Gorkha Invasion In Himachal

Who Are the Gorkhas?

The Gorkhas are a revered group of elite soldiers known for their bravery and combat expertise. They serve in both the Indian and Nepali armies, and their ancestry is deeply rooted in Nepal. Despite their origin, Gorkhas have gained citizenship in both India and Nepal, reflecting their significant contributions to these nations. Internationally, Gorkhas have served in armies of countries like China, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. In India, Gorkhas are primarily settled in the Himalayan regions, particularly North Bengal, Sikkim, and adjacent areas, further extending their historical and cultural influence across the subcontinent.

Migration to the Hills

A historical connection between Chittorgarh and the hill states of northern India is notable. Rishi Raj Rana, a Suryavanshi Rajput ruler of Chittorgarh, defied Emperor Akbar by refusing his proposal to marry Rana’s successor, Fateh Singh Rana. This refusal led to a conflict, forcing many Rajput families to flee. Seeking refuge in the northern hill states, they became an integral part of the region’s socio-political framework, influencing its history.

The Birth of the Gorkha Kingdom

The Gorkha Kingdom began in 1559 when Prince Dravya Shah established his rule in the Gorkha region of Nepal. His successor, Yasho Bramha Shah, continued to strengthen the dynasty. However, the transformation of Gorkha into a formidable power occurred under King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who, in 1769, laid the foundation of modern Nepal by unifying various smaller states. This period marked the rise of Gorkha military power, setting the stage for their ambitious conquests.

Initial Gorkha Conquests

Following Prithvi Narayan Shah’s unification of Nepal, the Gorkhas embarked on aggressive expansion. They invaded Sikkim and Darjeeling and extended their reach into the western territories of the Sikkim kingdom. Additionally, the Gorkhas attempted to conquer regions in Tibet. However, their advances were met with resistance, and a united Tibetan-Chinese force expelled them. With their eastern ambitions thwarted, the Gorkhas redirected their focus westward, successfully capturing Kumaon and Garhwal by 1804, and establishing a presence along the Yamuna River.

Entry into Himachal Pradesh

The Gorkha invasion of Himachal Pradesh was a consequence of internal disputes among the local rulers. Raja Karam Prakash of Sirmaur was ousted from his throne by his younger brother Ratan Singh, supported by Raja Ram Saran Singh of Hindur. During a skirmish, a man resembling Karam Prakash was killed, solidifying Ratan Singh’s claim to the throne. Forced into exile, Karam Prakash sought the assistance of the Gorkha commander, Amar Singh Thapa, who led an expedition to Sirmaur, annexing it into the Gorkha kingdom in 1804. This move brought the Gorkhas into conflict with Kangra’s ruler, Raja Sansar Chand.

Conflict with Raja Sansar Chand

Raja Sansar Chand, a powerful ruler of Kangra, had reclaimed the Kangra Fort in 1786 and experienced a golden age from 1787 to 1805. His expansionist ambitions, however, alienated neighboring hill states, including Kehlon, Mandi, and Chamba, whose rulers sought Gorkha intervention. In 1805, Amar Singh Thapa, leading the Gorkha forces, responded to their call. By 1806, he had besieged Kangra Fort with a formidable army of 40,000 soldiers.

The Siege of Kangra Fort and the Treaty of Jwalamukhi

The siege of Kangra Fort tested its defenders’ resilience. Although the fort was well-stocked, dwindling resources compelled Raja Sansar Chand to seek help from Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab. In 1808, the Treaty of Jwalamukhi was signed, whereby Ranjit Singh agreed to assist Sansar Chand in exchange for control of Kangra Fort. The combined forces successfully repelled the Gorkhas in 1809, forcing them to retreat. The fort remained under Ranjit Singh’s control until 1839.

Gorkha Rule and Brutality

After their defeat at Kangra, the Gorkhas shifted focus to other regions of Himachal Pradesh. They captured Baghal, Nalagarh, Jubbal, and Bushahr, establishing their administrative centers. The Gorkhas’ rule was marked by harsh administration and high taxation, which left an indelible mark on the local populace. Folk songs and oral histories from Himachal Pradesh frequently recount the suffering endured under Gorkha rule, portraying it as a period of widespread hardship.

The Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816)

The Gorkha expansion into northern India alarmed the British East India Company, which perceived it as a threat to its trade routes and territorial ambitions. Tensions escalated when Gorkha forces attempted to claim villages in Punjab, leading to skirmishes. On October 31, 1814, the British declared war on the Gorkhas, initiating the Anglo-Nepalese War. The conflict, which lasted over a year, witnessed significant battles at Nalapani, Dehradun, and Malaon Fort, where Gorkha commanders such as Bhakti Thapa demonstrated extraordinary valor.

Decline of Gorkha Power

By 1815, the British, under commanders like David Ochterlony, had systematically dismantled Gorkha strongholds. The death of Bhakti Thapa at Malaon Fort marked a critical blow to Gorkha morale. Facing mounting losses and diminishing resources, Amar Singh Thapa surrendered to the British on November 25, 1815. This effectively ended Gorkha dominance in Himachal Pradesh.

The Treaty of Sugauli (1816)

The Treaty of Sugauli, ratified on March 4, 1816, marked a significant turning point. Under its terms, Nepal ceded vast territories to the British, including parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim. The Mechi River became Nepal’s eastern boundary, and the Mahakali River its western boundary. Additionally, Nepal agreed to allow a British Resident in Kathmandu. The treaty formalized Nepal’s territorial losses and curtailed its expansionist ambitions.

Legacy of the Gorkha Invasion

The Gorkha invasion of Himachal Pradesh remains a significant chapter in the region’s history, symbolizing the interplay of local conflicts, Gorkha military ambition, and British colonial strategy. While the Gorkhas are remembered for their courage and tenacity, their period of rule in Himachal is also marked by accounts of hardship and resistance. The events of this era have left an enduring legacy, shaping the cultural and historical narratives of Himachal Pradesh and northern India.