Ep:489 | Ratan Bhandari on the Real History of Singha Durbar & Rana Family | Sushant Pradhan Podcast

In this powerful conversation, Ratan Bhandari, a renowned Nepalese author and border expert, takes us deep into the untold history of Singha Durbar — Nepal’s most iconic political building. From his emotional reaction to the recent Singha Durbar fire to the hidden stories behind its construction and repeated destruction, Bhandari explores how this palace became the symbol of political power and tragedy. He shares detailed insights on why Singha Durbar was built, the land it stands on, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding its many fires — including the first fire incident, the Seto Durbar blaze, and conspiracies around the latest one. The discussion extends into Nepal’s broader history, including the Rana regime, Jang Bahadur Rana’s rise, the Kot Parva and Bhandarkhal massacre, and the roles of figures such as Chandara Shamsar and the Dixit family. This episode offers a rare blend of architecture, politics, and emotion, providing a historical perspective on how power, culture, and tragedy shaped modern Nepal. Watch till the end as Ratan Bhandari shares stories rarely told in the mainstream — from plane hijacks to border politics, and the enduring mystery of Singha Durbar’s fires. Keywords: Ratan Bhandari, Singha Durbar fire, Rana history, Nepal political history, Jang Bahadur Rana, Kot Parva, Bhandarkhal massacre, Seto Durbar

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