The constitution of Nepal Academy can be taken as an achievement of the political turnover of 1951. After the downfall of the Rana regime, significant achievements were made in the field of Nepali literature, culture, art and knowledge. In the free environment after the establishment of democracy, men of letter, artists, cultural activists and scientists started conducting new experiments in their respective fields. To include the suppressed creativity into the national mainstream, the need for a national autonomous institution was felt. But, because of political instability and disorganization, the constitution of such an institution was delayed.

An institution that would represent the nation in the field of literature, culture, art and knowledge was finally established seven years after the revolution. On June 22, 1957, His Late Majesty King Mahendra, who was also a fine poet, founded an autonomous institution called Nepal Sahitya Kala Academy to promote the nation's glory through the development of literature, culture, art and knowledge. Because the king himself accepted the post of Chancellor, the institution became more prestigious.

The name of this institution changed on many occasions. In the same year it was called Nepal Academy after the promulgation of the Nepal Academy Act, and it was renamed Nepal Academy on March 3, 1958. From April 1967 onwards it came to be known as Nepal Rajkiya Pragyã Pratisthan. Along with its name, the act of this institution has also changed on four different occasions. According to these acts, certain changes also took place not only in its constitution but also in its function.

When it was first established, His Majesty himself was the Chancellor; but, later, this post was given to academicians who had rendered significant services in the field of literature, culture, art and knowledge. His Late Majesty King Mahendra became the patron and the posts of Chancellor and Vice-chancellor were given to academicians and artists. However, in the last act, the Prime Minister was made Chancellor and the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation was made Pro-chancellor. Because the then parliament created ambiguity in the Royal Nepal Academy Act of 2050, the provision for patron does not exist anymore.

Their Majesties have made incomparable contributions to the development and prosperity of Nepal Academy.

It may have been that because the kings themselves were academicians and artists, they had an affinity for Nepal Academy. His Late Majesty King Mahendra was a poet, whereas King Birendra was an artist. The Nepal Academy achieved physical and structural prosperity during the reign of King Mahendra and King Birendra. It started its journey from a humble rented house and, now, it has its own huge complex at Kamaladi. Its compound occupies 50 ropanis of land and the main building has an air-conditioned exhibition hall, a library, a seminar hall and an auditorium.

His Majesty King Gynendra is also a poet. Although he rules during a difficult and sensitive period, That he is sensitive to the needs of Nepal Academy is evident from his speeches. We remain confident that Royal Nepal Academy will further develop during his reign.

The various Departments of Nepal Academy were established

At the time of its establishment this institution was also supposed to look after the departments of knowledge and science; but, with the establishment of Nepal Academy for Science and Technology (RONAST), these two departments have been removed from RNA.

 

At present Nepal Academy focuses on four major areas: