Nepal Bhasa - Nepal Bhasa Movement

Nepal Bhasa Movement

Newars have been fighting to save their language from the time of the repressive Rana regime till today. The movement arose against the suppression of the language that began with the rise of the Shah dynasty in 1768 AD, and intensified during the Rana regime (1846–1951) and Panchayat system (1960–1990).

At various times, the government has forbidden literature in Nepal Bhasa, banned official use and removed it from the media and the educational system. Activism has taken the form of publication of books and periodicals to public meets and protest rallies.

Writers and language workers have been jailed or expelled from the country, and they have continued the movement abroad. The struggle for linguistic rights has sometimes combined with the movement for religious and political freedom in Nepal.