Prithvi Narayan Shah, the first King of unified Nepal, stands as a monumental figure in the nation’s history. His reign from 1743 to 1775 was marked by ambitious military conquests, astute diplomacy, and visionary governance that laid the foundation for modern Nepal. Born in 1723 in Gorkha, a small principality in western Nepal, Prithvi Narayan Shah ascended to the throne at the age of 20 following the death of his father, King Nara Bhupal Shah. His early life and the socio-political landscape of the region shaped his vision and strategies for unification.
Early Life and Background
As the eldest son of King Nara Bhupal Shah, Prithvi Narayan Shah was the crown prince and heir to the throne of Gorkha. However, there was a significant debate about his succession. It is believed that Brinda Keshar Shah, the son of King Nara Bhupal Shah and another queen Buddhimati, was conceived first. But Prithvi Narayan Shah was born earlier, in the seventh month of his mother’s pregnancy.
This situation created considerable discussion among the people regarding the selection of the crown prince. Ultimately, the decision rested with King Nara Bhupal Shah. Before a final decision could be made, Brinda Keshar Shah died at around seven years old, leaving Prithvi Narayan Shah as the sole heir to the throne.
The responsibility of Prithvi Narayan Shah’s education and preparation for the throne was entrusted to Chandraprabhawati, his stepmother. She provided him with comprehensive training in horse riding, archery, swordsmanship, politics, diplomacy, and the study of the Mahabharat and Ramayan, among other subjects, until he was around 15 years old. This rigorous education aimed to equip him with the skills and knowledge necessary to become an efficient ruler.
In 1738, at the age of 14, Prithvi Narayan Shah married Indra Kumari Devi, the daughter of the king of Makawanpur, Hemkarna Sen. However, due to some issues, this marriage did not last. In 1740, he married Narendra Rajya Laxmi Devi, the daughter of Abhiman Singh, a Rajput chief of Banaras. These matrimonial alliances were significant in strengthening his political position and securing alliances with powerful neighboring states.
Prithvi Narayan Shah’s early life was thus marked by both privilege and the challenges of proving his legitimacy and capability as the future ruler. His father ensured that he was well-educated in statecraft and military tactics, preparing him for the leadership role he would soon assume.
Gorkha, at the time, was strategically located but lacked the resources and manpower to dominate its neighbors. The young prince, however, was determined to change this. He recognized the importance of unifying the fragmented states into a single, powerful entity to resist external threats, particularly from the expanding British East India Company and the Qing dynasty in China. His early interactions with neighboring states and European traders provided him with a broad perspective on the geopolitical dynamics of the region.
Ascension to the Throne
In 1743, Prithvi Narayan Shah became the king of Gorkha. His ascension marked the beginning of an era characterized by aggressive expansion and consolidation. He inherited a kingdom that was militarily weak and economically struggling. However, his determination and vision for a unified Nepal were unwavering. He began by strengthening the military, improving administrative efficiency, and fostering a sense of national identity among his people.
One of his first major challenges was to consolidate his own kingdom before embarking on external conquests. He reformed the administrative structure, appointing loyal and capable individuals to key positions. This not only improved governance but also ensured the loyalty of his subjects. He also focused on economic reforms, encouraging agriculture and trade to boost the kingdom’s revenues.
The Beginning of the Unification Campaign
Prithvi Narayan Shah began his unification campaign by targeting Nuwakot, a strategic location that his father had previously attempted to conquer but failed. Shah’s first attempt to capture Nuwakot also ended in failure, a setback that made him realize the need for better-trained soldiers, a steady supply of weapons, and a unified command. This defeat was a pivotal moment, leading him to strengthen his military and economic base before attempting further conquests.
Recognizing the necessity of a stronger military, Prithvi Narayan Shah traveled to Banaras, where he procured arms and ammunition and enlisted experts to train his soldiers. Upon his return, he established weapons manufacturing workshops in Gorkha and incentivized his army by providing land plots as their salaries. To further bolster the economic status of Gorkha, he collected donations from 12,000 households and worked on establishing diplomatic relations with different states.
With a reformed army and improved economic conditions, Prithvi Narayan Shah launched a successful campaign against Nuwakot a year later. This victory marked the beginning of the unification process, demonstrating his ability to learn from past failures and adapt his strategies accordingly.
The Campaign for Unification
With Nuwakot under his control, Prithvi Narayan Shah continued his unification campaign with a series of strategic alliances and military conquests. He understood that the Kathmandu Valley, comprising the city-states of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan, was the key to controlling the region. The valley was not only economically prosperous but also held significant cultural and political influence. However, these city-states were well-fortified and had strong armies, making their conquest a formidable task.
To achieve his goal, Prithvi Narayan Shah adopted a multi-pronged strategy. He forged alliances with neighboring states, securing their support or neutrality. He also implemented a policy of “divide and rule,” exploiting the rivalries and conflicts among the city-states and other principalities. His diplomatic efforts were complemented by a well-planned military campaign.
The Battle of Kirtipur in 1767 was a turning point in his unification campaign. Despite initial setbacks, Prithvi Narayan Shah’s forces eventually captured Kirtipur, a strategically important city-state in the Kathmandu Valley. This victory boosted the morale of his troops and paved the way for further conquests. He then turned his attention to Kathmandu, the most significant city-state in the valley. In 1768, after a series of fierce battles, Kathmandu fell to his forces. The following year, Patan and Bhaktapur also surrendered, bringing the entire valley under his control.
Governance and Reforms
With the unification of the Kathmandu Valley, Prithvi Narayan Shah laid the foundation for a centralized state. He moved the capital from Gorkha to Kathmandu, recognizing its strategic and economic importance. He then focused on consolidating his rule and integrating the newly conquered territories into his kingdom.
Prithvi Narayan Shah implemented various administrative and economic reforms to strengthen his kingdom. He established a centralized administrative system, appointing loyal and capable officials to key positions. This improved governance and ensured the efficient collection of taxes and resources. He also promoted agriculture, trade, and crafts, encouraging economic development and prosperity.
One of his notable achievements was the establishment of a network of roads and communication channels. This not only facilitated the movement of troops and goods but also helped in the integration of the diverse regions into a single entity. He also promoted cultural and religious harmony, recognizing the importance of unity in diversity. His policies aimed at fostering a sense of national identity and pride among his subjects.
Diplomatic Acumen
Prithvi Narayan Shah’s diplomatic skills were crucial in his unification campaign. He understood the importance of maintaining good relations with neighboring states and European powers. He maintained friendly ties with Tibet and China, ensuring that his northern borders remained secure. He also kept a close watch on the activities of the British East India Company, recognizing the threat they posed to his kingdom.
His famous quote, “Nepal is a yam between two boulders,” reflects his understanding of the geopolitical challenges faced by his kingdom. He was aware of the need to balance relations with the powerful neighbors, China and India, to ensure the survival and prosperity of Nepal. His diplomatic efforts were aimed at securing the independence and sovereignty of his kingdom.
Legacy and Impact of Prithvi Narayan Shah
Prithvi Narayan Shah’s legacy is immense and multifaceted. He is revered as the founder of modern Nepal and the architect of its unification. His vision and efforts laid the foundation for a strong, centralized state that has endured for centuries. His policies and reforms had a lasting impact on the administration, economy, and culture of Nepal.
The unification of Nepal not only created a politically stable and economically prosperous state but also fostered a sense of national identity and pride. Prithvi Narayan Shah’s emphasis on cultural and religious harmony helped in the integration of the diverse ethnic and cultural groups into a single nation. His vision of a unified and independent Nepal continues to inspire generations of Nepalese.
His successors continued his legacy, expanding and consolidating the kingdom further. The Shah dynasty, which he founded, ruled Nepal for more than two centuries, shaping its history and development. The unification of Nepal also had a significant impact on the regional geopolitics, influencing the relations with neighboring states and European powers.
Summary
Prithvi Narayan Shah’s life and achievements are a testament to his vision, determination, and leadership. His efforts in unifying the fragmented principalities into a single, powerful kingdom laid the foundation for modern Nepal. His reforms and policies not only strengthened the administration and economy but also fostered a sense of national identity and unity. His diplomatic acumen ensured the independence and sovereignty of his kingdom in a challenging geopolitical environment.
Today, Prithvi Narayan Shah is celebrated as a national hero and the father of the nation. His contributions to the unification and development of Nepal are remembered and honored by the Nepalese people.
