Official Flag of Kyrat using various sources from in game.
Kyrat also (किरात) or (ཀྱ་རཏ) is a fictional Himalayan country, located presumably in Nepal in the Himalayas (bordering Bihar, India as stated by the nearest embassy being in Patna), that is featured as the setting in Far Cry 4. The Kingdom of Kyrat is an absolute monarchy, which in the game is ruled by the despotic self-appointed King Pagan Min.
Ancient times and origins
It is believed in Kyrati mythology that Banashur created the world and his daughter, Kyra, created Kyrat. In 500 BC, Chal Jama Monastery was built by followers of Kyra, which also become the place where the teachings of Kyra were first recorded.
Shanath arena was built in the 1750s by King Avinash to get citizens minds off issues. At this time, the arena featured elephants fighting tigers to the death.
East India Company Rule
In the late-18th and early-19th century, Kyrat was transformed into a colony of the Honourable East India Company. The economy of Kyrat during this period primarily dependent the the export of gold through mining, which was done via the company KEO. After Kyrat was granted its independence in the 1950's, KEO continued to mine for and export gold, but it eventually went out of business. All that remains of KEO's presence are a few abandoned mines.
King Min's Kyrat
Kyrat was racked by conflict; a civil war raged between the supporters and opponents of the aging monarch: the Royalists and the Nationalists. The Royalist forces, after a few months of bloody fighting, stormed the palace and attempted to crown the young heir to the throne. Pagan Min, a Golden Triangle drug lord with a massive bounty on his head who had set his eyes on Kyrat and had joined the Royalist army in order to forge a name for himself, decided to turn against his comrades and killed the heir and took the Kyrati throne for himself, brutally purging the Royalist leadership of his opponents. Min's betrayal led to the formation by Mohan Ghale of the resistance movement known as the Golden Path (which he named based on a dream Ishwari had), who were committed to his downfall.
Months after Pagan Min's takeover of the nation, the new king's mercenaries succeeded in killing many Royalists not even aware of the danger. Mohan Ghale and some Royalists survived the disaster and went into hiding.
Over the subsequent weeks, Min solidified his control of the country and people flocked to join his new military, enticed by his promises of high pay and a new future for Kyrat.
As the war stretched into 1988, the better equipped and organized Royal Army rapidly advanced across the country and enforced Min's totalitarian regime. Min employed Yuma Lau to track down and eliminate those mercenaries who sided with the Golden Path, and by all accounts she was highly successful. Kyrati businesses were converted to service the opium and heroin trade to fund the army and the lavish lifestyle of Min and his inner circle. The country's borders were closed to all foreigners and international trade prohibited. Temples and other religious sites were banned to the public and their artifacts locked inside Jalendu Temple. Kyrat's historic bell towers were made into makeshift propaganda towers to broadcast regime propaganda. Min even had his likeness printed on the Kyrati rupee. However, as is shown by the outdated money one can loot from corpses, it seems as though the current monarch always bore their face on the rupee.
The situation was increasingly desperate for the overwhelmed Golden Path. Later in 1988, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) made contact with Ghale, offering to deliver weapons and provide military advisors. Ghale accepted the weapons, which put the Golden Path on a more even footing with the Royal Army, but declined the "advisors", believing that the war should be won by Kyratis, not Americans. Even with the new weapons, however, the Golden Path was steadily pushed back. At some point, they were expelled from northern Kyrat.
As the Golden Path continued losing ground, tensions came to a head between Mohan Ghale and Ishwari, who was frustrated that Mohan refused to let her become more involved in the war effort. Mohan ordered Ishwari to infiltrate the Royal Palace as a spy and gain Min's confidence, hoping that this task would keep her out of his way and show her how brutal Min's regime was. Ishwari brought her newborn son, Ajay, with her. Over the next two years she proved to be an effective spy and became Min's lover. Her effect on Min was pronounced, as his love for her distracted him from running his regime; Yuma Lau began to think he had "gone soft". In 1990, Mohan learned that Ishwari had a daughter by her relationship with Min named Lakshmana. Furious, Mohan killed Lakshmana, and Ishwari killed Mohan in turn, then departed Kyrat and emigrated to the United States with Ajay. Pagan Min fell into depression and retreated into the Royal Palace, becoming a recluse, while the Golden Path floundered without its leader.
Modern Day
Kyrat in the modern day is widely regarded as a failed state. It has no diplomatic relationship with the United States, representation in the United Nations, or trade relations with other countries beyond its considerable illicit drug exports. According to Amita, aside from Pagan Min's seedy businesses and the selling of ancient Kyrati artifacts, Kyrat has little industry. The economy is virtually non-existent, and the Kyrati currency, the rupee, suffers from a high rate of inflation, and is worthless outside Kyrat.
Since 1990, Pagan Min has left the day-to-day affairs of running the country to his inner circle. Yuma Lau governs the Royal Guard and runs Durgesh Prison, Kyrat's gold mines, and various re-education camps for captured Golden Path militants and helpers. Paul "De Pleur" Harmon smuggles guns, produces opium and other illegal crops, and is General of the Royal Army. Noore Najjar refines De Pleur's opium into heroin, manages its exportation to countries around the globe via Kyrat Intl. Airport, and supervises Kyrat's human trafficking operation alongside prostitution.
The struggling Golden Path continues to resist Min's regime, but recently its two leaders, the traditionalist Sabal and the progressive Amita, have become increasingly divided over which direction the resistance should take.
In 2014, both the Golden Path and Pagan Min learn that Ajay Ghale is returning to Kyrat to put his mother Ishwari's ashes to rest. Golden Path senior member Darpan is sent to guide Ajay across the Kyrat-India border to the Golden Path, but Pagan Min intercepts Ajay and Darpan at the border checkpoint, beginning the events of Far Cry 4.
Future
It is unknown whether after Pagan Min's death or escape Kyrat continues to be a monarchy. It is likely that it becomes a totalitarian terror state by the Golden Path military ran by Amita or Sabal (depending on the player's choice), though if both are killed, it has the possibility of transforming the country into a democratic republic. It is also possible, and implied by Pagan Min at various points throughout the game, that Ajay is now the current "King" of Kyrat.
After the nuclear holocaust, the fate of the country is unknown. Due to it's remote location, Kyrat was likely unaffected by the initial fallout, whether or not the nuclear winter affected the country remains unknown.
Military
The Kyrati military is divided into Royal Army and Royal Guard, which respectively operating in Southern and Northern Kyrat. The Royal Army, which consists of native Kyratis who are loyal to Pagan Min, is led by Paul "De Pleur" Harmon, General of the Royal Army. Whilst, the Royal Guard, which is stronger, better equipped, and consists of foreign mercenaries from Hong Kong, is governed by Yuma Lau.
Politics
Kyrat is an absolute monarchy with Pagan Min as the king. It is divided into four administrative regions with each of them led by governors. To the south and south east by Paul Harmon, west by Noore, north by Yuma Lau, and northeast by Pagan Min himself.
However, while given the title "governors", they are more of managers for Pagan Min's many black market businesses and activities on Kyrat, even as well as utilizing citizens as slave workers for them.
It is likely that the capitol of Kyrat is the Royal Fortress, the largest settlement in Kyrat.
Foreign Relations
As a result of Pagan Min's influence, he successfully convinced the outside world that he is a benevolent ruler whose regime was disturbed by the terrorist group Golden Path. Furthermore, he also made Kyrat isolated, making the country and its current state unknown from outside. As claimed by Rabi Ray Rana, even with the full blown war going on in Kyrat, no Western media outlet has reported what is going on in Kyrat, despite the conflict gaining great attention on social media.
Furthermore, it has little to none political relationship with other countries, and is not the member of United Nations. As mentioned on Far Cry 4 introduction, not even United States has relationship with the country. However, the country has been monitored by CIA since the start of civil war between royalists and nationalists, allegedly supplying nationalists with weapons, and also Golden Path after Pagan Min's takeover. The monitoring goes on up to 2014, when the current regime was deemed to posess no threat to the United States.
The Monarchy
The Monarchy of the Kingdom of Kyrat is comparable to those of the former Kingdom of Nepal and the currently existing Kingdom of Bhutan, in that all were/are reclusive himalayan Kingdoms in the same general area. For most of history, it would appear that the reigning monarch of Kyrat had absolute power, except for when they were under British rule (former monarchies in British India became Princely States, semi-autonomous Kingdoms wherein the former Kings and their descendants were permitted to continue ruling. However, most of the Princely States' Kings became beholden to a more democratic, European-style parliamentary regime with almost no political power). After independence, full power was again given to the King. In a rare monarchical occurance, the official style of the Kyrati King is 'His Royal Highness.' Typically, 'His Royal Highness' is reserved for Dukes and Princes, whereas Kings are usually styled 'His Majesty.' This is uncommon, but not impossible; many traditional Kings in Africa have taken the style 'Royal Highness' rather than 'Majesty' as well. Confirmed Kings of Kyrat are King Avinash, King Pagan Min, and King Ajay Ghale. An unconfirmed ruler could also be King/Queen Ghadi. This is derived from Yuma's fortress, Ratu Ghadi. Ratu is a Fijian term used for both Kings and Queens (there are no gendered versions of the word), and is related to the indian term for King, Raja. Ratu Ghadi could be referring to a King or Queen by the name of Ghadi. There is also a chance that the name refers to Yuma as Queen of Kyrat, taking the reign name of Ghadi. Like elsewhere, The Royalty in Kyrat have a number of separate palaces in which they reside. The two confirmed ones are Paul 'De Pleur' Harmon's palace, which was probably originally built to house royalty, and the main residence, the Royal Palace. Like in all other monarchies, it is likely that Kyrat has a system of peerage. Not only is it neccessary in almost all monarchical settings, but it is also suggested in the name of one of the outposts of southern Kyrat, the Kheta Manor. In Europe, Manors are the residences of members of peerage and nobility.
King Avinash may have been a patron of education, as is suggested in the outpost 'Avinash Primary School.'
The Ministries (Work In Progress)
Ministry of Public Affairs and Social Harmony
Likely operates as the Kyrati Ministry of the Interior, the difference being that, obviously, it is not named as such. It administrates the internal function of the Kingdom.
Ministry of Animal Relations
Works to preserve the natural environment and its wildlife. Noore Najjar may be the Minister responsible.
Ministry of Homeland Protection
The Kyrati Ministry of Defense. Based on the tower broadcasts, aside from directing the Kyati Armed Forces, it spends most of its time negotiating with The Golden Path and turning people against the guerilla movement. Yuma Lau, the general of the Royal Guard, is probably the Minister responsible, rather than Paul Harmon, the general of the Royal Army. This can be inferred by her uniform, which has eppaulettes and sports many medals.
Ministry of Communication
Administers Kyrat's means of internal communication, and maybe external communication with bordering countries as well. This includes for certain the radio towers, but likely the telephone and power lines that are found next to some streets in Kyrat.
Ministry of Revenue and Social Endowment
Controls the Kyrati economy and trade, most likely. Probably runs the Shining Minds work camps.
Ministry of Tourism
Is only mentioned in the description of the 3D slide reel, an item the player can loot from boxes or dead NPCs. The description reads, "From the Ministry of Tourism, this vintage reel has stereoscopic pictures of the country's natural and architectural wonders." Noore Najjar may be the Minister responsible, as she runs Shanath Arena and notes around the country suggest it is a major tourist site, one in specific talking about 'three american tourists' who want to see the arena.
Ministry of Arts and Entertainment
Like the Ministry of Tourism, this ministry is never mentioned through radio towers. It is mentioned, however, in King Min's Kyrat: "Kyrat's [Shanath] arena was recently renovated thanks to King Pagan Min's loyal servant, Noore and the Ministry of Arts and Entertainment. All contestants are volunteers. Betting is open to all attendees." Noore may be the minister responsible.
Ministry of Animal Control
Responsible for monitoring animal activity that may be dangerous to Kyrati citizens.
Ministry of Labour
Responsible for maintaining Kyrat's workforce. The minister responsible is either Yuma or Paul, as the former runs KEO and the latter runs Kyra Tea.
Geography
Kyrat
Kyrat's exact location is never specified. All that is known is that it lies somewhere to the north of Patna, India most likely Nepal, which has the closest public airport to Kyrat.[1] Kyrat is bordered by at least three other countries: to the south by the Papir Republic, to the west by Kumsa, and to the east by Yinke.[2]
Kyrat itself is separated into two distinct regions: the Kyratese Pacchim Valley in the southwest, and the Kyratese Uttar Region in the northeast.[2] The Pacchim Valley features the villages of Banapur, Tirtha, and "The City of Pain"), as well as Kyrat International Airport, Kyrat's only airport, which was under Royal Army control.
The Kyratese Uttar Region is separated from the Pacchim Valley by a vast canyon. The only way to cross is by way of the heavily guarded and fortified King's Bridge. The Uttar Region features the village of Utkarsh, the sacred Jalendu Temple, the Royal Fortress, and the Royal Palace, where Pagan Min resides.
Kyrats Northern region is far colder than the south, most likely due to it being at a much higher altitude. De Pleur's Compound and its surrounding is a large inaccessible part of the map, which includes the same climate and flora as the rest of the map.
Kyrat has a number of territorial exclaves as is shown on in-game maps used as props in certain locations. None of them are able to be explored in the game itself.
Inhabitants of Kyrat are called Kyratis. A less common denonym is Kyratese.
Trivia
- The name Kyrat actually seems to have been derived from the real name Kirat. The Kirāta (Sanskrit: किरात) is a generic term in Sanskrit literature for people who lived in the mountains, particularly in the Himalayas of Nepal. Kirata Kingdom in Sanskrit literature and Hindu mythology refers to any kingdom of the Kirata people, who were dwellers mostly in the Himalayas (mostly eastern Himalaya). Presently, the Kirat (or Kirati, Kiranti or Kirant) people are indigenous ethnic groups of the Himalayas (mid-hills) extending eastward from Nepal into India, Bangladesh, Burma, and beyond.
- In the trailer, the people of Kyrat are shown to be speaking Hindi, a common language of the Indian subcontinent (Northern India and parts of Nepal), even though it would be more correct for them to be speaking Nepali (the national language of Nepal) or one of the other main Languages of Nepal which are distinct from Hindi. It should be noted, however, this may be because many Nepalese speak languages related to Hindi. Hindi is commonly used in Nepal as a lingua franca, and so it may be the case is the same in Kyrat as well.
Gallery
