Matrika Prasad Koirala

The First Prime Minister of a Free Nepal

Matrika Prasad Koirala, the eldest of the Koirala brothers, was born in 1912 in Biratnagar. He holds the distinction of being the first commoner to serve as Prime Minister of Nepal, ending the monopoly of the Rana family on the premiership.

Role in the Revolution

As a member of the politically active Koirala family, Matrika Prasad was deeply involved in the movement against the Rana regime. Following the success of the 1950–51 revolution, he was appointed Prime Minister by King Tribhuvan, serving from 1951 to 1952 and again from 1953 to 1955.

Building a New Nepal

As Prime Minister, Matrika Prasad Koirala faced the enormous challenge of building democratic institutions from scratch in a country that had known only autocratic rule for over a century. He worked to establish the foundations of modern governance, including expanding education, initiating development projects, and opening Nepal to the international community.

The Koirala Dynasty

The Koirala family’s contribution to Nepali democracy is unparalleled. From their base in Biratnagar, the brothers — Matrika Prasad, B.P., and Girija Prasad — collectively served as Prime Minister for more terms than any other family in Nepali history. This extraordinary political dynasty underscores Biratnagar’s central role in shaping modern Nepal.