3 Kings, 2 Lovers: The Nepalese Royal Massacre of 2001

Words by Geha Pandey

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This map is a digitally rendered topographic representations of South Asia (printed in 2D). In order to create these maps, Digital Elevation Data (DEM) is obtained from NASA's Shuttle Radar Topography Mission and is processed and digitally rendered to create a highly detailed elevation profile of South Asia and printed on a flat surface. Two versions of the map are available, each with different hypsometric colour overlays that highlight the difference in elevation, creating beautiful artworks (Available now as print).

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Recommended Reads:

The Geopolitics of Nepal: A Yam Wedged Between Two Boulders

The Tragic Murder of Sara Sharif: How Violent Discipline is Normalized in South Asian Cultures

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3 Kings, 2 Lovers: The Nepalese Royal Massacre of 2001

A family portrait of King Birendra, Queen Aishwariya, Crown Prince Dipendra, Prince Nirajan, and Princess Shruti. 

Ruled by three different kings in the span of four days, the Nepalese population was growing familiar with fast, unexpected, and monumental change. This sensation of whiplash began June 1st, 2001, when the 29-year-old lovesick Crown Prince Dipendra allegedly murdered the royal family upon his parents’ refusal to marry the woman he loved.