Kot Parva (Nepal’s Biggest Hatyakanda)

Summary

The script delves into the Kot Massacre, a pivotal yet underappreciated event in Nepal's history, marking the rise of the Rana rule. It narrates the power struggle within the palace, focusing on the ambitious Queen Rajya Laxmi and her machinations to secure the throne for her son, leading to political upheaval and the eventual appointment of Jung Bahadur Rana as Prime Minister. The narrative unfolds the complex web of betrayal, assassination, and the autocratic rule that spanned over a century, shaped by the cunning rise of Jung Bahadur and the tragic Kot Parva.

Takeaways

• 🇳🇵 The Kot Massacre, or Kot Parva, was a significant but lesser-known event in Nepal's history that marked the beginning of the Rana rule and the rise of Jung Bahadur Rana.
• 👑 The power struggle within the palace was a recurring theme, with two queens, Maharani Samrajya Laxmi Devi and Rajya Laxmi Devi, vying for control over the weak King Rajendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev.
• 🛡️ The assassination of Prime Minister Mathbar Singh Thapa was a turning point, orchestrated by both Queen Rajya Laxmi and Jung Bahadur Rana, leading to Jung Bahadur's rise in power.
• 🔫 Jung Bahadur Rana's cunning and strategic alliances, particularly with Gagan Singh, the Chief of the Army, played a crucial role in his eventual dominance.
• 🗡️ The murder of Gagan Singh set off a chain of events that allowed Jung Bahadur to consolidate power, including the Kot Massacre where many court officials were killed.
• 🏰 The Kot Massacre itself was a brutal affair, resulting in the deaths of approximately 55 people and leaving the court in a state of bloodshed.
• 👩‍🦰 Queen Rajya Laxmi's ambition to make her son king led to political maneuvering and ultimately the massacre, illustrating the lengths to which she would go for power.
• 🤝 Jung Bahadur's initial alliance with his uncle, Mathbar Singh Thapa, and later with Gagan Singh, demonstrated his ability to navigate and exploit court politics.
• 💔 Jung Bahadur's vow to avenge his brother's death became a driving force behind his actions, culminating in the Kot Massacre and his ascension to power.
• 👶 The story highlights the impact of family dynamics and succession struggles on the political landscape of Nepal during this period.
• 🛑 The aftermath of the Kot Massacre saw Jung Bahadur Rana appointed as Prime Minister and Chief Commander, effectively ending the monarchy's power and beginning the Rana rule.

Q & A

What significant event in Nepal's history is referred to as the Kot Massacre or Kot Parva?

The Kot Massacre or Kot Parva is a significant but less known event in Nepal's history that played a crucial role in starting the Rana rule and is linked to the rise of Jung Bahadur Rana.

Who was the fifth king of Nepal during the time of the Kot Massacre?

The fifth king of Nepal during the time of the Kot Massacre was Rajendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev.

What were the names of King Rajendra's two queens and their respective eldest sons?

King Rajendra had two queens: the elder queen Maharani Samrajya Laxmi Devi, whose eldest son was Crown Prince Surendra Bir Bikram Shah, and the younger queen Rajya Laxmi Devi, whose eldest son was Prince Ranendra Bir Bikram Shah.

How did the power dynamics within the palace change after the death of Maharani Samrajya Laxmi Shah?

After Maharani Samrajya Laxmi Shah's death, all her power transferred to the younger queen, Rajya Laxmi Shah, who then took control of the entire military and administrative powers of the king.

Who were the two key figures appointed by Queen Rajya Laxmi after she took power?

Queen Rajya Laxmi appointed Mathbar Singh Thapa as the Mukhtiyar (Prime Minister) and Gagan Singh as the Chief of the Army.

What was the relationship between Jung Bahadur Rana and Prime Minister Mathbar Singh Thapa?

Jung Bahadur Rana was the nephew of Prime Minister Mathbar Singh Thapa, which helped him secure the position of General in the Nepalese army.

What event led to the assassination of Prime Minister Mathbar Singh and how was it orchestrated to appear?

Prime Minister Mathbar Singh was assassinated after being lured to the queen's bedroom under the pretense of her being critically ill. The assassination was planned to appear as if King Rajendra himself had killed him.

Who was responsible for the actual shooting of Mathbar Singh, and what was his motive?

Jung Bahadur Rana was responsible for the actual shooting of Mathbar Singh. His motive was to avenge his brother Devi Bahadur Kunwar's death, who had been sentenced to death by Maharani Rajya Laxmi.

What was the role of Gagan Singh in the court and why was he significant to the story?

Gagan Singh was the Chief of the Army and was the most trusted person of Maharani Rajya Laxmi. His assassination later became a pivotal event that led to the Kot Massacre.

How did Jung Bahadur Rana consolidate his power after the Kot Massacre?

After the Kot Massacre, Jung Bahadur Rana was appointed as the Prime Minister and Chief Commander of Nepal by Queen Rajya Laxmi, effectively giving him control of the country and the army.

What was the long-term impact of the Kot Massacre on Nepal's political landscape?

The Kot Massacre marked the beginning of the 104-year-long autocratic Rana rule in Nepal, with Jung Bahadur Rana and his descendants holding significant power.