Hinduism in the Secular Republic of Nepal

Since its creation in the mid-eighteenth century, the state of Nepal has claimed to be Hindu. This chapter describes how the assertion of Nepal’s Hindu identity became an explicit and politicized state strategy from 1960 to 1990. The definition of the state as Hindu was increasingly challenged after 1990, culminating in the declaration of secularism in the aftermath of the civil war (1996–2006). The dominant position of Hindu high castes (Bahuns and Chhetris) has remained, however, and support for a Hindu state remains high. This support is sustained by recurrent arguments, many borrowed from India, that reposition the Hindu majority as an embattled community. The new constitution of 2015 reflects conflicting understandings of and struggles over secularism. It simultaneously institutionalizes a clear shift in the understanding of Hinduism. Hinduism is today beginning to be conceptualized as one religion among equals, and a personal choice, rather than as a collective and inherited identity.