Portrait Behind Nepali Army Chief Sparks Monarchy Talk — Who’s In Photo, Its Historical Significance

Last Updated:September 12, 2025, 15:13 IST

Prithvi Narayan Shah was the 18th-century monarch who stitched together dozens of small principalities into what became modern Nepal.

Nepal’s monarchy was abolished in 2008. (Photo Credits: X)

When Nepal Army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel took to the airwaves on Tuesday evening, he appealed for calm after days of intense protests. He promised that the army would protect citizens, and urged demonstrators to return looted items and firearms. But it was not his voice, or even the promises, that caught attention online.

It was the portrait behind him.

Framed on the wall was the image of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the 18th-century monarch who stitched together dozens of small principalities into what became modern Nepal.

Within minutes, screenshots of the broadcast flooded social media.

An X user wrote, “Interesting: that portrait in the backdrop, as Chief of Army Staff of the Nepal Army, Ashok Raj Sigdel addressed his countrymen, was that of Prithvi Narayan Shah- the first monarch of the kingdom of Nepal……huge development.”

Another wrote, “ Did you see the picture behind Nepal’s Chief of Army Staff, Ashok Raj Sigdel? His name? Prithvi Narayan Shah. The man who laid the foundation of modern Nepal.”

A comment read, “Interesting how they’re invoking Prithvi Narayan Shah’s legacy. Using historical symbols to legitimise modern power grabs is a classic move.”

Who Was Prithvi Narayan Shah?

Born in 1723, Prithvi Narayan Shah was the Gorkha king who laid the foundations of modern Nepal. He became king in 1742 and began expanding his small hill principality by conquering surrounding states. His early attempts to capture the Kathmandu Valley failed, especially in 1767 when the Malla ruler of Kathmandu called in East India Company forces to repel him.

In 1769, after the Company withdrew, Prithvi Narayan successfully conquered the three Malla kingdoms, Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, and made Kathmandu the capital of his new unified kingdom. Over the following years, he extended Nepal’s territory into the Tarai, Kumaon, Garhwal, Sikkim, and parts of Tibet, making the kingdom nearly twice its present size.

Prithvi Narayan Shah died in 1775. He was succeeded by his son, Pratap Singh Shah.

Nepal’s monarchy was formally abolished in 2008. The country has seen 13 governments in 17 years. Earlier this year, demonstrators even called for the return of the monarchy.

What Is Happening In Nepal?

The timing of Army Chief Sigdel’s address could not have been more charged. Nepal is on edge, its streets seething with anger over corruption, nepotism and government mismanagement.

At least 30 people have been killed in clashes with police and government offices and politicians’ homes have gone up in flames. Even Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation has done little to ease the fury.

The protests, already a week old, exploded after a sudden government ban on social media apps. It drew even more young Nepalis into the streets.

Sushila Karki, former Nepal Chief Justice, is set to be named interim Prime Minister, pending a formal announcement, Reuters reported.

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A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.

A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.

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