ABSTRACT
The image of Nepal as a harmonious country where variousreligions peacefully co-exist was severely undermined duringthe political changes that took place in 1990. The formulation of a new constitution, which sought to ensure the freedom to profess and practice one’s own religion, instilled confidence in various sections of the society, including among adherents of minority religions. Though the Constitution of Nepal (1990) that was finally promulgated retained Hinduism as the state religion, the religionbased social mobilization that had taken place when the new constitution was being drafted in 1990 set precedents in a land that had hitherto not experienced such awakening.
