Gorkha Rule in Uttarakhand
Gorkha Rule in Uttarakhand
Gorkha Rule in Uttarakhand
Gorkha Rule in Uttarakhand : The Gorkha rule in Uttarakhand refers to the period when the Gorkha kings of Nepal annexed and ruled different parts of Uttarakhand between 1790 to 1815 CE. This period had a significant political, economic and socio-cultural impact on the region.
The Gorkhas, under the leadership of Prithvi Narayan Shah, were expanding their empire from Nepal. After conquering the Kathmandu valley and many small principalities, they turned towards Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand due to their strategic location and rich resources. This 25 years period witnessed several major battles and resistance against the Gorkha army. Ultimately the Gorkhas had to retreat after the Anglo-Nepalese war in 1815.
Causes for Gorkha Invasion
The main causes that prompted the Gorkhas to invade Kumaon and Garhwal regions were:
Strategic Location
Kumaon and Garhwal offered natural protection to Nepal from plains of India. Controlling these mountain passes would secure Nepal from future threats.
Rich Resources
These hilly regions were rich in natural resources like minerals, forests, flora/fauna. It would provide economic aid to expanding Gorkha empire.
Weakening Local Powers
The local Katyuri kings in Kumaon and Panwar rulers of Garhwal were weakening and facing internal conflicts. It seemed an opportune time for the Gorkhas to encroach these areas.
Access to Tibet
Tibet was an important place for trade in wool, salt and other commodities. Control of Uttarakhand would enable Gorkhas to access the Tibet trade route.
Early Phase of Invasion 1790-1804
This early phase witnessed rapid conquests by the Gorkha army in Kumaon and Garhwal regions:
Conquest of Kumaon
The Gorkhas first attacked Kumaon in 1790. After facing initial resistance, they managed to capture entire Kumaon region upto Sutlej river by 1804. Local rulers like Deep Chand, Lal Kuanth, Himmat Bahadur were defeated.
Conquest of Western Garhwal
In 1803, Amar Singh Thapa invaded western parts of Garhwal like Srinagar and Pauri. He defeated Pradhuman Shah, the ruler of Garhwal, who had to take refuge in Dehradun.
Conquest of Eastern Garhwal
By 1804, Amar Singh overran entire Garhwal region and adjoining areas like Tehri, Darma, Byans, Swargashram. He appointed Bada Kaji as governor in Srinagar.
Phase of Consolidation 1804-1814
After the initial conquests, the Gorkhas focused on consolidating their annexed territories in Kumaon and Garhwal:
Revenue Settlements
The Gorkha administration carried out revenue settlements in Kumaon and Garhwal to organize tax collection. The revenue rates were kept much higher than earlier regimes.
Appointment of Governors
Gorkha governors like Bada Kaji, Bam Shah, were appointed to govern the Kumaon and Garhwal region from Srinagar and Almora. They carried out census of population as well.
Resistance from Local Chiefs
Some local chiefs like Deep Chand, Himmat Bahadur, who had initially accepted Gorkha sovereignty, started revolting against the Gorkha administration due to high revenue demands and interference in local customs.
Suppression of Revolts
Bam Shah led brutal suppression of these revolts in Kumaon region. The local chieftains were defeated and their lands were confiscated. It weakened the opposition to Gorkha rule.
Impact of Gorkha Rule
The 25 years long Gorkha rule had significant impact on Uttarakhand’s society, economy and culture:
Socio-Economic Impact
- Heavy taxation burden on peasants and decline in agriculture
- Exploitation of natural resources like timber, minerals to fuel Gorkha war efforts
- Trade and trans-Himalayan exchanges suffered due to conflicts
- Migration of villagers to plains to escape Gorkha administration
Cultural Impact
- Influence of Nepali language and culture in hills
- Damage or decay of several temples due to neglect under Gorkha rule
- Decline in patronage of arts, crafts and literature due to excessive taxes
- Hill architecture adopted Nepalese styles and designs during this period
End of Gorkha Rule
The ambitious expansion of Gorkhas in Uttarakhand finally came to an end due to several factors:
Anglo-Nepalese War
In 1814, the British East India Company declared war against Nepal leading the Anglo-Nepalese War due to border disputes.
British Victory
In 1815, the British defeated Nepal conclusively being superior in resources, weapons and strategy. Nepal had to sign the Sugauli treaty with British.
Treaty of Sugauli
As per the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816, Nepal had to cede all the territories west of Kali river to the British. This included Kumaon, Garhwal and other areas annexed by Nepal.
Conclusion
The Gorkha rule finally ended in 1815 and marked an important transition in Uttarakhand’s history. It had long lasting impact on the socio-economic conditions and culture of Uttarakhand. The subsequent British rule also changed course of the region’s history.
References
- Atkinson, Edwin T. (1882). The Himalayan Districts of Kooloo, Lahoul, and Spiti
- Bahuguna, Shekhar (1987). Uttarakhand: The Movement for Separate State
- Dabral, Shiv Prasad (1993). Uttarakhand ka Itihas (Hindi)
- Khattri, P.L (1993). Uttarakhand: An Abode of Gods
- Pande, Badri Datt (1993). History of Kumaun
- Rawat, Ajay S. (1997). British Rule in Kumaun
FAQ’s on Gorkha Rule in Uttarakhand
What prompted the Gorkhas to invade Uttarakhand?
The strategic location, rich resources, weakening local powers and access to Tibet trade routes were main causes for Gorkha invasion of Uttarakhand.
How much territory did Gorkhas annex in Uttarakhand?
By 1804, through conquests under Amar Singh Thapa, Gorkhas had annexed entire Garhwal and Kumaon regions along with adjoining areas like Tehri.
What was the impact of 25 years of Gorkha rule?
There was heavy taxation, exploitation of resources, decline in agriculture and migration. Hill architecture adopted Nepalese influences. Trade ties with Tibet got disrupted.
Why did the Gorkha rule finally end?
After the Anglo-Nepalese War during 1814-15, Nepal had to cede all territories west of Kali river including Kumaon-Garhwal as per Treaty of Sugauli 1816.
