New Books Network
Political Mythmaking in Nepal
Apr 18, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Ankita Shrestha, a human geography PhD from the University of Oslo, explores political mythmaking in rural Nepal. She delves into how caste, gender, and indigeneity shape power dynamics and societal hierarchies. The conversation reveals how these political myths obscure historical truths and influence national identity, especially post-Maoist War. Shrestha critiques state authority, highlighting marginalized voices' struggles and the deeper issues that persist despite seemingly significant political changes. It's a thought-provoking examination of justice in Nepal.
33:12
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Quick takeaways
- Political myths in Nepal obscure historical contexts and perpetuate existing hierarchies by presenting power structures as inevitable and self-evident.
- The dynamics of caste, gender, and indigeneity play a crucial role in shaping political power relations, often co-opting marginalized struggles into established norms of dominance.
Deep dives
The Concept of Political Myths in Nepal
Political myths in Nepal serve as ideological narratives that reshape the understanding of politics by obscuring historical contexts and power structures. These myths evolve from cultural signs that initially convey specific meanings but gradually adopt broader implications that appear self-evident. For instance, the concept of governance, while initially linked to the authority of individuals in power, is mythologically represented as an abstract struggle for dominance, masking its historical construction. This manipulation of history allows for the legitimization of existing hierarchies and reinforces dominant social orders, as myths supplant historical narratives with more favorable interpretations.
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