Born in Nepal
Padma Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana
Deceasedपद्म शम्शेर जङ्गबहादुर राणा
Rana-era Prime Minister who drafted Nepal's first constitution in 1948 and pursued liberal social reforms
About
Padma Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana inherited the hereditary position of Prime Minister from his uncle, in 1945. At the time, British influence in the region was fading. Pressure for reform was growing.
Unlike many of the Prime Ministers before him, he wanted to modernise the feudal Rana system, a system where power and land are held by a small ruling class. He began construction of Nepal’s first east-west highway. He expanded education by sending teachers abroad and founding schools. He formed a committee that drafted Nepal’s first constitution, in January 1948.
However, conservative members of his own family saw the constitution as a dangerous precedent, an example others might follow that they saw as a threat. They forced his resignation before the constitution could take effect. His reform effort was cut short just as it began.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1882-12-05
- Birthplace
- Nepal
- Profession
- Statesman
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Deceased
- Died
- 1961-04-11
Previous roles
Prime Minister of Nepal (Maharaja)
Kingdom of Nepal · 1945-11-29–1948-04-30
Career & life timeline
- 1882
- 1945-11
Became Prime Minister, succeeding his uncle Juddha Shamsher
- 1947
Formed a Constitution Reform Committee to draft Nepal's first constitution, with assistance from the Indian government
- 1948-01
The Government of Nepal Act, 1948, Nepal's first constitution, was passed
- 1948-04
Resigned under pressure from conservative Rana family members before the constitution could take effect
- 1961
Died in Calcutta, India, at age 78
Achievements
Drafted Nepal's first constitution
1948The Government of Nepal Act, though its promulgation was suspended by his successor
Began construction of Nepal's first east-west highway (the Postal Highway)
Expanded education, sending teachers abroad for training and founding schools
Organizations & affiliations
- Rana dynasty
Last updated: 2026-09-06