Question

March, 2008 witnessed a turning point in the history of which of the following Himalayan Kingdoms when democracy was ushered in replacing monarchy?

• A. Bhutan
• B. Nepal
• C. Sikkim
• D. None of these

Hint:

This kingdom held its first elections and adopted a new constitution on 24 March 2008, months before Nepal became a republic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

This question tests awareness of the political changes that swept through the Himalayan kingdoms around 2008, and it is easy to confuse Bhutan with Nepal here since both moved away from monarchy in the same year.

1. Bhutan: Bhutan held its first ever National Assembly elections on 24 March 2008, and a new constitution came into force the same day. This converted Bhutan from an absolute monarchy under the Wangchuck dynasty into a constitutional, democratic monarchy, with an elected government running the country.
2. Nepal: Nepal's monarchy was abolished a little later, on 28 May 2008, when the newly elected Constituent Assembly declared Nepal a federal democratic republic. This happened after Bhutan's change, so it does not match the March 2008 timing in the question.
3. Sikkim: Sikkim had already merged with India as its 22nd state back in 1975, so it was not functioning as a separate Himalayan kingdom in 2008.
4. None of these: This is ruled out because Bhutan's transition did happen exactly in March 2008.

The event referred to in the question is Bhutan's shift from absolute monarchy to a democratic, constitutional setup in March 2008.

Let's summarize:

• Bhutan: first elections and new constitution, March 2008.
• Nepal: monarchy abolished, republic declared, May 2008.

The correct answer is Bhutan.