Mangalman is a long narrative poem describing the people's life and time in Nepal during the last quarter of the Rana family autocracy (1846-1950). Although it is a biographical poem describing the trials and tribulations of Mangalman and his family, it presents a vivid picture of the social and political condition of the country under the Rana autocracy and even after its downfall in 1951 when the people's aspirations were still neglected. The downfall of the autocratic regime was not a truly historic revolution as people wanted it to be. Their expectation was a really meaningful change in the social and political life of the country. Despite the painful struggle of people like Mangalman and the sacrifice of the martyrs, the change was but a continuation of the same nature of governance where people never came into its focus or concern. This poem also describes the set back of democracy by king Mahendra's action in 1960 without mentioning the king's name. Mangalman, the hero of this poem, who was in jail under the Rana rule and ironically again under the King's direct rule after 1960, dies a tragic death with nobody to mourn for him except his own old father and younger brother. The poet gives a very poignant description of the scene of his hero's funeral, unattended and, in fact, scornfully boycotted by his relatives, and unsung by the people and un-reported by the press. The picture of Mangalman presented by the poet emerges as a truly dedicated reformist rather than a violent revolutionary.
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