Great Personalities/Events from Nepal's History
RajendraLaxmi
wife of King Pratap Singh Shah
Mother of Ranabahadur Shah
acted as regent of an infant King Ranabahadur Shah
During the 8 years of regency, she extended the western border of Nepal upto Tanahu while defending the nation from the attack of King Karna Sen at the east
She actively participated in wars, rode horses, Wielded swords, leaded or fought alongside troops
known as ‘nepalko raajmaataa’
died Shrawan 2 1842.
Bahadur Shah
Youngest son of Prithvi Narayan Shah
Born 1814 B.S.
Acted as regent of an underage King Ranabahadur Shah, after death of his mother Rajendra Laxmi
Maintained friendship with Palpa through marital relations
Signed peace treaty with Garhwaal which helped him conquer westward of the country
Extended Nepal’s border upto Almoda, Kumao, Garhwaal
At 1853 B.S., he was arrested for embezzlement of public funds(राजकोष दुरूपयोग).
Died in Captivity at B.S. 1854 Asar 14
Gunakaamdev (LaxmiKaamdev)
helped establishing Kantipur as a state. It is written in Banshawali that he spent 1 Lakh rupees to urbanize Kantipur.
began: Indrajatra, Hilejatra, Krishna Jatra, laakheyjatra, Shringabheri Jatra
Built: Nawadurga, Raktakaali, Lomdidevi
established 1800 houses
His predecessors were Ubhayadev, Bhogdeva, Rudradev, Nirvayadev and Jaykamdev.
Jaya Prithvi Bahadur Singh
He was the King of Bajhang; born 1934 B.S.
Son-in-Law of Chandra Shumsher.
Supported in making primary education as per National need.
Helped promote Nepali as a medium for Primary and Higher Education and wrote the first Nepali language book called "Aksharank Shiksha." Other publishes include Baalbodh, Shrestabodh, Bhugolbodh
Made significant contributions in the field of education of Nepal and even worked as ‘प्रबन्धक’(manager) and ‘सम्पादक’ (Editor) of gorkhapatra. He was even helped by Dev Shumsher.
After Chandra Shumsher’s rise in B.S. 1964, his Nepali education was restricted.
After this, he moved to India and began working on a social organization, He also established his own organization named J.P.
He died in 1977 B.S.
The government declared Jay Prithvibahadur Singh as National Hero(राष्ट्र विभुति) on Ashar 6, 2079.
Jung Bahadur Rana
born in Gorkha, Borlang in Ashar 1874 B.S.
father Balnarsingh Kunwar and mother Rakchhya Thakuri
childhood name Birrnarsingh Kunwar
His nickname of ‘Junge’ was kept by his mama
During the leadership of Bhimsen Thapa, Balnarsingh Kunwar was employed as Hakim and JBR used to go on work trip with his dad to Dhankuta, Dadeldhura and Jumla.
His father taught him wrestling and the use of guns.
Due to his bravery and intense skills, he was appointed as Subedaar(a post in nepali army) at a young age of 14 and became a trusted figure for Shree 5 King Surendra
Impressed by his wittyness, Shree 5 Rajendra made him तोपखानाको(artillery regiment) captain as well as the body guard of Crown Prince Surendra
Visited Britain in 1906 BS, and established many education and administration related departments.
Published the first national civil code(मुलुकी ऐन) in 1910 B.S.
In Shrawan 1913 B.S., he was appointed as Shree 3 Maharaj where he’d have control over life sentences or release from it, hiring and firing government employees, going on war or signing treaties with foreign countries like china, making laws about civil(देवानी), criminal (फौजदारी), military (जंगी) departments.
Help decrease practices like sati pratha, slavery(daas pratha), child marriage.
He even prohibited gambling allowing it only for 11 days in a year.
He maintained kitabkhana(office of record keeping or archieves), Topkhana(Artillery division), Dharmakachahari (Religious or spiritual officials), Sarafkhana (Treasury).
died Magh 31, 1933 while returning from hunting in Pattharghatta.
Kotparva
occured 1903 BS, Ashwin 2
After Queen Rajyalaxmi's trusted member Gagan Singh was murdered on Bhadra 31, she ordered everyone to gather at Kot to investigate the murder.
Jung Bahadur (who killed Gagan Singh) used this situation to his advantage and went there with his brother and three regiments then killed his opponents beginning from Abhimansingh Basnet and approximately 400 others including Fateh Jung Chautariya, and other nobles. This opened the way for Rana rule which lasted 104 years in Nepal.
Bhandarkhal Parva
Aka Basnyat Parva
Occured Kartik 12, 1903 B.S.
After Kot Massacre, Queen Rajyalaxmi tried to arrange for her son Ranendra to become king by ordering Jung Bahadur, but Jung Bahadur didn't follow her wishes and signaled his intentions to take action against the queen herself.
Queen, Birdhwaj Basnet and Gagan Singh's son Vajirsingh devised a plan to poison Jung Bahadur at Bhandarkhal.
However, Jung Bahadur Rana found out about this through one of the queen’s slave and guru BijayRaj Pandit.
He then obtained king Rajendra's authority and systematically killed 23 opponents including Bir Dhwaj Basnet and Birkeshar Basnyat, and many were jailed.
Then, Jung Bahadur exiled the queen and officially became the Prime Minister.
Alau Parva
occurred in the last week of Shrawan 1904 BS.
Queen Rajyalaxmi was accused of conspiracy of Bhandarkhaal Parva, was exiled and went to Banaras with King Rajendra. The ones who fled from Kot and Bhandarkhaal Parva like Guru Prasad, Kaji Jagat Bam Pande, and others tried to agitate Rajendra to assasin JBR and bring him back in power.
To carry out the plan for Jung Bahadur, Guru Prasad Shah and others were staying at Alau near Birgunj, which JBR came to know about and sent the troops in the leadership of Kanak Singh and BamBahadur.
Team Rajendra was unsuccessful. Jung Bahadur survived and Rajendra was imprisoned at Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu, and he died in 1938 BS while in captivity.
1934 BS Conspiracy:
Crown Prince Trailokya and his younger brother Narendravikram Shah were unhappy with Jung Bahadur's successors.
They formed a secret committee with few other noble ministers(bhardar) and the crown prince decided not to provide the Panjachap to the upcoming prime ministers.
After Jung Bahadur's death, Dhir Shamsher discovered their plans through both of Trailokya’s queens and sent Trailokya to Pattharghatta.
Taking advantage of this situation, Ranodhip Singh made King Surendra to issue orders to provide the panjachap making him the Prime Minister.
38 Years Event
In 1938 BS, Crown Prince Trailokya's younger brother Narendravikram Shah conspired to assasin then Rana Prime Minister Ranodhip Singh, Dhir Shumsher along with other Elite Ranas restore Shree 5 King’s authority.
But lieutenant Uttardwoj Rajbhandari revealed this conspiracy, and 20 people involved were executed. About 10 Brahmins including Subba Tankanath and Homnath were degraded from their caste and imprisoned. Narendravikram Shah was imprisoned at Chunar Fort.
This is known as the 38 Years Event.
42 Years Event
In 1942 BS, Dhir Shamsher's sons killed their uncle Sri 3 Ranodhip Singh. This event is known as the 52 Years Event.
The 52 Years Event is a prime example of internal conflict and murder among the Ranas.
During Ranodhip Singh as PM, there formed a rift between shumshers and Jungs. Dhir Shamsher's sons conspired to kill the successors of JBR. As part of the plan, they took advantage of the occuring military parade, which helped them gather soldiers inside the Rawalpidi, away from the palace.
They arranged to send four platoons of soldiers under the leadership of Veer Shamsher, who would use this opportunity to kill Ranodip. The plan was to remove his security team and then murder him.
At night, Bir Shumsher captured ADC Gajaraj Kunwar and removed the guards on duty and entered his room saying they have a confidential message from the british embassy. Dambar Shumsher himself pulled the trigger killing Ranodip Singh in his bedroom in the presence of Khadga Shumsher and Bir Shumsher. (ADC = Aide-de-Camp = उच्च अधिकारीको विश्वासिलो सैनिक सहायक)
JBR’s son JagatJung was blamed for this assassination and was killed too.
Through this event, 17 sons of Dhir Shamsher including Bir Shamsher, Dev Shamsher, Chandra Shamsher, and Juddha Shamsher chronologically came to order of succession of Shree 3 Prime Minister.
Ranodhip Singh
born on Baisakh 22, 1892 BS.
He was honest and had an indecisive personality .
Crown Prince Trailokya wanted to make Jung Bahadur's son Jagat Jung the Prime Minister after JBR’s death, but Dhir Shamsher sent Trailokya and Jagat Jung out of Kathmandu with the excuse that JBR was sick, and made Ranodhip the Prime Minister.
After Jung Bahadur's death in 1933 BS, Ranodhip became Prime Minister. During his rule, Dhir Shamsher and Jagat Shamsher had the actual control over the ministry.
established various English and Sanskrit schools.
Publishing पञ्चाङ्ग in 1941 B.S.[its a calender system; Panchangga = "Five limbs" — because it is based on five key elements of time: Tithi (तिथि), Vara (वार), Nakshatra (नक्षत्र), Yoga (योग), Karana (करण)]
Established multiple courts
Reimbursed the victims of Basatthiharan (where lots of lands were snatched away from brahmins)
Made roads to pashupati smoother by setting stones
creation of treasury departments,
expansion of Tudikhel
efforts to stop the practice of Corruption, and other reform measures.
He was killed in 1942 B.S.
Battle of Jaithak
An attack on Jaithak fort (killa) on September 25, 1815 (Ashoj 9, 1872 B.S.) by Britian, led by Major Richards and Major Ludlow.
Nepalese forces led by Ranajor Singh and Jaspau Thapa, attacked despite heavy use of cannons or bullets from the opposite side.
The British forces were defeated and retreated to Hanaan.
After this war, the British could not attack in that area again.
Battle of Deuthal
While the war between Nepal and Britain continued, British forces led by Colonel Thompson created a camp at Thumko of Deuthal ridge in April 1815 (Baisakh 3, 1872).
The Nepali forces attacked with around 2000 soldiers under the leadership of 73 years old Bhakti Thapa using khukuri, sword, talwar, and gun charges.
Due to British gunfire, Bhakti Thapa was shot in the chest and the Nepalese army had to retreat.
In this war, around 20 British were killed along with 233 wounded, while about 500 Nepalese were killed.
Bhakti Thapa, even at 73 years of age, fought for national pride, from the front lines, which impressed the British Major General David Ochterlony who later honored his bravery.
Bhakti Thapa
His home was in Lamjung and worked in Lamjung's army as well.
The Gorkha army captured Lamjung, after which he joined Nepal's Army.
In 1815 (1871B.S.), during the Nepal-British battle at Malaun fort, he led the Nepalese forces.
Later, when British captured Nepal's western region including Deuthal, 73-year-old Bhakti Thapa attacked it. He left his son at the care of Amar Singh Thapa during this time.
The British honored his bravery by treating his body with respect.
The government declared brave Bhakti Thapa as a National Hero on Asar 14, 2078 BS.
Battle of Almoda
When the British continuously increased attacks in Nepal's western region, the Nepalese forces led by Amar Singh Thapa and Ranajor Singh Thapa was becoming weaker.
To assist those forces, Hastidal Shah was sent from the capital with a military troop.
But on Baishakh 13, 1872 B.S., that force was confronted by British forces 15 miles north of Almoda. A fierce battle took place between Hastidal's forces and the British.
Hastidal died there, while at Almoda Bam Shah was fighting with the British continuously for four days. But the Nepalese forces were defeated by the British. This is known as the Battle of Almoda.
Battle of Nalapani
In 1871 B.S., to face the British attack on Nalapani fort (6 kms north of Dehradun) brave Balbhadra Kunwar went there with cannons and about 600 soldiers along with women and children.
During the victorious attack of the Nepalese forces, British Lieutenant-General Gillespie along with 31 officers and more than 750 soldiers were killed. The British fled in panic.
The Nepalese displayed their superior strength in Shreenagar, Gadwal, Nahar, and Sirmour by establishing camps(?).
Again, the British forces attacked the Nepalese forces in the same area. Under Colonel Mabi's leadership, Nalapani fort was attacked from all four sides.
In that battle, 7 officers and about 400 soldiers were killed while 619 were wounded from british sides. The British could not win the battle, and they cut off the water supply. Due to thirst and hunger, the Nepalese force of 70 soldiers evacuated the fort.
Seeing the Nepalese's extraordinary bravery, the British created a memorial plaque there with "Salute to brave Commander Balbhadra and his brave Gorkha companions". It's mentioned that Balbhadra later went to Lahore disappointed by the Sugauli Treaty.
Sugauli Treaty
Throughout the war that started in 1815 (1871B.S.), after being defeated in many places during the war between Nepal and Britain, along with the second naval advance reinforced by modern weaponry, the British attack put Nepal's existence in crisis.
The British had captured almost all territories in the Mechi-Mahakali belt and western Terai.
In this situation, Nepal was compelled to sign a treaty with the British, and on March 3, 1816 (Falgun 1872 BS), the Sugauli Treaty between Nepal and Britain was signed.
This treaty was signed by Gajraj Mishra on behalf of Nepal and Lieutenant General Bradshaw on behalf of the East India Company.
Main provisions of this treaty:
Permanent peace and friendship shall be maintained between the East India Company and the King of Nepal.
All territorial disputes that occurred before the war will be resolved and forgotten. The King of Nepal will accept and abide by the Company's sovereignty.
The King of Nepal will return the following territories to the East India Company:
a) The entire region of Kali and Rapti rivers
b) The entire plains of Rapti and Gandaki rivers, except Butwal
c) The entire plains of Gandaki and Koshi rivers
d) All lowland territories of Mechi and Tista rivers
e) All hilly territories from east of Mechi river
For the compensation of Nepali citizens and Indians who suffered in the territories taken by the war, two lakh rupees will be given, and the King of Nepal can use that money as per his treasury. For this purpose, a certificate with the Governor General's seal and signature will be provided.
The King of Nepal will not maintain any relations with the residents of the western territories from Kali river.
The King of Nepal cannot recruit for specific regional positions from Sikkim, except some positions allowed by British mediators.
The King of Nepal cannot keep any British, European, or American in his service without British government permission.
Both countries will keep diplomatic representatives in each other's countries.
In this treaty, the King of Nepal must provide approval within 15 days and obtain the Governor General's approval within 20 days or earlier.
Note: The British ratified this treaty on December 9, but due to Nepal's King not approving within 15 days, Ochterlony advanced to attack Makwanpur in February 1816. The King of Nepal's approval letter(delivered by Chandra Shekhar) dated March 3, 1816, stopped the British advance towards Makwanpur.
Library Parva
In 1987 BS, to spread anti-Rana ideas among the people, youngsters inspired by Lakshmi Prasad Devkota, Jogbir Singh, Krishna Prasad Khatiwada, Dharma Raj Thapaliya and others sdecided to open a Library.
But when the Supporter of Ranas, Ramchandra Adhikari found out about this he reported it to then rana PM Bhim Shumsher who arrested all the people involved. They were fined Rs. 100 per person and half the amount was given to Ramchandra Adhikari as a reward.
Makai Incident
In 1977 BS, during Prime Minister Chandra Shamsher's era, Subba of Kaushal Adda, Krishnalal Adhikari wrote in a book called "Makai Kheti" that you respect foreign dogs more than native dogs, but native dogs are useful at night while foreign dogs are useless.
He was accused of insulting the rulers and the British, and was sentenced to 9 years in prison while his associates received 5 years each.
Nepal-Britain War
The war between Nepal and Britain from 1814 to 1816 A.D. is called the Anglo-Gorkha War.
The causes of this war were established during Prithvi Narayan Shah's time.
Nepal government's anti-British policy, Nepal and Britain's expansionist policies, Nepal's internal affairs being unstable, Nepal seeking cooperation with other countries, the British wanting to trade with Tibet through Nepal, and the British's provocative diplomatic approach were the main causes of this war.
Queen Rajyalaxmi Devi
After the death of King 5 Rajendra’s First Queen Samrajya laxmi, his second Queen Rajyalaxmi Devi Shah was busy in palace conspiracies to make her son Ranendra the King, instead of the Crown Prince Surendra.
Due to important reasons like divisions among brothers, the secret schemes by the british, the King’s incompetence, and the Queens’ increasing desire for power made the process of governance unstable.
Queen Rajyalaxmi Devi made Mathbar Singh Thapa the Prime Minister to fulfill her goals.
Later, she felt her position weakened and realized she won’t get what she wanted through Mathbar and mysteriously killed him. Queen Rajyalaxmi then started to want Jung Bahadur to be her puppet.
Her greed caused incidents like Kot Parva and Bhandarkhal Parva which as a result, gave rise to Rana rule for the next 104 years.
Agnate System
Principle of inheritance where the order of succession to the throne prefers the monarch's younger brother over the monarch's own sons. A monarch's children (the next generation) succeed only after the males of the elder generation have all been exhausted.
Jung Bahadur also implemented this system.
Because his son was only 12 years old and a minor, and he needed his brothers' support for power consolidation, he implemented this system to resolve family conflict.
Bir Shamsher
Bir Shamsher was born in Mangshir 1909 BS (December 1852).
After killing Ranodip Singh, he became Shree 3 Prime Minister in 1942 BS.
During his administration, he carried out works such as building stone water taps in Bhaktapur and Kathmandu, constructing Narayanhiti Royal Palace, establishing Durbar High School, creating Jhulunge pul in Kulekhani, establishing Bir Hospital (1947), building ghantaghar, establishing Military posts in English language, starting awarding events like ‘गोर्खा दक्षिण बाहु’ and ‘प्रियदर्शन उपाधि’. He also introduced the practice of keeping money in foreign banks.
He died on 1957 BS (March 5, 1901).
Dev Shamsher
Liberal and progressive Rana Prime Minister Dev Shamsher was born as Dhir Shamsher's son on Shrawan 1919 BS (July 17, 1862).
He was educated and worked as the administration chief for 14 years.
After being Prime Minister for about three and a half months, Dev Shamsher was forcefully removed due to his reformist nature. After being removed from Prime Minister position, he was exiled to Dhankuta to work as the governer of East Nepal. From there he went to Musoorie through Darjeeling, where he died in Falgun 1970 BS.
His reform works include:
Establishing office hours 10-5
Practice of firing canons at 12pm
Demanding from the British government to create a modern constitution
Establishment of more than 30 schools
Setting up various complaint boxes in Kathmandu
Beginning publication of Gorkhapatra (1958) and giving freedom to the press to criticize the government
Attempts at scientific reform for agriculture
Chandra Shamsher
Chandra Shamsher was born as Dhir Shamsher's fifth son on Ashadh 1920 BS (July 8, 1863).
He graduated his matric degree from Calcutta University and became the first Rana Prime Minister with a matric degree. Oxford University gave him the title of "Doctor of Civil Law."
He ruled from 1958 to 1986 BS after removing Dev Shamsher.
He divided Ranas into A, B, C classes.
Gehendra Shamsher Kanda, Makai Parva are significant events during his era.
During his time:
the Gorkha Bhasa Prakashini Committee was established,
the Sati system was abolished,
Tri-Chandra College was founded,
slavery was abolished in 1981 BS,
railway service was started(1982BS),
Nepal's map was created,
Singh Durbar was constructed,
Chandra Nahar was built in Saptari
construction of Tri-Chandra Military Hospital,
established Cotiling Court for Dewani (Civil) cases and Itachapali Court for Faujdari (Criminal) cases
He also constructed a grand palaces for his children,
gave lands to his offsprings and relatives as birta which were detrimental to country and the public.
Bhim Shamsher
Bhim Shamsher was born as Dhir Shamsher's third son in 1922 BS.
After Chandra Shamsher's death in 1986 BS, Bhim Shamsher became Prime Minister and ruled for two and a half years.
During his time, there was increase in anti-rana campaigns and events like Basanta Shumsher Parva, Stopping Charkha (spinning wheel) promotion, establishment of Prachanda Gorkha (award for militaries), Library Parva.
He started to provide customs exemption in import of salt and cotton and encouraged people to cultivate cotton.
He maintained office hours 10-4,
provided paid vacations for govertment employees,
water supply in Kathmandu and Mortang,
Limiting death sentences to those commiting treason.
establishing Ukhada Jaach commision (special investigative commission established to review, investigate, and scrutinize the property and wealth (especially illegally obtained) of government officials, political leaders, and other public figures)
he died in 1989 BS.
Juddha Shamsher
Juddha Shamsher was born as Dhir Shamsher's sixth son on Baisakh, 1932 BS.
After Bhim Shamsher's death, he ruled for about 13 years from 1989 to 2002 BS.
During his time, there was a great earthquake (Magh 2, 1990 BS), fire at White Durbar, Mahabir School Kanda, formation of Praja Parishad, and establishment of Civil Rights Commission.
established the Nepal Industrial Board to promote Nepal's industrial development with foreign experts,
built Biratnagar Jute Mill,
established Juddha match factory,
founded Biratnagar Cotton Mill,
established Nepal Bank Limited (Kartik 30, 1994 BS),
introduced paper currency,
formed the SLC Board,
constructed hospitals in various cities,
conducted census, created birth and death registration departments,
arranged employee pensions and provisions of Sanchaya Kosh,
Established Zoo of Jaulakhel and did many other reformative works like establishing museums in Kathmandu.
Juddha Shamsher was also known as the "Rajarshi Maharaja" because he resigned from his position in 2002 to involve in Religious activities.
He died in Dehradun in 2009 BS.
Padma Shamsher
After Juddha Shamsher announced his resignation on Mangshir 14, 2002 BS, Padma Shamsher became Prime Minister. He declared, "म राष्ट्रको नोकर हुँ"
Born on Magshir 20, 1939 BS.
During his time, the Nepali Congress was established, the Biratnagar Labor Strike occurred, and the Jayatu Sanskritum movement (promoting sanskrit as the mode of education) took place.
He announced statutory laws (laws written, codified, and applied to regulate the behavior of individuals, organizations, and government entities within the society) in 2004 BS.
Average citizens were given access to hydropower and radiosets,
Female education was encouraged, Kanya schools were established
permission was given to open schools with approval from Shree 3,
Kathmandu Municipality was formed,
the Nepal Khadya Sansthan was established (Ashoj 20, 2004 BS),
the Nepal Literature Council was founded,
and poet conferences were held among other reform measures.
He is also known as the father of schools because he worked to open many schools.
Padma Shamsher, under pressure from Mohan Shamsher, left the country on the pretext of getting treatment in 8 Falgun 2004 BS and went to India.
He resigned officially in Baishakh 14, 2005 BS and spent the rest of his life in India.
Mohan Shamsher
Nepal's last Rana Prime Minister and Chandra Shamsher's eldest son Mohan Shamsher was born in 1942 BS.
After Padma Shamsher's resignation, he served as acting Prime Minister for some time and became Prime Minister at the age of 64 on Baisakh 18, 2005 BS after consucting Sindur Jatra.
He spent most of his time suppressing democratic movements.
After the changes in 2007 BS, he was reappointed as PM even though the title of Shree 3 was nullified. He was later replaced by Matrika Prasad Koirala in Magshir 1, 2008.
During his time, the Nepal-India Treaty of 1950 (Shrawan 2007 BS) was signed.
he provided permissions for Himalayan mountaineering, Mohan Broadcasting,
establishing 87 primary schools,
Bhaktapur and Lalitpur's declaration as a municipality,
construction of Kathmandu-Hetauda road,
Bringing in experts for recommendations for land reform,
application for United Nations membership (2005 BS), and
relations with some foreign countries.
Scientist Gehendra Shamsher Rana
Nepal's first scientist Gehendra Shamsher Rana was the eldest son of Prime Minister Bir Shamsher.
He established a well-equipped laboratory in Lal Durbar.
With the help of his associates, he created modern technologies like four-barrel guns, bullet containing automatic revolver, Steam-engines, and new types of machine-guns.
He created Dhir-guns in memory of Dhir Shamsher and Bir-guns in memory of Bir Shamsher.
He also invented wind energy powered paddy-threshing machine, and gasoline powered dynamos.
History records that Chandra Shamsher, who was threatened by analytic abilities of Gehendra Shumsher, killed him by poisoning at the age of 36.
Prachanda Gorkha Parva
In 1988 BS, during Bhim Shamsher's time, Mainbahadur, Khadgaman Singh, Umeshbikram Shah, and Ranganath Sharma formed an organization called "Prachanda Gorkha" with the goal of ending Rana rule.
After Lakshman Raj disclosed this matter, they were arrested and all members were sentenced to life imprisonment.
Umeshbikram was exiled and others were imprisoned.
Ranganath Sharma and Khadgaman Singh were released after 20 years in prison following the revolution of 2007 BS.
Great Earthquake (1990 BS)
During Rana Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher's time, on Monday, Magh 2, 1990 BS at 2:02 PM, a terrible earthquake struck Nepal.
About 34 lakh houses were destroyed, 16,875 people died, and 3319 were injured in this earthquake.
To rescue people from this disaster, Juddha Shamsher established rescue organizations and opened relief funds.
He made building materials and other assistance from foreign countries available to the public. He spent 4 lakh rupees from his personal funds.
Stopping Charkha Promotion
In India, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Charkha (spinning wheel) movement to boycott foreign goods and encourage domestic industries.
Influenced by this movement, Tulsi Meher promoted the Charkha movement in Kathmandu during 1987-88 BS in Bhim Shamsher's time and encouraged khadi(cloth) production.
This was aimed at promoting patriotism and raising public awareness.
The Rana government found this unacceptable, declared him traitors, imprisoned them, and completely banned the Charkha movement.
He received the Nehru Award in 1977 AD.
Praja Parishad
With anti-Rana objectives, on Jeth 20, 1993 BS, Tanka Prasad Acharya, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dasharath Chand, Jeevanram Sharma, Ramhari Sharma, etc established the Nepal Praja Parishad in Ombahal, Kathmandu.
This organization was formed to end Rana rule and establish a democratic system. It published anti-Rana leaflets, wrote articles in magazines published from India like 'Janata' and 'advance', etc.
Later in this campaign, when member Ramji Joshi revealed the secret to the Ranas, its members were caught.
On Magh 10, 1997 BS, at night, Shukraraj was hanged in Teku, and "This is what happens to those who oppose the government" was written in his dead body.
On Magh 12, Dharmabhakta was hung in Siphal.
Gangalal and Dasharath were shot in Bishnumati, Bhauchakhusi on Magh 14.
Tanka Prasad, Ramhari Sharma and Purna Prasad were not given death sentence due to their Brahman caste.
Delhi Agreement
When the Nepalese people sacrificed their lives for democracy in Nepal, the Ranas became frightened.
A tripartite agreement was reached in Delhi between King Tribhuvan, representatives of the Nepali Congress, and the Rana government. This is known as the Delhi Agreement.
The terms of this agreement were as follows:
King Tribhuvan to return to Nepal as king and have the right to form a government.
A Constitution Drafting Committee to be formed within 1952 BS and build a constitution.
Form a 14-member cabinet with 7 representatives from the Rana side and 7 from the general public.
Grant amnesty to all political prisoners.
Ukhada Investigation Commission
During Bhim Shamsher's time, landlords in Bhairahawa and Taulihawa in then district of Butwal were oppressing farmers, causing suffering.
Bhim Shamsher established a commission called the Ukhada Investigation Commission under the leadership of Tej Shamsher in 1931 AD to bring reforms in landownerships. This is known as the Khadga Investigation Commission.
However this commission was not successful.
Mahabir School Scandal
Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's establishment of national schools in India to raise public awareness, some enthusiastic youths established Mahabir School in Kathmandu in 1993 BS. Chiniyaman, Fattebahadur, Purna Narayan, Tanka Bilas, and Siddhicharan taught there.
When Juddha Shamsher learned about this, he arrested 28 teachers.
Chiniyaman and Fattebahadur were sentenced to life imprisonment, and Purna Narayan, Chandraman, and Siddhicharan were jailed for 12 years and rest were fined. Chiniyaman died while in prison.
Jayatu Sanskritum
From Ashadh 1, 2004 BS, about 200 students studying at Tindhara Pathshala in Kathmandu started a strike demanding that subjects like geography, history, political science, economics, and English be included in the curriculum.
To punish this anti-Sanskrit movement, the Rana government tried to suppress the strike while the protesters visited houses of average people asking for vikchya chanting "Jayatu Sanskritum".
Leaders of this movement included Shreebhadra Sharma, Rajeshwor Devkota, Kamalraj Regmi, Kashinath Gautam, Balram Sharma, and Gokarnaraj Shastri.
After Padma Shamsher announced he would fulfill the students' demands, the movement stopped, but he did not fulfill his promise and exiled the movement leaders.
The exiled leaders went to India and joined the Nepali National Congress. This movement was primarily focused on raising public awareness against Rana rule.
Samsuddhin Iliyas's Attack on Nepal
On the day of Sukla Navami in Mangsir 1406 BS, Bengali Sultan Samsuddhin attacked Nepal, causing great terror.
This caused huge economical, religious and spiritual damage.
He destroyed Swayambhu Chaitya, Pashupatinath temple, stole wealth and property, and set fire everywhere around the city for 7 days.
Historians have described this event as "neither past nor future'“ due to uncertainty of this attack. At that time, the king was Rajdev, and he remained king even after the attack.
Due to the increasing cold and scarcity of food in Kathmandu, the attackers left Kathmandu after a week.
Jitaari Malla's Attack
Khas Raja Jitauri Malla of Karnali Pradesh (Jumla) first attacked the Nepal Valley during King Ananta Malla's time (1344 BS).
In the first battle in the Swayambhu area, 500 Khas soldiers were killed.
In Falgun 1345 BS, he attacked the valley again, spreading terror in the valley.
Later, it is mentioned in Gopal Vamshavali that he returned after visiting Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and Rato Machhindranath. Khas Raja's capital was in the Sinja area.
Jitauri Malla attacked the valley again in 1346 BS for the third time.
Nepal-Tibet War and Kerung Treaty
Contrary to the trade treaty(वाणिज्य सन्धि) during Pratap Singh Shah's time, Tibet began trading through Sikkim's route, and due to various reasons like Nepal providing shelter to Tibetan rebel, Samarpaa Lama, a terrible war broke out between Nepal and Tibet in 1788.
Damodar Pandey and Bam Shah led the Nepali forces to defeat Sikkim, which resulted in the Treaty of Kerung between the two nations in Jestha, 1846BS(2 June, 1789). This treaty was signed in Kerung.
This treaty included 15 representatives including Kalon Dhoring, Sakiya Lama, Tesu Lama, and representing Nepal were Bam Shah, Harihar Upadhyaya, Narsingh Shah, and Samarpaa Lama.
According to this treaty, Nepal would provide one new coins to tibet instead of two mallakalin sikkas.
Tibet agreed to pay Nepal Rs. 57,600 annually, pure salt, religious devotion to Buddhism, and one lama would come to Nepal each year. The Sikkim trade route would be closed, among other provisions.
Second Nepal-Tibet War and Betrawati Treaty
According to the Kerung Treaty of 1789AD, Tibet failed to pay the previously agreed amount, increased customs on Nepali products, provided contaminated low quality salt, rejected new silver Nepali coins that were stamped, and did not provide trade facilities to Nepal in Tibet, among other reasons that led to another war.
In 1791 August 6, Damodar Pandey, Bam Shah and Devdatta Shah led 4000 Nepali forces to attack Kuti. After the Nepali forces achieved victory in various places in Tibet, the Chinese came to support Tibet and drove the Nepali forces back to the Betrawati river.
Later in 1792AD, on leadership of Nepal's representative Devdatta Thapa and China’s representative General Tung Tawan, an agreement was signed at the Betrawati river.
Third Nepal-Bhot War and Thapathali Treaty
Nepal remained dissatisfied with the Betrawati Treaty, and Tibet also had complaints about the treaty, which led to another war between Nepal and Tibet in 1855AD.
In this war, Tibet was defeated, and on March 24, 1856 (Chaitra 1, 1912 BS), the Thapathali Treaty was signed between Nepal and Tibet.
According to this treaty, Tibet would pay Nepal an annual tribute of Rs. 10,000, remove customs on Nepali goods, return places and ammunitions, allow Nepali officials to remain in Tibet, facilitate trade between Nepal and Tibet, establish a mediator to resolve disputes, allow arrest of fugitives in each other's territories, among other provisions.
However, due to problems in implementation, this treaty was revised into the Rasuwa Treaty in jestha 2 1941.
62 event (Basahatthikaran)
In 1860 BS, the anti-British King Rana Bahadur Shah returned to Kathmandu from Banaras, and the pro-British supporters were removed and to new appointments were made in those positions.
Due to the murder of some nobles and the creation of chaos, a weak national government was established, which created a possibility of British attack on Nepal at any time.
In this situation, Rana Bahadur sought advice from Bhimsen Thapa who adviced him to seize the birta given to Brahmins and guthi from mandirs to strengthen nepal’s military.
In 1862 BS, Rana bahadur had seized lands almost equivalent to 11804 muri soil from guthi.
Kalu Pandey
Prithvinarayan Shah's beloved and trusted army chief Kalu Pandey was brave, courageous, visionary, and a person of serious nature. He was the son of Ganesh Pande, who was a companion of Drabya Shah.
Kalu Pandey played a key role in the victory at Kirtipur Fort with his cleverness and bravery. Kalu Pandey had advised Prithvinarayan Shah not to attack Kirtipur.
Despite being accused of cowardice for dying in battle, Kalu Pandey earned honors for his bravery in the first battle of Kirtipur.
Samrat Ashoka's Visit to Nepal
It is mentioned that during the reign of the fourth Kirat King Sthunko, Emperor Ashoka visited Nepal moved by religious sentiments.
It is mentioned that he brought a Chaturaangini army with him. History records that he gave his daughter Charumati in marriage to a Nepali youth named Devpal and gifted 3600 ropani Khet to the couple.
Emperor Ashoka donated one lakh Asharfi [gold coins] and established a stone pillar.
In India, his empire was vast, which is why he called his governance "Bijita" and neighbouring governance "Anta".
After capturing ‘kaling’, he became the student of a monk named ugupta which converted him to Buddhism.
Koshi and Gandaki Agreement
The Koshi Agreement took place on Baisakh 12, 2011 BS [April 25, 1954 AD].
This agreement was signed on behalf of Nepal by the then Land Reform and Planning Minister Mahabir Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana and on behalf of India by Planning Minister Gulzarilal Nanda.
The duration of the Koshi Agreement is 199 years.
The Gandaki Agreement was completed on Mangsir 19, 2016 BS [December 4, 1959 AD].
In this agreement, Deputy Prime Minister Subarna Shamsher Rana signed on behalf of Nepal and Bhagwan Sahayak signed on behalf of India.
Historical Referendum (2037 BS)
King Birendra announced for a national referendum on the subject of "multi-party system or reformed Panchayat" on Jestha 10, 2036 BS [April 13, 1980 AD] because the negotiation of the student movement of 2036 couldnot come to an agreement and was about to take the form of a protest.
This announcement was welcomed by the Nepali Congress and Left-leaning parties including Man Mohan Adhikari, while communist parties including the CPN (Maale) boycotted it.
After the referendum announcement, Prime Minister Kirti Nidhi Bista resigned.
A 15-member National Election Commission was formed under the chairmanship of Former Chief Justice Bhagwati Prasad Singh, and a cabinet was formed under the prime ministership of Surya B. Thapa.
The referendum was held on Baisakh 20, 2037 [May 2, 1980], with the following results:
Total Voters - 71,92,451
Valid Votes - 44,41,417 (92.27 percent)
Votes for Panchayat - 24,33,542 (54.79 percent)
Districts won by Panchayat - 55 districts
Total Votes - 46,13,486 (66.92 percent)
Invalid Votes - 3,72,069 (7.73 percent)
Votes for Multi-party - 20,07,965 (45.21 percent)
Districts won by Multi-party - 20 districts
In this referendum, 19 polling centers were set up abroad and 10,006 in the country for a total of 10,025 polling centers.
Despite the widespread misuse of government resources from panchayat side, B.P. Koirala accepted the results of this election as "people's decision," while leftists claimed the process as fraudulent.