Diamond Shumsher Rana (डायमनशमशेर राणा) was a prominent figure in Nepalese history, known for his complex political and literary career. Born in the Tansen Durbar in Palpa, Nepal, he was from a distinguished Rana family. His grandfather, Sher Shumshere Jung Bahadur Rana, held the position of governor, and his father, Buddha Shumshere Jung Bahadur Rana, was a colonel in the Royal Nepal Army. This background provided him with a privileged upbringing, and he was a captain in the Royal Nepal Army.
Rana’s literary career began with his debut novel, Basanti, which was published in 1948 after he traveled to Benaras, India. However, his life took a significant turn when he became involved in political activism against the Rana regime in Nepal. He aligned himself with an anti-establishment faction and was subsequently arrested, court-martialed, and sentenced to death. However, his release came after significant pressure from members of the Rana family, indicating the complex dynamics within the political structure of the time.
Despite his initial ties to the Rana regime, Diamond Shumsher Rana later joined the political opposition. He became a member of the Nepali Congress Party, where he remained active from 1954 to 1987, playing a role in the changing political landscape of Nepal.
Rana’s life journey, marked by his transition from military service to political opposition, as well as his contributions to Nepali literature, highlights the tensions of the time and his influence in both the literary and political spheres.
