The Gorkha Ascendancy
Forging a Himalayan Kingdom: An exploration of the Gorkha Kingdom's rise, unification, and enduring legacy.
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The Gorkha Kingdom
Strategic Location
The Gorkha kingdom was strategically positioned at the confluence of the Himalayas and the Indian subcontinent. It was one of the numerous principalities known as the Chaubisi states, situated in what is now western Nepal.
Historical Context
Emerging from the fragmentation of the Magarat confederation, the region was divided into the Baise Rajya (22 principalities) in the west and the Chaubisi Rajya (24 principalities) in central Nepal. Gorkha's influence extended to the Marshyangdi River in the west and the Nepal Mandala in the east.
Founding and Name
Established in 1559 CE by Prince Dravya Shah, the kingdom was named after the revered yogi saint Gorakhnath, who is traditionally believed to have blessed Dravya Shah's ascent to power. The Gorakhnath Temple in Gorkha remains a significant spiritual site.
Foundations and Early Rule
Dravya Shah's Ascent
Dravya Shah, the second son of King Yasho Brahma Shah of Lamjung, overthrew the ruling Magar King, Mansingh Khadka Magar, to establish the Gorkha Kingdom in 1559 CE. This marked the beginning of the Shah dynasty's rule in the region.
Magar Influence
The region around Liglig and Gorkha was historically governed by Magar kings. Dravya Shah's rise was facilitated by the support of influential local Magars, including Gongaram Rana Magar, during the traditional Ligligkot race for succession.
Spiritual Roots
The name "Gorkha" is closely associated with the yogi Gorakhnath. His spiritual influence is said to have played a role in the kingdom's establishment, and his legacy is honored at the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorkha.
The Shah Dynasty of Gorkha
Early Monarchs
The Shah dynasty's lineage in Gorkha began with Dravya Shah. His successors, including Purna Shah and the renowned Ram Shah (known as 'Ram Shah the Just'), consolidated power and established legal and administrative frameworks.
Ram Shah's Justice
Ram Shah, who reigned from 1609 to 1633, is celebrated for his just rule and legal reforms. His reign laid important groundwork for the future kingdom's stability and governance.
Prithvi Narayan Shah
The most pivotal figure in Gorkha's history was Prithvi Narayan Shah, who reigned from 1743 to 1768. He initiated the ambitious campaign that unified Nepal, transforming the small Gorkha kingdom into a formidable regional power.
Campaigns of Unification
Territorial Ambitions
Starting in the 1730s under Nara Bhupal Shah and significantly advancing from 1743 under Prithvi Narayan Shah, the Gorkha kingdom embarked on a systematic campaign of military expansion. This effort aimed to consolidate control over neighboring principalities.
Conquest of Nepal Mandala
A key objective was the subjugation of the wealthy Nepal Mandala, centered in the Kathmandu Valley. Following a strategic blockade, the Gorkhali forces conquered the Malla kingdoms of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur between 1768 and 1769, establishing Kathmandu as the new capital.
Tibetan Incursions
In 1788 and again in 1791, Gorkha forces invaded Tibet, leading to conflict with the Qing dynasty of China. The Sino-Nepalese War concluded with the Treaty of Betrawati in 1792, establishing terms of peace and tribute.
Anglo-Nepalese Conflict
The kingdom's expansion westward eventually led to the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816). The subsequent Treaty of Sugauli forced Gorkha to cede significant territories to the British East India Company, defining the kingdom's modern borders.
The Gurkha Legacy
Renowned Warriors
The soldiers from the Gorkha kingdom, known as Gurkhas, gained international renown for their military prowess and bravery. Their tradition of service began after the Anglo-Nepalese War, with recruitment by the British East India Company.
Valor and Awards
Gurkha soldiers, primarily recruited from Magar and Gurung communities, served with distinction in various conflicts. Numerous Gurkhas were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for gallantry, for their exceptional courage.
Global Service
During World War I and World War II, hundreds of thousands of Gurkhas served in diverse theaters of war, earning significant bravery awards and demonstrating unwavering loyalty and combat effectiveness.
Geographical Scope
Himalayan Domain
The Gorkha kingdom was situated in the challenging terrain of the Himalayas. Its borders were defined by natural features, with the Marshyangdi River marking its western extent and the Trishuli River bordering the Nepal Mandala to the east.
Imperial Reach
At its zenith in the early 19th century, the Gorkha dominion stretched from Kumaon and Garhwal in the west to Sikkim in the east, encompassing a vast territory before territorial concessions were made following the Anglo-Nepalese War.
Cultural Landscape
Linguistic Diversity
While the Gorkhali language (later Nepali) became the official language of the court and administration, Newari also held significant importance, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley, and was used in official documents and literature for a period.
Religious Affiliation
The primary religion associated with the Gorkha kingdom and the ruling Shah dynasty was Hinduism, reflecting the dominant religious traditions of the region.
Currency
The currency used during the Gorkha kingdom's era was the Nepalese mohar, as evidenced by coinage from the period, such as the mohar issued by King Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1763 CE.
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