In November 1990, after the Jana Andolan movement, the new Constitution was adopted and the country became a constitutional monarchy. On 13 February 1996, the Nepalese Civil War was launched by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), with the aim of overthrowing the kingdom and establishing a 'People's Republic'.

Introduction:
Nepal became a constitutional monarchy on December 16, 1990. This significant development marked a shift from an absolute monarchy to a system where the king's powers were limited by a written constitution. Let's delve into the details of this transition.

The Background:
- Nepal had been ruled by a hereditary monarchy since ancient times, with the Shah dynasty reigning over the country.
- King Mahendra, who ascended the throne in 1955, introduced the Panchayat system in 1960, which replaced the existing parliamentary system with a non-party political structure.
- Under the Panchayat system, the king held absolute power and the government was run by a council appointed by the king.

The Demand for Democratic Reforms:
- In the late 1980s, the people of Nepal began demanding democratic reforms and an end to the autocratic rule of the monarchy.
- Pro-democracy movements, led by political parties and activists, gained momentum across the country.
- The protests intensified in 1990, with widespread demonstrations, strikes, and civil unrest demanding political change.

The 1990 People's Movement:
- The 1990 People's Movement, also known as the Jana Andolan, was a historic movement that eventually led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in Nepal.
- The movement brought together various political parties, activists, and the general public who were united in their demand for democratic reforms.
- The protests paralyzed the country, forcing King Birendra to address the people's grievances.

The Transition to a Constitutional Monarchy:
- Under mounting pressure, King Birendra announced a series of reforms on April 6, 1990, including the restoration of multi-party democracy.
- The king agreed to establish a constitutional monarchy, where his powers would be limited by a written constitution.
- A new constitution was drafted and promulgated on November 9, 1990, providing a framework for democratic governance in Nepal.
- The king's role was transformed into a ceremonial one, with the executive powers vested in a prime minister and the elected government.

Conclusion:
On December 16, 1990, Nepal officially became a constitutional monarchy, marking a significant shift towards democratic governance. The transition was the result of the 1990 People's Movement, where the people of Nepal demanded political reforms and an end to absolute monarchy. The establishment of a written constitution and the limitation of the king's powers paved the way for a more democratic and inclusive system of governance in the country.