Gyanendra is a former king of Nepal, having reigned from 2001 until the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. He was born on July 26, 1947, and became king after the tragic royal massacre in 2001, which claimed the life of his brother, King Dipendra. Gyanendra's reign was marked by political turmoil and conflict, particularly with the rise of the Maoist insurgency. In 2006, widespread protests led to the end of the monarchy in Nepal, and Gyanendra was forced to abdicate. Following the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, Nepal was declared a federal democratic republic, and Gyanendra has since lived a private life, away from politics.