Unification of Nepal - Part I || Kathmandu Attack

Summary

This episode of the 'Unification of Nepal' chronicles Prithvi Narayan Shah's ambitious journey from a young king of Gorkha to the unifier of Nepal. It details his strategic conquest of neighboring kingdoms like Nuwakot, Makwanpur, and the Kathmandu valley, through a mix of military strength, diplomacy, and alliances. The script highlights his tactical errors, including defeats at Kirtipur, and his eventual triumph through persistence and calculated moves, ultimately leading to the formation of a unified Nepal by 1831. It also sets the stage for further explorations into the expansion of Nepal and the challenges faced by his successors.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prithvi Narayan Shah, at just 16 years old, became captivated by the wealth and strategic value of Kathmandu Valley, sparking his ambition to unite Nepal.
• 😀 Despite Gorkha's initial poverty, Prithvi Narayan Shah began planning the conquest of the Kathmandu Valley, starting with strategic attacks on neighboring regions like Nuwakot.
• 😀 After suffering a defeat in his first attack on Nuwakot, Prithvi Narayan Shah strengthened his military by acquiring modern weapons and skilled warriors from Varanasi.
• 😀 Prithvi Narayan Shah’s first attempt to capture Kirtipur ended in failure, teaching him the importance of strategy and alliances over brute force.
• 😀 Following his defeat at Kirtipur, Prithvi Narayan Shah focused on creating internal discord within Kathmandu's kingdoms and using geography to his advantage by surrounding the valley.
• 😀 The conquest of Makwanpur was driven by both Prithvi Narayan Shah's desire for revenge against his brother-in-law and its strategic importance in his campaign to capture Kathmandu.
• 😀 Prithvi Narayan Shah successfully imposed a blockade on Kathmandu, weakening the city’s economy by cutting off key trade routes, forcing them into a vulnerable position.
• 😀 The battle against the Bengali forces in Makwanpur showed Prithvi Narayan Shah’s military ingenuity, using guerrilla tactics to defeat a much larger force.
• 😀 After defeating Kirtipur through careful planning, Prithvi Narayan Shah’s forces took control of all the major kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley, including Kantipur and Bhaktapur.
• 😀 Prithvi Narayan Shah’s ability to exploit internal divisions, such as family feuds and rivalries, played a crucial role in his conquest of Kathmandu and the surrounding kingdoms.
• 😀 By B.S. 1825, after securing Kathmandu Valley, Prithvi Narayan Shah moved the capital to Kathmandu, marking the beginning of the unification of Nepal under his rule.

Q & A

Why was Prithvi Narayan Shah so determined to capture the Kathmandu Valley?

Prithvi Narayan Shah was captivated by the development and luxury of the Kathmandu Valley, including its fertile land, beautiful villages, and vibrant culture. He was also driven by ambition and the desire to expand his kingdom, which led him to dream of capturing the valley.

What strategic mistakes did Prithvi Narayan Shah make during his early campaigns?

Prithvi Narayan Shah's early campaigns, particularly his attack on Nuwakot, were not well-planned and resulted in defeat. His enthusiasm led to a lack of concrete strategy, and he faced crushing losses, including the death of his trusted lieutenant Kalu Pandey during an attack on Kirtipur.

How did Prithvi Narayan Shah gather the resources needed to fight against wealthier kingdoms like Kantipur and Bhaktapur?

Prithvi Narayan Shah gathered resources by traveling to Varanasi to acquire modern weapons, war strategies, and skilled soldiers. He also collected money from 12,000 households in Gorkha to strengthen his royal treasury and improve the training of his army.

What role did Kalu Pandey play in Prithvi Narayan Shah's campaigns?

Kalu Pandey was one of Prithvi Narayan Shah's most trusted lieutenants and military commanders. He played a key role in Gorkha's early military successes, including the capture of Nuwakot. However, he was killed during the failed attack on Kirtipur, which was a major setback for Prithvi Narayan Shah.

What lessons did Prithvi Narayan Shah learn from his defeat at Kirtipur?

Prithvi Narayan Shah learned that Kirtipur was a much stronger and more strategic opponent than he had anticipated. This defeat taught him the importance of political strategy and alliances rather than relying solely on military strength. It led him to adopt more careful planning and diplomatic approaches.

How did Prithvi Narayan Shah use diplomacy to further his unification goals?

Prithvi Narayan Shah employed diplomacy by building alliances with neighboring states, such as Bhaktapur and Makwanpur. He also used spies to infiltrate trading centers and sow discord between the kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley, weakening their collective resistance.

Why was the attack on Makwanpur significant in Prithvi Narayan Shah's campaign?

The attack on Makwanpur was significant because it not only allowed Prithvi Narayan Shah to capture a strategic kingdom near the Kathmandu Valley, but it was also a personal vendetta. Prithvi Narayan Shah had been humiliated when Makwanpur's king had refused his marriage proposal, and he sought revenge by defeating Makwanpur.

What tactics did Prithvi Narayan Shah use to defeat the Bengali forces at Makwanpur?

Prithvi Narayan Shah's forces used guerrilla warfare tactics against the much larger Bengali army. The Gorkhalis attacked with stones, maces, and arrows, using the steep terrain of Makwanpur to their advantage, which resulted in a decisive victory and the capture of modern rifles from the Bengali forces.

How did Prithvi Narayan Shah manage to conquer Kirtipur after two failed attempts?

Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered Kirtipur on his third attempt by carefully planning a surprise attack. After months of blockade, he surrounded the city with a large force, and the weakened defenders eventually surrendered, allowing the Gorkhalis to take control of the city.

What was the significance of Prithvi Narayan Shah's conquest of the Kathmandu Valley for Nepal?

The conquest of the Kathmandu Valley was a turning point in the unification of Nepal. It brought together the fragmented kingdoms of the valley under a single rule, strengthened Gorkha's military and economic power, and marked the foundation for the future expansion of Nepal's territory.