Rana dynasty
The Rana dynasty was eventually overthrown in February 1951, and democracy was established in Nepal. The Ranas ruled Nepal from 1846 until 1951. During this time, the Shah king was reduced to a figurehead and the prime minister and other government positions were hereditary. Jang Bahadur Rana established the Rana dynasty in 1846 by masterminding the Kot massacre in which about 40 members of the nobility including the prime minister and a relative of the king were murdered. Tyranny, debauchery, economic exploitation and religious persecution characterised Rana rule. This 104-years of Rana regime has been called as one of the darkest periods of Nepalese history.