Background:
Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, located mainly in the Himalayas. It was ruled by various dynasties and kingdoms throughout its history. The Rana dynasty held power for over a century until the monarchy was reestablished in 1951. King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev ascended to the throne in 1972 and ruled until his tragic death in 2001.

Tragedy and Political Unrest:
On June 1, 2001, a tragic incident occurred at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace in Kathmandu, Nepal. Crown Prince Dipendra, heir to the throne, went on a shooting spree, killing several members of the royal family, including King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya. Dipendra was critically injured and later died, leaving the nation in shock and mourning.

Transition and Political Changes:
After the royal massacre, King Birendra's brother, Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, was proclaimed the new king. However, public sentiment turned against the monarchy due to suspicions surrounding the incident and dissatisfaction with the political situation in the country. The people demanded a more democratic system and an end to the monarchy's absolute power.

February 2005: King Gyanendra's Takeover:
Despite growing protests and calls for change, King Gyanendra made a controversial move on February 1, 2005. He dissolved the government, declared a state of emergency, and assumed direct control of the country. This action was widely condemned both domestically and internationally.

Consequences and Continuing Unrest:
King Gyanendra's takeover was met with widespread resistance from political parties, civil society, and the general public. The move further fueled the Maoist insurgency that had been ongoing since 1996. The country plunged into a period of political instability, with protests, strikes, and clashes between security forces and demonstrators becoming common.

February 2007: Restoring Democracy:
Amid mounting pressure and growing unrest, King Gyanendra was forced to step down from his position as the head of government on April 24, 2006. Following negotiations between political parties and the Maoists, an interim government was formed, and a peace agreement was signed in November 2006.

Election and New Government:
In April 2008, Nepal held its first Constituent Assembly election, marking a significant milestone in the country's transition to a republic. The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) emerged as the largest party, and on May 28, 2008, the Constituent Assembly declared Nepal a federal democratic republic, abolishing the monarchy.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, King Gyanendra took over as the head of government in Nepal on February 1, 2005. His actions sparked widespread unrest and led to a period of political instability in the country. However, due to increasing pressure and protests, he was eventually forced to step down in April 2006, paving the way for Nepal's transition to a republic.