Brief Answer Questions
1.Mention any two contributions of Shah Dynasty.
Ans: Any two contributions of Shah Dynasty are given below:
· Unification of Nepal – King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of the Shah Dynasty, unified several small kingdoms and principalities to form modern Nepal in 1768.
· Modernization and Centralization of Administration – The Shah rulers, especially during the reigns of King Tribhuvan and King Mahendra, introduced reforms in governance, education, and infrastructure.
2. Name the last Malla Kings of Patan, Kantipur and Bhadgaon.
Ans: The last Malla kings of Patan, Kantipur and Bhadgaon were Jaya Prakash Malla, Ranjit Malla, and Tej Narasingh Malla respectively.
3. What is meant by regency? Name any two regents during Shah Dynasty.
Ans: Regency refers to a period when a regent rules on behalf of a monarch who is unable to govern due to being a minor, absent, or incapacitated. The regent exercises authority until the monarch is capable of ruling independently. Queen Rajendra Laxmi Devi and Bahadur Shah served as regent for King Rana Bahadur Shah.
4. Why Prithvi Narayan Shah is called 'founding father of Nepal'?
Ans: Prithvi Narayan Shah is called the "Founding Father of Nepal" because he was the leader who unified several small kingdoms and principalities to establish modern Nepal.
5. What is Anglo-Nepal war?
Ans: The Anglo-Nepal War (1814–1816) was a conflict between the Kingdom of Nepal (under the Shah Dynasty) and the British East India Company. It was caused by territorial disputes and Nepal’s expansion into British-controlled areas in India.
Short Answer Questions
1.Write Bahadur Shah's contribution to unification of Nepal.
Ans: Prince Bahadur Shah (1757–1797) was the youngest son of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of Nepal. After Prithvi Narayan Shah’s death in 1775, his elder son Pratap Singh Shah became king, but his reign was short, and after his death in 1777, his minor son Rana Bahadur Shah ascended the throne. Since the new king was too young to rule, Bahadur Shah took control as a regent from 1785 to 1794 and played a crucial role in expanding and consolidating Nepal's unification. His major contributions are given below:
a. Further Expansion of Nepal’s Territory
One of his major contributions was the further expansion of Nepal’s territory. He continued the military campaigns started by his father and annexed several regions. In the east, he brought Makwanpur, Chaudandi, and Vijayapur under Nepal’s control, securing the border and trade routes. In the west, he expanded Nepalese territory by conquering Kumaon, Garhwal, and parts of Sikkim, pushing Nepal’s boundaries to its maximum extent before the Anglo-Nepal War (1814–1816).
b. Strengthening Administration and Governance
Bahadur Shah also worked to strengthen the administration and governance of the newly unified kingdom. After Prithvi Narayan Shah’s death, Nepal faced internal instability, with many local rulers resisting central control. To prevent rebellion and disunity, Bahadur Shah implemented administrative reforms, appointed capable officials, and strengthened the military.
c. Diplomatic and Military Defense Against External Threats
Another significant contribution of Bahadur Shah was his diplomatic and military defense against external threats. He understood the growing influence of the British East India Company in India and maintained a cautious diplomatic stance while strengthening Nepal’s defenses. Additionally, during the Tibet-Nepal War (1788–1792), Nepal launched an attack on Tibet to gain control over trade routes, but this led to a conflict with China’s Qing Dynasty.
In conclusion, Bahadur Shah played a crucial role in expanding and consolidating Nepal after Prithvi Narayan Shah’s death. His military conquests, administrative reforms, and diplomatic strategies strengthened the kingdom and ensured its survival against external threats. His contributions helped shape Nepal into a strong, unified, and independent nation, making him one of the most significant figures in Nepal’s history.
2. Mention the achievements during the Prime Ministership of Bhimsen Thapa.
Ans: Bhimsen Thapa was Nepal’s first and longest-serving Prime Minister (Mukhtiyar), ruling from 1806 to 1837. He played a key role in strengthening Nepal’s military, administration, and economy while safeguarding its sovereignty. The major achievements during his tenure are given below:
a. Military Reforms: Bhimsen Thapa modernized Nepal’s army by introducing Western-style military training and weapons. He increased the number of soldiers and built forts and defensive structures along Nepal’s borders to protect against potential British invasion.
b. Diplomatic Policies: He carefully managed Nepal’s relations with the British East India Company and China, ensuring Nepal’s independence. After the Sugauli Treaty (1816), which had forced Nepal to cede large territories, he successfully recovered some Terai lands through negotiations with the British.
c. Administrative and Legal Reforms: To improve governance, Bhimsen Thapa introduced a centralized bureaucratic system, making administration more efficient. He also implemented legal reforms to ensure better law and order across the country.
d. Infrastructure Development: Bhimsen Thapa contributed to the development of Nepal by building roads, bridges, temples, and irrigation canals to improve connectivity and agriculture. He also constructed the famous Dharahara (Bhimsen Stambha), a nine-story tower in Kathmandu.
e. Economic Reforms: He promoted agriculture, trade, and local industries such as metalwork, paper production, and handicrafts. His policies aimed at making Nepal economically self-sufficient and less dependent on foreign powers.
f. Social and Educational Improvements: Bhimsen Thapa established military and administrative training centers to train officials and soldiers. He also supported Hindu culture and traditions, promoting national unity among Nepal’s diverse ethnic groups.
Bhimsen Thapa was a visionary leader who strengthened Nepal’s military, administration, economy, and infrastructure. His leadership helped Nepal maintain its sovereignty despite British colonial expansion in South Asia. However, political rivalries eventually led to his downfall in 1837, but his contributions continue to shape modern Nepal.
3. What would have happened if there was no unification of Nepal? Imagine and present a new idea.
Ans: If Nepal had not been unified under Prithvi Narayan Shah and his successors, the history of the region would have unfolded very differently. Here’s an imaginative scenario of what might have happened:
Continued Fragmentation into Small Kingdoms
Without unification, Nepal would have remained a collection of small, independent kingdoms constantly in conflict with one another, leading to political instability and a lack of national unity. Regional rulers would have focused on local concerns, making coordination difficult.
a. Continued Fragmentation into Small Kingdom
b. Without unification, Nepal would have remained a collection of small, independent kingdoms constantly in conflict with one another, leading to political instability and a lack of national unity. Regional rulers would have focused on local concerns, making coordination difficult.
c. Vulnerability to Foreign Influence or Colonization
A divided Nepal would have been more vulnerable to external powers, especially the British East India Company. The British might have conquered or absorbed Nepal into British India, leading to colonial rule and loss of sovereignty.
d. Cultural and Ethnic Divisions
Without central governance, Nepal’s diverse ethnic groups might have remained more isolated, leading to greater ethnic fragmentation and tensions. Cultural differences would have been harder to reconcile, and national unity would have been weak.
e. Economic Disparities
With separate kingdoms, there would have been disconnected economies, limited infrastructure development, and regional economic disparities. Prosperous areas like Kathmandu would have flourished, while others remained underdeveloped.
f. Possible Regional Conflicts
Internal conflicts over territorial disputes (like the Terai plains) would have led to frequent wars between kingdoms. Neighboring countries might have interfered in these conflicts, causing external tensions.
g. Alternative National Identity
Without unification, people might have identified more with regional kingdoms rather than a single Nepalese nation, leading to the development of regional identities instead of a unified national identity.
In this imagined scenario, the lack of unification would have led to a fragmented, politically unstable, and vulnerable Nepal. Its culture, economy, and infrastructure would have developed much slower, and its sovereignty might have been at risk of being absorbed into neighboring empires. The diversity of its ethnic groups would likely have remained less integrated, and the potential for internal conflicts would have been high.
4. What is an Anglo-Nepal war? Write its immediate cause.
Ans: The Anglo-Nepal War was a conflict between the Kingdom of Nepal and the British East India Company from 1814 to 1816. It was caused by territorial disputes, Nepal’s expansionist policies, and British interests in controlling trade and strategic locations. The war ended with Nepal’s defeat and the signing of the Sugauli Treaty (1816), which resulted in Nepal losing a significant portion of its territory. Its immediate cause is explained as follows:
· The immediate cause of the war was a territorial dispute over Butwal and Syuraj in the Terai region. Both Nepal and the British East India Company claimed ownership of these areas. Nepal had taken control of the region, but the British demanded that Nepal withdraw. When Nepal refused, tensions escalated, and the British declared war in November 1814.
· When the British East India Company sent a proposal regarding the territorial dispute over Butwal and Syuraj, Bhimsen Thapa, Nepal’s Prime Minister at the time, took a firm and defiant stance.
The Anglo-Nepal War was a turning point in Nepalese history. Although Nepal fought bravely, it was ultimately defeated due to the British superior military strength. The Sugauli Treaty (1816) forced Nepal to cede territory and accept British influence, marking the end of Nepal’s expansion. However, Nepal managed to maintain its independence, unlike many other South Asian nations that were colonized by the British.
5. Explain the consequences of Anglo-Nepal war.
Ans: The Anglo-Nepal War had long-lasting impacts on Nepal, reshaping its territorial boundaries, political landscape, and relations with the British. The key consequences of the war are as follows:
1. Loss of Territory (Sugauli Treaty, 1816)
After Nepal's defeat, the Sugauli Treaty was signed in 1816, resulting in the loss of about one-third of Nepal’s land. The British took Kumaon, Garhwal, Sikkim, and parts of the Terai, reducing Nepal’s size to its present borders. This loss marked the end of Nepal’s territorial expansion and significantly weakened its influence in the region.
2. British Political Influence in Nepal
The British placed a resident (diplomatic representative) in Kathmandu, increasing their control over Nepal’s internal affairs. Though Nepal remained independent, it had to align with British policies in foreign relations and trade. This led to growing British influence in Nepal’s governance, making it difficult for Nepal to act freely on international matters.
3. End of Nepalese Expansion
Before the war, Nepal was expanding rapidly under the Shah rulers, conquering territories in both the east and west. However, after the defeat, Nepal lost its ambition for expansion and instead focused on protecting its existing land. This marked a significant shift from an aggressive expansionist policy to a more defensive and cautious approach in military and political affairs.
4. Weakening of Bhimsen Thapa’s Power
Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa, who had led Nepal during the war, was blamed for the defeat and the loss of land. His political rivals, especially members of the royal court, used the situation to weaken his influence. Though he remained in power for some years, opposition against him grew, leading to his eventual downfall in 1837.
5. Military Reforms in Nepal
The war exposed Nepal’s military weaknesses, especially against the modern weaponry and tactics of the British. As a result, Nepal’s rulers took steps to modernize the army, improving weapons, training, and defense strategies. New fortifications were built, and military strategies were revised to prevent future invasions.
6. British Recruitment of Gurkha Soldiers
Despite the defeat, the British were impressed by the bravery of Nepalese soldiers, particularly the Gurkhas. This led to the recruitment of Gurkha soldiers into the British army, a practice that continues today. The Gurkha regiments became one of the most respected military units in British and later Indian forces.
7. Economic Challenges for Nepal
The loss of fertile Terai land affected Nepal’s agriculture and trade, leading to economic difficulties. The Terai region was an important source of revenue and food production, and its loss weakened Nepal’s financial strength. Additionally, Nepal became more dependent on trade with British India, limiting its economic independence.
8. Shift in Nepal’s Foreign Policy
Following the war, Nepal adopted a policy of isolation, avoiding conflicts with foreign powers to protect its sovereignty. It also sought closer ties with China and Tibet to counter British influence. Nepal’s rulers became more cautious in dealing with international matters, focusing on internal stability rather than external expansion.
The Anglo-Nepal War had profound effects on Nepal’s territory, politics, economy, and military. While Nepal suffered a major setback, it managed to retain its independence, unlike many South Asian countries that were colonized by the British. The war forced Nepal to rethink its military strategies, diplomatic relations, and economic policies, shaping the nation’s future.
Long Answer Questions
1.Give an account of the major events of conquest of Kathmandu valley by Prithvi Narayan Shah.
Ans: Prithvi Narayan Shah, the King of Gorkha, conquered the Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur) in 1768–1769, marking a significant step in the unification of Nepal. His conquest was strategically planned and executed in several phases. Below are the key events leading to the successful takeover of the valley:
1. Invasion of Nuwakot (1743) – Failed Attempt
· Nuwakot was strategically important as it controlled the trade route between Kathmandu and Tibet.
· Prithvi Narayan Shah attempted to invade Nuwakot in 1743 but failed due to a lack of military preparation.
2. Visit to Benares (Varanasi) (1743-1744)
· After the failed invasion, he visited Benares (Varanasi, India) to seek blessings, gather weapons, and improve military strategies.
· He recruited skilled warriors and purchased modern weapons to strengthen his army.
3. Peace Alliance with Lamjung
· Lamjung was a powerful neighboring state that could pose a threat to Gorkha.
· Prithvi Narayan Shah made a peace alliance with Lamjung to prevent attacks from the west while he focused on conquering the Kathmandu Valley.
4. Conquest of Nuwakot (1744) – A Key Victory
· In his second attempt in 1744, Prithvi Narayan Shah successfully captured Nuwakot from the Malla kings.
· This victory gave him control over trade routes and strengthened his economic resources.
5. War with Lamjung (1750s)
· Despite the earlier peace agreement, Lamjung attacked Gorkha to stop its expansion.
· Prithvi Narayan Shah’s forces defended Gorkha successfully, preventing Lamjung from threatening his conquests.
6. Annexation of Tanahun (1756-1757)
· Tanahun was another powerful kingdom near Gorkha.
· Prithvi Narayan Shah’s forces defeated Tanahun and annexed it, further expanding his territory.
7. Invasion of Kirtipur (1757) – First Attempt
· Kirtipur was a heavily fortified city.
· In his first invasion in 1757, Prithvi Narayan Shah’s forces were defeated, and his army suffered heavy losses.
8. Victory Over the Muslim Forces (1760s)
· The Malla kings of Kathmandu sought help from the Bengali Muslim forces, who were sent by the Nawab of Bengal.
· However, Prithvi Narayan Shah’s army defeated the Muslim forces, preventing external intervention in the war.
9. Conquest of Makawanpur (1762-1763)
· Makawanpur controlled the trade routes to the southern plains (Terai).
· Prithvi Narayan Shah launched a successful attack in 1762, capturing Makawanpur and securing an important economic advantage.
10. Victory Over the British Force (1767)
· The Malla kings of Kathmandu sought help from the British East India Company.
· In 1767, a British force led by Captain Kinloch invaded Nepal but was defeated by Prithvi Narayan Shah’s army, proving Nepal’s military strength.
11. Economic Blockade of the Valley (1760s–1768)
· To weaken the Malla kingdoms, Prithvi Narayan Shah blocked trade routes to Kathmandu Valley.
· The blockade stopped food, weapons, and other supplies, making the valley vulnerable to conquest.
12. Conquest of Kirtipur (1767) – Final Victory
· After two failed attempts, Prithvi Narayan Shah successfully captured Kirtipur in 1767.
· To prevent further resistance, he punished the defenders by cutting off the noses and lips of many soldiers.
13. Conquest of the Kathmandu Valley (1768–1769)
· Kathmandu fell on September 25, 1768, during the Indra Jatra festival when the Malla forces were unprepared.
· Patan (Lalitpur) surrendered soon after, followed by the final conquest of Bhaktapur in 1769.
· With the fall of Bhaktapur, Prithvi Narayan Shah completely unified the Kathmandu Valley, marking the foundation of modern Nepal.
Prithvi Narayan Shah’s strategic military planning, diplomatic alliances, and economic warfare led to the successful unification of Kathmandu Valley. His conquest laid the foundation for the creation of a unified Nepal, making him the architect of modern Nepal.
2. Explain the rise and fall of Bhimsen Thapa.
Ans: Bhimsen Thapa was a key figure in Nepalese history, serving as the Prime Minister from 1816 to 1837. His career was marked by significant contributions to Nepal's politics, military, and defense, but his downfall was equally dramatic and politically significant. Below is an explanation of his rise and fall:
Rise of Bhimsen Thapa:
1. Early Life and Entry into Politics:
Bhimsen Thapa was born in 1775 into a Khas family and was initially part of the military ranks. He served in the Gorkhali army under King Prithvi Narayan Shah and later under King Rana Bahadur Shah. He gained prominence for his loyalty, military skills, and administrative abilities.
2. Securing Power During the Weakness of the Shah Dynasty:
After the assassination of King Rana Bahadur Shah in 1806, the Shah family was left in turmoil. The court was divided, with many factions vying for power. Bhimsen Thapa’s political acumen and strategic alliances led him to rise in power. He initially served as the chief military commander and eventually became the Prime Minister in 1816, during King Rajendra Bir Bikram Shah’s reign.
3. Military Reforms and Expansion:
Bhimsen Thapa is credited with modernizing the Nepali army and strengthening the country’s defense system. He expanded the military, trained soldiers, and introduced better weapons. His influence was critical during the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816) and the Sugauli Treaty, where he defended Nepal's sovereignty against British forces. Even though Nepal lost substantial territory, Bhimsen Thapa’s leadership helped preserve Nepal's independence.
4. Political and Administrative Control:
Bhimsen Thapa was instrumental in centralizing power in Nepal. He held absolute control over the administration, establishing a strong centralized government. He reduced the influence of the royal family and placed his loyalists in important positions within the state. This concentration of power made him the de facto ruler of Nepal, with King Rajendra serving in a largely symbolic role.
5. Diplomatic Achievements and Isolationism:
Bhimsen Thapa attempted to keep Nepal isolated from foreign influences by implementing an isolationist foreign policy, primarily to maintain Nepal’s sovereignty and independence from both British and Chinese influences. He also worked towards establishing friendly relations with Tibet, China, and other neighboring regions.
Fall of Bhimsen Thapa:
1. Growing Rivalries and Political Enemies:
Bhimsen Thapa’s autocratic rule alienated many factions within the royal court. His political rivals, including members of the royal family and other powerful nobles, began to conspire against him. His concentration of power and the sidelining of many important figures led to widespread dissatisfaction.
2. Internal Struggles and Family Tensions:
Bhimsen Thapa’s family became embroiled in political struggles. His brother, Chandra Sekher Thapa, was executed for his involvement in a failed plot against the government. This event further damaged Bhimsen’s political standing, as it increased tensions within his family and the court. Many influential figures began to view him as a tyrant.
3. The Coup of 1837 and His Downfall:
In 1837, a palace coup was organized by his political enemies, including King Rajendra’s son, Prince Surendra, and other noble families. Bhimsen Thapa was arrested, and his brother, Rana Jit Bahadur, was executed. Bhimsen Thapa was imprisoned and later forced to commit suicide under pressure. His downfall marked the end of the powerful Thapa family’s influence over Nepalese politics.
4. Legacy and Aftermath:
Despite his fall, Bhimsen Thapa’s contributions to Nepal’s military strength, centralized administration, and independence are still acknowledged. He played a significant role in shaping Nepal’s modern political landscape. His death marked the beginning of a period of court intrigues and political instability in Nepal.
Bhimsen Thapa’s rise was a result of his military prowess, administrative skills, and political strategy. However, his downfall was caused by internal rivalries, concentration of power, and the discontent of various factions within the court. Though his political career ended tragically, Bhimsen Thapa’s legacy in the unification and defense of Nepal remains significant in the country’s history.
3. Mention the consequences of Anglo-Nepal war. Analyze the linkage of Sugauli treaty with the sovereignty of Nepal.
Ans: The Anglo-Nepal War was fought between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Nepal from 1814 to 1816. This war had profound consequences for Nepal’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, leading to significant changes in the country’s political landscape. Below are the key consequences:
1. Loss of Territory:
The Sugauli Treaty signed in 1815 (and ratified in 1816) was one of the most significant outcomes of the war. Nepal was forced to cede a large portion of its territory to the British, which included:
· Sikkim (parts of eastern Nepal)
· Kumal, Nawalparasi, and Terai regions in the south
· Western frontier areas, including large portions of Kashmir and Gorkha territories
This resulted in the dismemberment of Nepal and the loss of about one-third of its territory.
2. Sovereignty and Political Influence:
Though Nepal lost considerable land, the Sugauli Treaty allowed Nepal to retain its independence. However, the British exercised increased influence over Nepal's foreign affairs, trade policies, and defense. Nepal was no longer an autonomous kingdom and was increasingly dependent on the British for political and military matters.
3. Establishment of British Influence in Nepalese Politics:
The war and subsequent treaty shifted the balance of power within Nepal. The British presence and control in the region expanded, and they began to interfere in Nepal’s internal affairs. They established a protectorate over Nepal, meaning that although Nepal was nominally independent, it was under British control.
4. The Rise of the Ranas:
Following the war and the treaty, internal instability grew within Nepal, as the Shah kings were weak and incapable of ruling effectively. This led to the rise of the Rana family under Jang Bahadur Rana. The Ranas effectively took control of Nepal’s government in 1846 and established an autocratic regime, with the Shah kings becoming figureheads.
5. Military and Administrative Reforms:
The war revealed the need for reforms in Nepal’s military and administrative systems. The defeat by the British led to the reorganization and modernization of the Nepali army, although much of the reform was under British influence. The loss also exposed the weaknesses of the Nepalese administration and the inability to defend against a powerful adversary like the British Empire.
Linkage of the Sugauli Treaty with the Sovereignty of Nepal:
1. Loss of Territory and Limitation of Sovereignty:
The Sugauli Treaty essentially compromised Nepal's sovereignty by forcing it to cede substantial territory to the British. Although Nepal remained independent, it had to accept the reality that it was no longer free to control its borders or make independent decisions without British approval. This reduced Nepal's sovereignty in international relations, especially regarding its foreign policy and external military engagements.
2. Protectorate Status:
While Nepal retained its nominal independence, the British gained significant influence over Nepal’s foreign affairs, making the country a British protectorate. This meant that Nepal could not engage in diplomatic relations or wars without the consent of the British. The Sugauli Treaty imposed this restriction on sovereignty while still allowing the Shah kings to rule domestically.
3. Control Over Trade and Borders:
The treaty forced Nepal to open its southern borders to British-controlled territories, affecting trade routes and economic autonomy. The British also controlled the strategic parts of Nepal's borderlands, further reducing the nation’s ability to make independent decisions on matters concerning its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
4. Nepal’s Political Subjugation to British Influence:
Even though Nepal was allowed to maintain its independence, the treaty allowed the British to intervene politically whenever necessary, particularly concerning Nepal’s relations with other countries. This created a situation where Nepal’s sovereignty was theoretically maintained but effectively undermined by British imperial interests.
The Anglo-Nepal War and the subsequent Sugauli Treaty marked a turning point in Nepal’s history. While Nepal was not directly annexed by the British, it suffered significant territorial losses and was placed under a semi-independent protectorate system. The treaty allowed the British to exert substantial influence over Nepal’s foreign policy, trade, and defense, effectively compromising the country’s sovereignty in practice. Despite retaining nominal independence, Nepal's autonomy was limited, which set the stage for the eventual rise of the Rana regime and internal political struggles.
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