Queen Aishwarya of Nepal
| Aishwarya | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Queen Aishwarya in 1972 | |||||
| Queen consort of Nepal | |||||
| Tenure | 31 January 1972 – 1 June 2001 | ||||
| Coronation | 24 February 1975 | ||||
| Born | 7 November 1949 Lazimpat Durbar, Kathmandu, Kingdom of Nepal | ||||
| Died | 1 June 2001 (aged 51) Narayanhiti Royal Palace, Kathmandu, Kingdom of Nepal | ||||
| Cause of death | Assassination (gunshot wounds) | ||||
| Spouse | |||||
| Issue | Dipendra of Nepal Princess Shruti of Nepal Prince Nirajan of Nepal | ||||
| |||||
| House | Rana; by birth Shah; by marriage | ||||
| Father | General Kendra Shumsher Jang Bahadur Rana | ||||
| Mother | Shree Rajya Lakshmi Devi Shah | ||||
| Religion | Hinduism | ||||
Aishwarya Rajya Lakshmi Devi Shah (Nepali: ऐश्वर्य राज्य लक्ष्मी देवी शाह) (7 November 1949 – 1 June 2001) was Queen of Nepal from 1972 until her death in 2001. She played a significant role as the consort of King Birendra and was a prominent figure in the royal family throughout her lifetime.
Queen Aishwarya is regarded by many Nepalese as an influential figure, known for her steadfast presence. During the pre-1990 era of absolute monarchy, she was often considered to be a central influence behind the throne. While her sense of style shaped the cultural ideal for many, her influence went beyond appearance. She was seen as a figure of composure and support alongside her husband during a period of both political change and royal tradition.
In addition to her public role, Queen Aishwarya was a patron of the arts and made contributions to the cultural landscape of Nepal. She was known for her literary works and involvement in music, composing and writing songs under the pen-name Chandani Shah. She remains an iconic figure in Nepalese culture.