Dev Shumsher Rana: Biography, 114-Day Rule, Educational Reforms and Historical Contributions

Introduction

Dev Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana (17 July 1862 – 20 February 1914) was a former Prime Minister of Nepal and the fourth Shree 3 Maharaja of the Rana regime. He served as Prime Minister for 114 days, from 5 March to 27 June 1901. According to the official list maintained by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Government of Nepal, he was Nepal's 11th Prime Minister.

Despite his brief tenure, Dev Shumsher is regarded as an important figure in the history of education, journalism, and social reform in Nepal. He took steps to expand primary education for the general public, prepare textbooks in Nepali, establish a newspaper, and address the practice of slavery.

During his administration, Nepal's first regular newspaper, Gorkhapatra, began publication on 24 Baisakh 1958 BS. He introduced a policy to establish language schools, known as Bhasha Pathshalas, in different parts of the country. Efforts to provide elementary education in Nepali through textbooks such as Aksharanka Shiksha, prepared by Jaya Prithvi Bahadur Singh, were also associated with this period.

Beyond education and communication, Dev Shumsher introduced suggestion boxes to receive public grievances, attempted to improve administrative procedures, and took steps to free enslaved people. He also developed a plan to send Nepali students to Japan for technical education.

However, his administration did not last long because of a power struggle within the Rana family. Following a change of leadership led by his younger brother Chandra Shumsher, he was removed from office and sent to Dhankuta. He later moved to British India, where he spent the remainder of his life in exile.

Dev Shumsher's historical significance extends beyond his reform decisions. His attempts to implement those reforms, the reactions of the ruling establishment, and the changes that followed his removal from office also help explain the political and social structure of the Rana regime.

Dev Shumsher Rana: Quick Facts

Birth, Family and Childhood

Dev Shumsher was born on 17 July 1862 in Kathmandu. He was the son of Dhir Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana, a younger brother of Jung Bahadur Rana, the founder of the Rana regime, and Nanda Kumari Devi.

Dhir Shumsher was an influential figure in Nepal's military administration. He served as Commander-in-Chief. Among his sons, Bir Shumsher, Dev Shumsher, Chandra Shumsher, Bhim Shumsher, and Juddha Shumsher subsequently became prime ministers of Nepal.

Dev Shumsher spent his childhood in the political and social surroundings of the Rana court. At the time, executive authority was concentrated within the Rana family. Succession to the prime ministerial position was also governed by a predetermined order within the family, commonly known as the Rana roll of succession.

According to historical researcher Santosh Khadeeri, Dev Shumsher was adopted by his childless uncle Krishna Bahadur Kunwar. As the heir to Krishna Bahadur's property, Dev Shumsher grew up in financially comfortable circumstances.

Political rivalry, military hierarchy, and relationships within the Rana court played important roles in his early life.

Education and Early Life

Dev Shumsher is believed to have received his education within the court. However, sufficiently verified information about the subjects he studied, his teachers, and his formal educational qualifications is unavailable.

During the early Rana period, access to modern education was largely restricted to children from the ruling family and high-ranking households. Durbar School, established during Jung Bahadur Rana's administration, was among Nepal's earliest institutions providing modern education.

According to the history of Durbar High School, subjects taught from its early years included English, history, geography, mathematics, and Nepali. Initially established for children of the ruling family, the school later began admitting children of senior government officials.

Dev Shumsher grew up in this educational and political setting. After becoming Prime Minister, he introduced policies to extend education to the general public. These initiatives connected his administration to the history of public education in Nepal.

Early Political Career and Military Responsibilities

Before becoming Prime Minister, Dev Shumsher served for many years within the Rana military and administrative establishment.

In 1885, following the overthrow of Prime Minister Ranodip Singh, the sons of Dhir Shumsher, led by Bir Shumsher, took control of state power. This event is known in Nepali history as the 42 Sal Ko Parva, referring to the political upheaval of 1942 BS.

Bir Shumsher became Prime Minister following the transfer of power. A new hierarchy was established within the Rana family, and Dhir Shumsher's sons received major responsibilities in the military administration.

Dev Shumsher also rose to a senior military position following this political change.

Dev Shumsher as Commander-in-Chief

As the Rana family's internal hierarchy changed, Dev Shumsher was appointed Commander-in-Chief.

He held this responsibility for an extended period during Prime Minister Bir Shumsher's administration. During that time, he was involved in military and administrative affairs.

Under the Rana regime, the position of Commander-in-Chief was not limited to military administration. The senior official immediately below the Prime Minister also held particular importance in the order of succession.

The administrative experience and military position Dev Shumsher acquired before becoming Prime Minister made him one of the influential figures within the Rana establishment.

Historical records concerning the freeing of enslaved people in 1955 BS also identify him as an official who issued orders in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief.

Appointment as Prime Minister and the 114-Day Administration

Following the death of Prime Minister Bir Shumsher on 5 March 1901, Dev Shumsher became Prime Minister and Shree 3 Maharaja in accordance with the established Rana order of succession.

With his appointment, his younger brother Chandra Shumsher became Commander-in-Chief, while Bhim Shumsher assumed the next senior position.

After taking office, Dev Shumsher prioritized initiatives related to education, communication, social reform, and administrative management.

At the time, Nepal was governed by the hereditary and autocratic Rana regime. Although the king remained the formal head of state, major decisions concerning the administration of the country were controlled by the Prime Minister and the Rana ruling establishment.

Dev Shumsher introduced his reform initiatives within this political structure.

Because his administration lasted only 114 days, many of his plans remained in their initial stages. Nevertheless, some initiatives were implemented immediately and became important in Nepal's institutional history.

Educational Reforms and the Establishment of Language Schools

One of Dev Shumsher's major contributions was his policy to expand primary education for ordinary citizens.

Before his appointment as Prime Minister, opportunities for modern education were concentrated among the Rana family, senior officials, and a limited section of society. Nepal did not have a comprehensive government system providing primary education to the general public throughout the country.

To address this situation, Dev Shumsher introduced a plan to establish language schools, or Bhasha Pathshalas, offering primary education in Nepali.

Objectives of the Language Schools

The primary objective of the language schools was to provide children with basic literacy, elementary mathematics, and foundational knowledge useful in everyday life.

Using Nepali as the medium of instruction was expected to make education accessible to children from families without access to English or Sanskrit education.

Dev Shumsher introduced policies for opening schools, arranging teachers, and providing necessary learning materials.

A report submitted in 1901 by the British Resident in Nepal also mentioned that Dev Shumsher had established primary schools.

How Many Language Schools Were Established?

Historical sources do not agree on the exact number of language schools that became operational during Dev Shumsher's administration.

According to a historical study published by the Embassy of Japan in Nepal, he ordered the establishment of 300 primary schools throughout the country.

However, Devendra Uprety, an education researcher associated with Martin Chautari, has referred to historical accounts stating that approximately 150 language schools were opened during his administration.

These accounts suggest a distinction between the order to establish schools, the intended target, and the number of schools that actually began operating.

Therefore, the exact number of schools established during his administration cannot be presented as an undisputed historical fact. Nevertheless, historical sources confirm that he initiated a significant effort to expand public primary education.

Jaya Prithvi Bahadur Singh and Aksharanka Shiksha

The contributions of Jaya Prithvi Bahadur Singh, the king of Bajhang and an education advocate, were closely connected to Dev Shumsher's educational reforms.

Suitable textbooks were needed to begin teaching in Nepali. In this connection, Jaya Prithvi Bahadur Singh prepared a book titled Aksharanka Shiksha in 1958 BS.

It was an important textbook developed for elementary education in the Nepali language.

The book covered the Devanagari alphabet, Barhakhari (basic consonant-vowel combinations), elementary mathematics, measurement, time, months, and subjects useful in everyday life.

It contributed to efforts to develop introductory educational materials in Nepali.

Arrangements were also made to provide textbooks and necessary writing materials to students attending language schools.

Jaya Prithvi Bahadur Singh later wrote additional books on the Nepali language, education, administration, and social reform.

His involvement in Dev Shumsher's educational policies also demonstrated the importance of textbooks and the medium of instruction in expanding public education.

Expanding Public Access to Durbar High School

Dev Shumsher also attempted to expand public access to Durbar High School.

The school had originally been established to educate children of the Rana family. According to its official history, children of senior government officials had also been allowed to study there beginning in 1876.

Therefore, limited access beyond the ruling family had already begun before Dev Shumsher's administration.

During his tenure, a policy was introduced to make the school more accessible to ordinary citizens.

This effort can be regarded as an important step in the gradual expansion of access to modern education beyond a restricted section of society.

However, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that children from all social and economic backgrounds were able to receive schooling equally under the conditions prevailing at the time.

Establishment of Gorkhapatra and Contributions to Nepali Journalism

The establishment of Gorkhapatra was among the major institutional developments during Dev Shumsher's administration.

The first issue of Gorkhapatra was published on Monday, 24 Baisakh 1958 BS (6 May 1901). It initially appeared as a weekly newspaper.

Historical accounts indicate that a literary magazine called Sudhasagar had been published earlier, in 1955 BS. Therefore, it is more accurate to describe Gorkhapatra as Nepal's first regular newspaper.

The publication of Gorkhapatra helped advance Nepali-language journalism within Nepal on an institutional basis.

Objectives of Gorkhapatra's Publication

The primary purpose of publishing Gorkhapatra was to communicate government information, matters of public concern, and domestic and international news to readers.

At the time, newspaper publication was subject to state supervision, and a fully independent press did not exist.

Nevertheless, the beginning of regular newspaper publication in Nepali was an important development in the history of communication and public information.

The first issue of Gorkhapatra also included material explaining the purpose and usefulness of publishing a newspaper.

Publication Charter and Management

Dev Shumsher issued a written charter, or Sanad, authorizing the publication of Gorkhapatra.

Under the charter issued in Baisakh 1958 BS, Pandit Nardev Pandey was assigned managerial responsibility for publishing the newspaper.

Early records refer to him as the Talukwala, a term used for the official responsible for the undertaking.

Because it was not customary at the time to publish the editor's name regularly, historians and journalism researchers have not reached complete agreement on who served as Gorkhapatra's first editor.

The newspaper was initially printed at Pashupat Printing Press.

The publication charter also contained instructions concerning the types of material that could and could not be printed in the newspaper. Thus, although the arrangement established regular newspaper publication, it did not guarantee complete press freedom in the modern sense.

Historical Significance of Gorkhapatra

Gorkhapatra has played a long-term role in the development of journalism in Nepal.

Initially published weekly, it later became a twice-weekly publication, then appeared three times a week, and eventually developed into a daily newspaper.

It has helped preserve records of various political, social, cultural, and linguistic developments in Nepal.

The institution established during Dev Shumsher's administration continued operating after his tenure ended.

Social Reforms and Efforts Against Slavery

Dev Shumsher took steps to free enslaved people and restrict the practice of slavery.

His involvement in this issue did not begin only after he became Prime Minister. Historical records show that he had issued an emancipation order while serving as Commander-in-Chief.

Emancipation of Seven Enslaved People in 1955 BS

According to a historical document published through the Documenta Nepalica project of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Dev Shumsher issued an order in 1955 BS to free seven enslaved people.

The order was connected to the recovery of outstanding money owed to a Guthi, a traditional religious or charitable endowment.

The individual concerned had proposed auctioning seven enslaved people under his control to settle the financial obligation. Instead, Dev Shumsher ordered their emancipation and directed that their assessed value be adjusted against the outstanding amount.

This document confirms that Dev Shumsher was involved in emancipation measures even before becoming Prime Minister.

Emancipation Efforts After Becoming Prime Minister

After assuming the position of Prime Minister, Dev Shumsher continued initiatives to free enslaved people.

According to a historical study published through Documenta Nepalica, he emancipated 767 enslaved people on the occasion of assuming office.

He subsequently attempted to free enslaved women in Kaski and Lamjung. However, opposition from slaveholders prevented the plan from being fully implemented.

Historical accounts also indicate that orders were issued during his administration to prohibit practices involving the buying and selling of enslaved people, their use as collateral, and their transfer as gifts.

These decisions demonstrate attempts to restrict slavery. However, slavery was not completely abolished in Nepal during his administration.

Formal Abolition of Slavery in Nepal

The decisive steps toward ending slavery in Nepal were taken later, during Chandra Shumsher's administration.

On 28 November 1924, Chandra Shumsher announced the abolition of slavery. Legal provisions implementing the abolition subsequently came into force in 1925.

Dev Shumsher should therefore be understood as a ruler who introduced early reforms against slavery, rather than the Prime Minister who completely abolished the institution in Nepal.

Administrative Reforms and Public Grievance Mechanisms

Dev Shumsher introduced several new administrative practices.

Among these, arrangements for collecting suggestions and complaints from ordinary citizens were particularly notable.

Suggestion and Complaint Boxes

According to a report submitted to the British government by the British Resident in Nepal in 1901, Dev Shumsher arranged for suggestion boxes to be installed at various locations.

Members of the public could use these boxes to submit their problems, complaints, and suggestions.

The report stated that the boxes were regularly brought to the palace and opened.

This provided an additional means through which petitions from ordinary citizens could reach the Prime Minister without necessarily passing through government officials.

However, the arrangement should not be equated with a modern democratic grievance-redress system. Final decision-making authority remained with the ruler.

Working Hours in Government Offices

British diplomatic reports also mention that Dev Shumsher introduced provisions concerning daily working hours and annual leave for government employees.

According to the reports, government employees were required to work six hours a day and were granted 17 days of annual leave.

These measures reflected attempts to introduce greater regularity into government office operations.

However, sufficient details are unavailable to determine how effectively the arrangements were implemented across all government offices.

Public Timekeeping and Early Film Screenings

Several new practices related to public timekeeping and entertainment were introduced during Dev Shumsher's administration.

Noon Cannon Signal

At the time, ordinary citizens had limited access to clocks and watches.

According to a historical account published by the Embassy of Japan in Nepal, Dev Shumsher introduced the practice of firing a cannon in Kathmandu to signal noon.

The practice reportedly began in 1901 and continued for a considerable period.

Its primary purpose was to provide members of the public with a common indication of the time.

Film Screening at Tundikhel

Dev Shumsher's administration also arranged an early public film screening at Tundikhel in Kathmandu.

According to the historical timeline maintained by Nepal's Film Development Board, members of the public were given an opportunity to watch moving pictures on 9 May 1901.

A notice published in Gorkhapatra indicated that moving images would be shown free of charge using projectascope technology.

This event forms part of the early history of public film exhibitions in Nepal.

However, it should not be confused with the establishment of Nepal's film production industry.

Technical Education and the Plan to Send Nepali Students to Japan

Dev Shumsher developed a plan to send Nepali students to Japan for technical education.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Japan's industrial and technological development had attracted attention from other Asian countries.

Believing that Japan's experience in education and technology could be useful to Nepal, Dev Shumsher proposed sending eight Nepali students there.

According to a historical study by Harendra B. Barua, published by the Embassy of Japan in Nepal, Dev Shumsher sought assistance from Swami Purnananda Giri to make arrangements for sending the students to Japan.

However, his removal from the position of Prime Minister prevented the plan from being implemented during his administration.

Eight Nepali Students Departed for Japan in 1902

The plan initiated by Dev Shumsher was subsequently implemented during Chandra Shumsher's administration.

In 1902, eight Nepali students were sent to Japan for further studies.

Arrangements were made for them to study subjects including agriculture, mechanical engineering, mining, chemistry, and other technical disciplines.

According to the historical account published by the Embassy of Japan, the students arrived in Yokohama, Japan, on 17 June 1902.

This development shows that Dev Shumsher's plan to promote technical education continued after his removal from office.

Power Struggle Between Dev Shumsher and Chandra Shumsher

The main reason for Dev Shumsher's short administration was the power struggle within the Rana family.

After becoming Prime Minister, he introduced reform programs that became controversial within the traditional structure of Rana rule.

His younger brother Chandra Shumsher was serving as Commander-in-Chief. Under the Rana order of succession, he was also a prospective successor to the position of Prime Minister.

Some influential members of the Rana family were dissatisfied with Dev Shumsher's plans to expand education, publish a newspaper, and emancipate enslaved people.

However, attributing his removal from office solely to opposition to his reform policies would be insufficient. Internal family factions, control over military power, and competition concerning succession were also important factors.

In assessing the reasons for Dev Shumsher's removal, the British Resident in Nepal at the time referred to political rivalry within the family alongside his reformist ideas.

Removal of Dev Shumsher from Office

Dev Shumsher was removed from the position of Prime Minister in late June 1901. His tenure is generally considered to have formally ended on 27 June.

Based on British diplomatic records, historical researcher Santosh Khadeeri has stated that the transfer of power took place on 26 June and that formal notification was sent the following day.

Durbar School Ceremony and the Transfer of Power

According to historical accounts, Dev Shumsher attended a prize distribution ceremony at Durbar School.

After the ceremony, he was taken to Seto Durbar (White Palace) on the pretext of discussing a family matter.

Historical studies indicate that he was compelled to resign from the position of Prime Minister there.

Following his resignation, Chandra Shumsher was appointed Prime Minister and Shree 3 Maharaja in the name of the reigning king, Prithvi Bir Bikram Shah.

Because the transfer of power reportedly occurred without widespread bloodshed, the event is often described as a bloodless coup.

Nevertheless, historical accounts differ on certain details of the process through which Dev Shumsher was removed.

Transfer to Dhankuta

After being removed from office, Dev Shumsher was sent from Kathmandu to Dhankuta under military supervision.

His transfer to Dhankuta appears to have been intended to keep him away from the political and military centers of power in the capital.

Chandra Shumsher's administration began following this change of leadership.

Dev Shumsher's removal demonstrated that, despite the powerful position held by the Prime Minister under the Rana regime, political support within the family and control over military forces remained essential.

Exile in India After Leaving Dhankuta

After spending some time in Dhankuta, Dev Shumsher traveled through eastern Nepal and eventually reached British India.

According to a study based on historical records, he arrived in Darjeeling on 30 October 1901.

After reaching India, he made various attempts to reverse the decision that had removed him from power.

British diplomatic records indicate that he wanted to return to Nepal and present his position before the king and military leadership.

However, these attempts were unsuccessful.

Residence in Mussoorie

After reaching Darjeeling, Dev Shumsher eventually settled in the Mussoorie area of northern India.

Historical records indicate that he had reached Mussoorie by 1902.

During his exile, he maintained contact with the Nepal government concerning financial and family matters.

He also corresponded with Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher. However, Dev Shumsher never regained the position of Prime Minister following his removal.

He spent the remainder of his life in India.

Death of Dev Shumsher

Dev Shumsher died on 20 February 1914 in Mussoorie, British India. He was 51 years old at the time of his death.

His final years were difficult because of health problems.

According to the archival study presented by Santosh Khadeeri, Dev Shumsher became seriously ill in 1912. His health remained poor for an extended period afterward.

His condition deteriorated further in February 1914, and he died on 20 February.

He was unable to return to Nepal after being removed from the position of Prime Minister. His final years were spent in exile.

Historical Contributions of Dev Shumsher

Dev Shumsher's historical importance is closely connected to the reform programs initiated during his brief administration.

His principal contributions can be understood through several areas.

Expansion of Public Education

Dev Shumsher introduced a policy to establish language schools and expand access to primary education for the general public.

The use of Nepali as a medium of instruction and the development of elementary textbooks supported efforts to expand public education.

Although the operation of many language schools was disrupted after his removal, the initiative remains an important phase in Nepal's educational history.

Development of Nepali Journalism

The publication of Gorkhapatra began during his administration.

It established an institutional basis for regular Nepali-language newspaper publication within Nepal.

The newspaper continued publication after Dev Shumsher's administration ended.

Efforts to Free Enslaved People

Dev Shumsher took steps to emancipate enslaved people both as Commander-in-Chief and as Prime Minister.

Although not all his plans succeeded, historical records confirm several decisions concerning emancipation.

These initiatives can be assessed as one stage in the gradual historical process that eventually led to the abolition of slavery in Nepal.

Administrative Reforms

The introduction of suggestion and complaint boxes, working-hour regulations, and leave arrangements for government employees reflected attempts to improve administrative procedures.

Although these decisions did not establish all the foundations of a modern administrative system, they represented efforts to introduce new practices within the existing structure of government.

Interest in Technical Education

The plan to send Nepali students to Japan demonstrated recognition of the need for technical knowledge and skills.

Although Dev Shumsher could not implement the plan during his administration, it was completed later under Chandra Shumsher.

Limitations of Dev Shumsher's Reforms

Although Dev Shumsher is recognized as a reform-oriented ruler, his administration was not a modern democratic government.

He served as Prime Minister under the hereditary Rana regime. His reforms were introduced through the authority of the ruling establishment rather than through policies approved by elected representatives.

Despite his efforts to expand public education, there is no evidence that children from all social groups and geographical regions gained equal educational opportunities.

Similarly, although Gorkhapatra began publication during his administration, complete freedom of the press was not established.

His attempts to emancipate enslaved people were also only partially successful because of the social and political opposition that existed at the time.

Following his removal, many reform initiatives did not achieve sustained institutional continuity.

These limitations are important when assessing education during the Rana regime and Dev Shumsher's broader historical role.

A balanced assessment therefore recognizes Dev Shumsher not as a ruler who completed every proposed reform, but as a Prime Minister who initiated several significant programs in public education, communication, and social change.

Major Events in the Life of Dev Shumsher

Conclusion

Dev Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana's 114-day tenure as Prime Minister was brief, but it marked an important period of reform efforts in Nepal's history.

He initiated measures to expand primary education for ordinary citizens, develop textbooks in Nepali, establish Gorkhapatra, restrict slavery, and improve administrative procedures.

Not all his plans were fully implemented. Political rivalry within the Rana family led to his removal from office, and he spent the remainder of his life in exile.

Nevertheless, the establishment of Gorkhapatra, the expansion of language schools, documented emancipation decisions, and the plan to send Nepali students to Japan provide evidence of his historical contributions.

Understanding Dev Shumsher's legacy requires consideration of both his reformist approach and the political and institutional limitations of the Rana system under which he governed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who was Dev Shumsher Rana?

Dev Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana was a former Prime Minister of Nepal and the fourth Shree 3 Maharaja of the Rana regime. He served as Prime Minister for 114 days in 1901. He is recognized as a reform-oriented Rana ruler because of his initiatives in education, journalism, and social reform.

2. What number Prime Minister of Nepal was Dev Shumsher?

According to the official list maintained by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Government of Nepal, Dev Shumsher was Nepal's 11th Prime Minister.

3. How long did Dev Shumsher serve as Prime Minister?

Dev Shumsher served as Prime Minister of Nepal for 114 days, from 5 March to 27 June 1901.

4. What were Dev Shumsher's contributions to education?

He introduced policies to expand language schools and provide primary education to ordinary citizens. During his administration, Jaya Prithvi Bahadur Singh prepared the textbook Aksharanka Shiksha. Efforts to expand public access to Durbar High School were also associated with his educational reforms.

5. How many language schools did Dev Shumsher establish?

Historical sources provide differing accounts. Some studies mention approximately 150 language schools, while another account states that he ordered the establishment of 300 schools throughout Nepal. The exact number of schools that became operational has not been conclusively established.

6. When did Gorkhapatra begin publication?

Gorkhapatra began publication as a weekly newspaper on 24 Baisakh 1958 BS (6 May 1901), during Prime Minister Dev Shumsher's administration.

7. Did Dev Shumsher abolish slavery in Nepal?

No. Dev Shumsher took steps to emancipate enslaved people and restrict slavery. The decisive announcement concerning the abolition of slavery and the subsequent legal provisions were introduced during Chandra Shumsher's administration in 1924–1925.

8. Why was Dev Shumsher removed from office?

Dev Shumsher's removal was associated with political rivalry within the Rana family, opposition to his reform policies, and competition concerning succession. He was removed from the position of Prime Minister in June 1901, after which Chandra Shumsher assumed office.

9. When and where did Dev Shumsher die?

Dev Shumsher died on 20 February 1914 in Mussoorie, British India. He was 51 years old at the time of his death.

References

1. Government of Nepal, Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers — Former Prime Ministers of Nepal. Official list of prime ministers and Dev Shumsher's position in the sequence.

2. Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities — Documenta Nepalica, K_0614_0021. Historical order concerning emancipation issued by Dev Shumsher, his period of rule, and archival commentary.

3. Heidelberg Academy — Historical Details of Deva Śamśera Jaṅga Bahādura Rāṇā. Historical information concerning Dev Shumsher's birth, death, and biography.

4. Gorkhapatra — From a Weekly to a Daily Newspaper. History of Gorkhapatra's establishment, publication date, charter, and initial management.

5. Gorkhapatra — Questions Concerning Gorkhapatra's Establishment and Editors. Research concerning the newspaper's early editorial responsibilities.

6. Gorkhapatra — National Luminary Jaya Prithvi Bahadur Singh. Information about Aksharanka Shiksha, Nepali textbooks, and educational contributions.

7. Durbar High School — History of the School. Historical information concerning the school's establishment and expansion of student access.

8. Martin Chautari — The Anti-Education Character of the Nepali State. A 2025 interview with researcher Devendra Uprety discussing education under the Rana regime and the history of language schools.

9. Embassy of Japan in Nepal — Pioneer Nepali Students in Japan—A Century Ago. A historical study by Harendra B. Barua concerning Dev Shumsher's reform initiatives and the plan to send Nepali students to Japan.

10. Film Development Board, Nepal — Historical Timeline of Nepali Cinema. Historical record concerning the public film screening held in 1901.

11. Santosh Khadeeri — Dev Shumsher's Final Days, The Commons. An archival study based on British diplomatic records and historical documents concerning Dev Shumsher's removal, exile, and death.

12. Heidelberg Academy — Documents on Slavery, Unfree Labour and Emancipation. An introduction to historical documents concerning slavery and its abolition in Nepal.