceremonial monarchs, meaning they kept their titles but held little real power. This system of Rana rule lasted until 1951.
Jung Bahadur also became the first Nepali head of government to travel to Europe. He visited Britain and France during his time in power.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1817-06-18
- Birthplace
- Balkot, Nepal
- Profession
- Statesman, Military commander
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Deceased
- Died
- 1877-02-25
Previous roles
Prime Minister of Nepal (Maharaja)
Kingdom of Nepal · 1846-09-15
Career & life timeline
- 1817
- 1837
Dismissed from his post along with his family when Bhimsen Thapa fell from power
- 1846-09
Seized power after the Kot Massacre and founded the Rana dynasty as hereditary Prime Minister
- 1877
Died, succeeded in the Rana premiership by his brothers under the dynasty's succession rules
Achievements
Founded the Rana dynasty
1846Established over a century of hereditary Rana rule as Prime Ministers of Nepal, lasting until 1951
Organizations & affiliations
- Rana dynasty
Last updated: 2026-09-06