Victory over English Forces and the Valley by Prithivi Narayan Shah

Victory over English forces

Having captured kirtipur, the gorkhlese forces were going to attack kantipur king Jaya Prakash Malla, having no other way out, sought help from the British East India Company. Economic blockade of the valley had also affected the English trade with the valley and Tibet. Capuchin clergymen in Kathmandu were also scared by the Gorkhalese advancements. British East India Company sent a letter of threat to prithvi narayan shah lift the economic blockade. When it was not obeyed, they dispatched a large force of about 2400 soldiers under the commandership of captain kinloch for the help of Jaya Prithvi Narayan Shah who knew all this in advance, sent 5000 soidiers under the commarndership of Birbhadra Upadhyay and Banshu Gurung. Later it was reinforced another force comprising 700 soldiers led by Banshraj Pandey and Shreeharsha Panta. On 24 kartik 1824 (9 Nov, 1767) English forces were attacked suddenly in sindhuli and were badly defeated. The Gorkhaless took hold of 500 guns of the English force in the battle.

 Victory over the valley

Encouraged by their success at kirtipur, the gorkhalese forces surrounded the Basantapur Palace of Kantipur from three sides at about midnight on 13th aswin 1825 BS (28 Sep 1768 AD). Jaya Prakash Malla along with his people was busy in celebrating the Indra Jatra festival. The attack was sudden. So Kantipuri forces surrendered without resistance. The king, who would get very little sympathy from his subjects, fled to Patan seeking asylum there. Patan was captured on 24th of the same month (9 Oct 1768 AD). Jaya Prakash Malla, the king of the Kantipur and Tejnarsingh Malla, the king of the patan went to Bhaktapur for the protection  from its king Ranjit Malla. On 1st mangsir 1826 BS (16 Nov 1769) the Gorkhalese force had the victory on bhaktapur in the battle fought for 3 days. Jaya Prakash Malla who was wounded in the battle died at Aryaghat while Tejnarsingh Malla was taken to the prison. Ranjit Malla, Prithvi Narayan Shah's friend's father was sent to banaras at this (Ranjit Malla's ) wish. In this way the victorious march to the Kathmandu valley ended.

Victory Campaign directed to the west and east

After capturing the Kathmandu valley, King Prithivi Narayan Shah diverted his attention to the Chaubise states of the western Nepal. The Gorkhalese forces captured Lamjung, Tanahun, and kaski but lost humiliatingly when Palpa and Pravat taking these three states in their side defended jointly in Tanahun. Aware of the bad defeat of his force, King Prithivi Narayan Shah abandoned his wishful plan of attacking the western states and made advances to the east. He extended his boundary up to the Mechi River by capturing Chaudandi, Vijayapur and part of Illam. Prithivi Narayan Shah died on 1^st Magh 1831 BS before he could make next attempts in the west. The victory campaigns were further continued by his successors such as Pratap Singh Shah, Rajendra Laxmi and Bahadur Shah.

Victory Over Makwanpur and Kirtipur Attack by Prithivi Narayan Shah

Victory Over Makawanpur

The kathmandu Valley was the main target of Prithivi Narayan Shah. He wanted to capture the valley through economic blockade imposed on it, which could not be possible until makawanpur was captured. Since Prithivi Narayan Shah could not have good terms with makawanpur, he  was more encouraged for vengeful aggression. He had taken Digbandhan Sen's denial of Naulakha har and one-tooth elephant as an insult. On 18 Aswin 1819 BS (14 Oct. 1762) the Gorkhalese forces led by Mahoddamkirti Shah, Dalmardan Shah, Daljit Shah and Surpratap Shah and reinforced by Bansharaj Panday and Keharsingh Basnet made sudden attack on Makwanpur, which was then ruled by King Digbandhan Sen, his brother-in -Law and prime minister Kanak Singh. Digbandhan Sen and his family made an escape to Hariharpur Gadhi. the Gorkhalese force brought that place into their control.

Digbandhan Sen then sought the help of Mirkasim, a Muslim ruler of Bengal, who was in particular upset by English expansion and wanted to extend his territory towards the north. As per the request Mirkasim send a huge force comprising thousands of soldiers led by Gurgin Khan in support of makawanpur. the Gorkhalese force led by Bansharaj Pandey and Kharsingh Basnet attacked then suddenly. They were badly defeated. About 1700 soldiers were killed in this bettle. Later the Gorkhalese brought Bara, Parsa, Sarlahi, Mahottari,Dhulikhel, Panauti, Nala, Banepa, etc. under contorl, which could be beneficial for economic blockade of the valley.

First attack on Kirtipur

After capturing the places like Baldum,Mahadev Pokhari,Sankhu,Changu, Dahachowk, lamidanda, Dolakha, etc. adjacent to the valley, the Gorkhalese forces marched towards kirtipur for its annexation. on 15 Jyestha, 1854 BS ( 28 May 1757), they attacked Kirtipur. fully aware of Prithvi Narayan Shah's future plans, the kings of Kantipur, Bhaktapur and Patan mobilized their joint force in the defence of Kirtipur. In the fierce battle Gorkhalese force was badly defeated. More than 400 Gorkhalese along with their commander Kalu Panday were Killed. Prithivi Narayan Shah himself had a narrow escape. It was a huge blow to the Gorkhalese who had longing for hasty attacks and instant victories.

Second attack on Kirtipur

Having captured more states surrounding the valley, the Gorkhalese set off for the second attempt for the victory over Kirtipur on 1 Aswin 1821 BS (16th Sept 1764 AD). The force was commanded by Surpratap Shah, Daljit Shah and Shreeharsha Panta. Patan, which controlled Kirtipur, was then ruled by Dalmardan Shah, abrother of Prithivi Narayan Shah, Bhaktapur and Kantipur also did not come for the help of Kirtipur this time. Still the Kirtipuri forces fought bravely and stunned their enemies. Gorkhalese had to bear a huge loss of life and property. Surpratap Shah got his left eye hurt.

Victory over Kirtipur

Having been defeated twice, Prithivi Narayan Shah took a new strategy for achieving victory over Kirtipur. The Gorkhalese forces took more areas including Panga and Chovar under their control. They surrounded Kirtipur from all sides and stopped everything from entering there. The Kirtipuris could not even manage to harvest their crops from the outlaying fields. To worsen their situation, water supply was also cut off.This brought great socio-economic crisis in the state. Ultimately after a six-month long economic blockade, Dhanwanta Kaji of Kirtipur surrendered in 1823 BS (1767 AD).

Prithivi Narayan Shah, highly vengeful for whatever loss he had to bear in his two defeats at the hand of Kirtipur, treated the locals inhumanly. It is said that many people got their noses sliced off in retaliation.

Victory Over Nuwakot by Prithivi Narayan Shah

After tackling all the problems, hindering the way to his success of the unification campaign, king Prithivi Narayan Shah got himself engaged in his plan for the second attempt to attack Nuwakot. All the preparation to go ahead with the plan was almost complete. There were plenty of arms, brought from Banaras and the army soldiers were trained. Moreover, Prithivi Narayan Shah got the support from Ranjit Malla, the king of Bhaktapur, whom he had enticed to have in return the territories of Sankhu, Changu, Dolakha, Naldum and Mahadev Pokhari, etc.He had also developed good relation with Lamjung a long-time enemy. In order to have good relation with the western states before moving to the east, he sent messangers to Lamgung, Kaski, Tanahun, etc.

Then Prithivi Narayan Shan took 1000 soldiers to Nuwakot disguised as farmers. The force was divided into three groups led by Mohoddamkirti Shah, Kalu Pandey and Prithivi Narayan Shah himself. on 15 Aswin 1801 BS (26 sep 1744) Nuwakot was attacked from two sides-from Dharampani and Gerkhukhola and easily captured. Nuwakot was under the care of Jayanta Rana whom Jay Prakash malla had appointed the chief of the place, Jayanta Rana was at Kathmandu at the time of attack by the Gorkhalese soldiers. he was stabbed to death in the battle by 12-year old Dalmardan Shah, a brother of Prithivi Narayan Shah. Some times after the victory won over Nuwakot, the Gorkhalese soldiers took over territory of Belkot as well.

     At Belkot, Jayanta Rana was traced our and killed inhumanly. Actually he was peeled alive. Before attacking Nuwakot, Prithivi Narayan Shah had asked him to join the Gorkhalese side. In reply, he said, "Of course, I am yours, but I am obliged to Jaya Prakash Malla".

    Victory over Nuwakot was long -awaited. It was the main western gateway of Kathmandu valley. The trade route of the valley passed through Nuwakot. It could be appropriate site for collecting information about the valley. Gorkhalese obtained fertile land fro cultivating fruits,food grains and green vegetables. They were benefited by obtaining a land situated at higher altitude suitable for having forts on it. More-ever they were ever encouraged for further victories. 

First Attack on Nuwakot,Strengthening of Army and Diplomatic Relations of Prithivi Narayan Shah During Unification of Nepal

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.

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

Political and Economic Obstacle during Ambition of Unification of Nepal by Prithivi Narayan Shah

Introduction

Nepal before unification was divided into many small kingdoms which were fighting against each other.There were Sen kingdoms in the east known as the Koshi Region while there was small kingdoms in kathmandu valley then known as the Nepal Vally's and the areas surrounding it.Similarly the Gandaki Region known as the Chaubise states was divided into 24 principalities while there were 22 states in the Karnali Region known as the basic states. due to frequent battles among them for annexation, the number of the states changed very often.

The states were getting weaker due to internal rivalry and frequent battles.Tibet and British East India Company were expanding their territories. This had made Nepalese independence and existence at stake. Several Kings before Prithivi Narayan Shah, including his own father Narbhupal Shah, had made their efforts for the unification of these bickering kingdoms. but they could achieve very little. King Prithivi narayan Shah now would launched successful campaign for unification.

King Prithivi Narayan Shah wrote these lines to reflect his reflect his feelings and experiences he had while reaching the Chandragiri hill on thee way back from Makawanpur, the place of his first in-law's house. The wish he expressed in theses lines took a form of campaign for the unification of states, which he launched later.

Political Obstacle

It was not an essay task to unify Nepal, divided into Baise,Chaubise,Sen and Malla states. Those states stood as a big obstacle to the unification campaign. Many of these kingdoms were better off politically and economically. Lamjkung in particular in Chaubise states was a great enemy to Gorkha.In the event of the Gorkha force, marching towards Nuwakot, it could be hit from behind by Lamjung. Prithivi Narayan Shan consulted his maternal uncle, the prince of palpa on the problem. the latter said in reply,"Lamjung is a larger vulture, Gorkha, a snake and Nepal, a frog.Evade the larger vulture, then the snake will have the frog to eat". In course of time, there was agreement reached between Gorkha and Ripumardan Shah, the king of Lamjung through the efforts sought by Kalu Pandey (Banshidhar Pandey). Prithivi Narayan Shah promoted Kalu Pandey to the post of 'Kaji', as per the wishes of his caretaker mother Chandrapravawati and his courtiers although he wanted Biraj Bakheti to hold that post.

Economic obstacle

Gorkha with twelve hundred households was not better off economically as compared to the Chaubise states. The poor economic condition of Gorkha was a handicap to the unification venture for Prithivi Narayan Shah. Being aware that the help from Makwanpur, lying in the Terai was potential for the unification campaign, he had the nuptial relation with Makwanpur state which was strong politically and economically, But the King of Makwanpur Indra Kumari, his sister at the time of wedding and also the single -tooth elephant used in her farewell procession. All this was intolerable to Prithivi Narayan Shah and he left behind the bride. He married Narendra Lakshmi, a Kanshi princess afterwards. In order to expedite his programme of unification, he appealed his countrymen to co-operate him with cash and kinds for strengthening the army.

Thank you for reading my collected article I will be presenting you about First attack on Nuwakot,Strengthening of army and Diplomatic relations during unification...of Nepal..

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