Unification of Nepal

1. Answer these questions.

(a) How was the situation of Nepal before its unification?

➤ The situation of Nepal before its unification, Nepal was divided into small and fragmented states. Nepal was scattered into Baise, Chaubise, Malla and Sen and their principalities. There were 22 kingdoms in the western and 24 kingdoms in the central part of Nepal. These were called Baise and Chaubise kingdoms. At present, these areas are also called Karnali region and Gandaki region. Similarly, in Eastern Nepal such as Makwanpur, Chaudandi and Vijaypur were known as the Sen Kingdom. Malla Kingdom includes Bhadgaun, Kantipur and Patan lies in Kathmandu valley.

(b) Why was Narabhupal Shah not able to look after the state affairs after his invasion upon Nuwakot?

➤ Narabhupal Shah had a dream to conquer Nuwakot and become benefitted from trade with Tibet, fertile land, direct access to the Kathmandu valley etc. So, he attacked Nuwakot in 1794 BS but Gorkha was badly defeated in this attempt. Thus, because of defeat and broken of his dream, Narabhupal Shah lost his mental concentration and suffered from depression, not able to take responsibility for state affairs.

(c) How was Nuwakot conquered by Gorkha? Describe.

➤ After the death of his father in 1799 BS, Prithvi Narayan Shah dispatched his troops to attack Nuwakot in 1800 BS but they were defeated this time. After Prithvi Narayan Shah lost his first attempt, he improved his strength, preparation and, with a new strategy, again invaded toward Nuwakot in 1801 BS. When the Chief of Nuwakot Jayanta Rana was in Kathmandu, the Gorkhali troop used that opportunity and attacked there and they successfully captured Nuwakot.

(d) What was the reason of Gorkha's defeat in the first battle of Kirtipur?

➤ Kirtipur was conquered only in the third attempt in 1822 BS, Kaji Kalu Pandey was killed in the first battle and Sur Pratap Shah's left eye was injured in the second battle. Gorkha was badly defeated at first and second attempts because of the joint force of Kantipur, Bhaktapur and Patan.

(e) How did Gorkha get victory upon the Kathmandu Valley? Explain.

➤ In Kathmandu valley, there were three kingdoms Kantipur, Patan and Bhaktapur at that time. Kantipur - In 13 Asoj 1825, Gorkha attacked and defeated Kantipur at midnight after a battle when people were celebrating Indrajatra festival. Patan - 24 Asoj 1825, Patan surrendered without battle and Tej Narasingh Malla and Jay Prakash Malla took asylum in Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur - 1 Mangsir 1826, after three-days long fierce battle, the king of Bhaktapur Ranjit Malla surrendered and accepted the sovereignty of Gorkha.

✒️. Uttar Tamang