Attack on Nuwakot
After his accession to the throne of Gorkha, Prithivi Narayan Shah launched a plan of unification venture. ultimately, the king sent a force, led by a courtier, Vijaya Thapa to Nuwakot for its aggression. he was attracted towards Nuwakot for its crossroad position between Tibet and the Kathmandu valley and for avenging his father's defeat at the hand of Nuwakot. Vijaya Thapa was waiting for a favorable time for the attack at his camp by the side of the Trishuli River. In the meantime, King Prithivi Narayan, who grew suspicious on Vijaya Thapa, sent another force, headed by Maheshwar Panta to Nuwakot. At that time Nuwakot was in charge of Jayanta Rana deputed by King Jaya Prakash Malla of Kantipur. Jayanta Rana was a former sardar of Gorkha andhad led the Gorkhalese army to Nuwakot,when Naraphupal Shah had attacked Nuwakot. Since Gorkhalese were defeted at that time, he was having the protection from Jaya Prakash Malla. But due to various factors such as the lack of geographical knowledge and trained soldiers in the attacking force, Prithivi Narayan Shah's aggression on Nuwakot was not a success. Actually the attack was quite hasty and reckless.
Strengthening of Army
During Prithivi Narayan Shah's time, Gorkha had 8 to 10 thousand army men, who were capable of fighting in battle. Defeat at Nuwakot had thought him a good lesson. Instead of giving up hope, he began preparation of next attempt. he brought from Banaras guns and Muslim repairers along with
some persons brought from other places for army and for repairs of arms. However, his instruction was more for the use of swords than the guns. He gave top priority to the army service. He made provisions for the training of youths, and appointment of people of various castes in the army. He brought substantial reformations in the army administration. In order to encourage countrymen to enter into army, he made provision of Marawat, a compensation for a soldier's death paid to his family. after the victory achieved in the battle of Kathmandu, He had abundant arms and ammunitions which were instrumental for him to be successful in the east in his campaign.
some persons brought from other places for army and for repairs of arms. However, his instruction was more for the use of swords than the guns. He gave top priority to the army service. He made provisions for the training of youths, and appointment of people of various castes in the army. He brought substantial reformations in the army administration. In order to encourage countrymen to enter into army, he made provision of Marawat, a compensation for a soldier's death paid to his family. after the victory achieved in the battle of Kathmandu, He had abundant arms and ammunitions which were instrumental for him to be successful in the east in his campaign.
Diplomatic Relations
Prithivi Narayan Shah was very effortful to have good relations with different states for making his unification campaign a success. As a representative of his father, Narabhupal Shah, he had a pact with Lamjung, the old age enemy. later he himself signed a treaty with a King Ripumardan Shah of Lamjung through the efforts showed by Kalu Panday. He also brough Tanahun, Kaski and Palpa in his favor. Banaras he established friendship with Hari Shah, the King of Jajarkot of the Basie States. Besides, he had given his daughter, Vilash Kumari in marriage to Rana Bhim Shah, the King of Salyan.
Relations with the Malla Kingdoms were also important. Prithivi Narayan Shan signed separate treaties with Kantipur and Bhaktapur in order to develop trade and facilate his unification campaign. He had promised to handover to Bhaktapur, Sinduplanchok and Palanchok of Kantipur on their captures. He also made friendship with the prince of Bhaktapur, Birnarsingh Malla, son of Ranjit Malla so that he could stay there and study the inter condition of the valley. As per the treaty with Kantipur, the two kings has agreed upon some terms as :
- to circulate the currency of either state in both the states.
- to carry a joint trade with Tibet and share the incomes thereof on equal basis.
- to enjoy the right to depute a state representative to Tibet from either state.
- to allow Kantipur to use the territory of Nuwakot for trade with Tibet.
Besides, Prithivi Narayan shah also tried to improve relations with Tibet and East India Company by deputing representatives there.
I will be collecting more information about the history of Nepal and will post in my blog, will present more again in next post. Enjoy Your Time Friend's.a
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