The big myth about revolutions: That they're all organic

They are usually the result of a power struggle between the second rung of society and those on top

- MANU JOSEPH

We are told that an 'organic' uprising against corruption broke out in Kathmandu a few weeks ago. The youth, angry with the government, supposedly rushed out of their homes in unison after social media apps were banned, set fire to buildings, nearly killed politicians and toppled the government, all within days.

And this happened without anyone in the shadows pulling strings. If the revolt had taken place a few months ago, it would have been enshrined as the 'Nepalese Spring'.

In the first hours of any modern uprising, it always looks like this. The young, Gen-something, some late alphabet, rise violently against injustice, apparently risking their own lives. State forces, despite their weapons and power, are surprisingly unable to quell the insurgency. Later, it becomes clear that there was a power behind it, one that does not seem to be made up of ordinary people. Or perhaps it is true that in Nepal the uprising occurred exactly the way we have been told. Just that revolts do not happen that way, without the intent, funding or co-option of some part of the elite.