Chandra Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana

Who was Chandra Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana?

Field-Marshal Maharaja Sri Teen Chandra Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana, GCB, GCSI, GCVO, GCMG, FRGS], was the fifth Prime Minister of Nepal from the Rana dynasty. He served in this capacity from 27 June 1901, following the deposition of his brother Deva Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana, to his death in 1929. He received the title of Tung-ling-ping-ma-kuo-kang-wang, as had all of his predecessors, from the Qing Dynasty in 1902. He received George V in 1911, and the Prince of Wales in 1921, respectively. He abolished slavery from 1924–1926, also signing the Anglo-Nepalese Treaty of Friendship in 1923, which recognised the independence of Nepal. However, he was a domineering figure who mercilessly controlled the King of Nepal, Tribhuvan, once going so far as to hold a loaded pistol to his head.

He was one of the three nephews who murdered Sri Teen Maharaja Ranodip Singh for the hereditary throne of Prime Minister.

For much of his life he was sick with tuberculosis and followed a strict diet regimen of rice and black lentils exclusively.

He was succeeded in turn by his brothers Maharaja Sri Teen Bhim Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana, and Maharaja Sri Teen Juddha Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana.