Commentators and academics often presume that ethnic politics in Nepal began after 1990. However, ethnic politics has always been salient in the country’s politics as shown by the hegemonic domination of the state by one ethnic group and its religion, language and culture since the formation of the Nepali state. This presentation will argue that ethnic politics is being transformed, however. The mono-ethnic state is being challenged by the previously dominated groups, especially since the 1990s. The presentation will use longitudinal data on representation in the state organs and formal recognition of cultural issues to show that the post 2006 polity has become more inclusive but that significant exclusion of various indigenous, caste and regional groups still exists. Finally the presentation will argue that mobilization of various groups contributed to the inclusive reforms and to the emerging poly-ethnic polity, and will discuss factors that led to varied mobilization of indigenous, Dalit and Madhesi groups.