Unification of Nepal - Part 3 | The Sugauli Treaty - Explained

How Did Greater Nepal Become Smaller?

The Unification Campaign

• Prithivi Narayan Shah initiated the campaign to unify Nepal from Gorkha, which was continued by his descendants after his death.

• At its peak, Nepal's territory extended from the Tista River in the east to Kangra in the west.

The Sugauli Treaty and Territorial Loss

• The loss of territory leading to current borders (Mechi in the east to Mahakali in the west) is attributed to the Sugauli Treaty.

• Questions arise about who signed this treaty and whether a return to Greater Nepal is feasible.

Bhimsen Thapa's Leadership

• After becoming Mukhityar (Prime Minister), Bhimsen Thapa consolidated power, expanding borders significantly during his tenure.

• His ambitions included capturing southern regions like Awadh and Bengal, reaching a territorial peak before facing challenges.

British Colonial Expansion

• Concurrently, the East India Company was colonizing northern India under Lord Minto, aiming for trade routes through Nepal.

• Key trade routes from India to Tibet were controlled by Nepal, making it an obstacle for British expansion plans.

Conflict with British Authorities

• With Lord Hastings as Governor-General of India, he sought permission for trade through Nepal but faced rejection from Bhimsen Thapa.

• Hastings' anger led him to plan punitive measures against Nepal after being insulted by Thapa’s refusal.

Escalation of Tensions

• Hastings sought small states within Nepal for border disputes; he pressured Nepal regarding troop withdrawals near Gorakhpur.

• The East India Company demanded that Nepal vacate 24 disputed areas, escalating tensions further.

Declaration of War

• Bhimsen Thapa declared war against British aggression despite advice for peaceful resolution due to unorganized western territories.

• A failed negotiation meeting with General Bradshaw resulted in increased anger towards Britain and a firm decision for war.

Military Preparations

The Conflict Between Nepal and the British East India Company

Initial Military Engagements

• On Baisakh 9, 1871 BS, Lord Hastings dispatched troops from Gorakhpur to seize Butwal and Sivraj after receiving no response from Nepal.

• The British capture of Butwal prompted Bhimsen Thapa to send three battalions for a surprise counterattack, successfully pushing back British forces and reclaiming the area.

• Chautariya Bam Shah discovered Dr. Rutherford's arms manufacturing in Kumaon, leading to heightened tensions as military activities increased near Sirmaur and Gorakhpur.

Bhimsen Thapa's Response

• Infuriated by British provocations, Bhimsen Thapa sought support from allies—China, Punjab, and the Marathas—but received no assistance due to their own issues.

• With no allies available, Thapa prepared for war alone by mobilizing key commanders across five crucial regions: Malaun, Jaithak, Kumaon, Butwal, and Eastern Nepal.

British Military Strategy

• The East India Company organized a significant force of 24,000 active soldiers with plans to attack along a southern border stretching nearly 1,500 kilometers.

• Major General Gillespie led one division while splitting it into two parts; initial successes included capturing villages near the Yamuna River.

The Battle of Nalapani

• Captain Balbhadra Kunwar rejected surrender offers from the British and prepared his troops for battle at Nalapani with only 600 soldiers.

• As the British advanced on Kartik 9 with superior numbers and weaponry, Kunwar launched a counterattack that inflicted heavy losses on them.

Escalation of Conflict

• Major General Gillespie called for reinforcements after suffering severe losses; he divided his forces into four groups surrounding Nalapani.

• Despite overconfidence leading to an assault order on Kartik 17, Nepali forces repelled attacks resulting in significant casualties among British troops.

Turning Point in the Siege

• Following Gillespie's death during an assault on Nalapani alongside other officers, Colonel Mawby took command but recognized that direct confrontation was ineffective against well-organized Nepali forces.

• Mawby initiated a blockade strategy by cutting off supplies to weaken Nepali defenses before launching another attack after nearly a month of siege.

Final Stages of the Siege

The Last Stand of Captain Balbhadra Kunwar

The Decision to Leave the Fort

• Despite dire circumstances, Captain Balbhadra Kunwar was prepared to continue fighting until his soldiers convinced him that retreat was necessary for survival.

• On Mangsir 17, he and his remaining troops left the fort, armed with khukuris, and sought water nearby.

Misunderstandings in Battle

• British soldiers misinterpreted the Nepali retreat as a surrender; however, Kunwar declared they were leaving voluntarily.

• Following their departure, British forces captured Nalapani and advanced towards Jaithak fort under Major General Martindale's command.

Strategic Movements Towards Jaithak Fort

• Major General Martindale divided his troops into two groups: one led by Major Richard towards Peacock Hill and another by Major Ludlow towards Jumta Hill.

• Upon reaching the first Nepali post near Jaithak at 3 AM on Poush 13, Ludlow’s forces faced immediate resistance from retreating Nepali soldiers.

The Surprise Attack at the Stockade

• After climbing to Junta Hill, Ludlow's forces encountered further retreating Nepali soldiers but decided to attack a nearby stockade impulsively.

• Jaspao Thapa ambushed Ludlow’s troops as they entered the stockade, leading to a swift counterattack that forced them back.

Consequences of Poor Coordination

• Major Richard arrived later than planned and launched an independent attack on Jaithak fort without support from Ludlow’s group.

• By 4 PM, British ammunition ran low; despite requesting reinforcements, they received no help due to logistical issues in hilly terrain.

Retreat After Heavy Losses

• With over 300 British casualties and fearing further defeat like Gillespie's at Nalapani, Richard ordered a retreat back to Nahan.

General Wood's Plans for Revenge

New Strategies Post-Jaithak Defeat

• Following their loss at Jaithak, General Wood devised two plans with Kanak Nidhi Tiwari aimed at capturing Butwal.

Plan A vs. Plan B

• Plan A involved capturing Nuwakot but was deemed difficult due to poor routes; thus Plan B focused on taking Jitgadhi first before moving on Nuwakot.

March Towards Butwal

• On Poush 22, Wood led a division of 5,000 through dense jungle toward Butwal but lost direction amidst confusion caused by thick foliage.

Engagement at Jitgadhi Fort

• Despite setbacks from losing contact with Tiwari’s guidance, Wood reached Jitgadhi where Nepali forces mounted fierce resistance using arrows and cannons.

Heavy Casualties for British Forces

• Colonel Ujir Singh Thapa reinforced Nepali defenses resulting in significant British losses—over 100 dead and more than 500 wounded—prompting another retreat.

Final Confrontation Near Khasauli Bazaar

Adjusted Tactics After Initial Failures

• Learning from previous encounters with Nepalis' resilience led General Wood to devise new strategies avoiding direct confrontation with fortified positions like Jitgadhi.

The Battle Across the River

• On Chaitra 26, both sides engaged fiercely across a river using artillery; however, after damaging local structures like Butwal Durbar (palace), silence fell unexpectedly from the Nepalis’ side.

Unexpected Counterattack Leads to Retreat

Battle Strategies and Outcomes in the Nepal-British Conflict

Major General Ochterlony's Strategy

• Major General Wood's defeat at Butwal forced a strategic shift, placing responsibility on Major General Ochterlony, who was known for his cunning tactics.

• Ochterlony devised a plan to encircle Kaji Amar Singh Thapa by capturing Deothal and Kumaon, leading Colonel Thomson with 3,500 soldiers to execute this strategy.

The Battle of Deothal

• Sardar Bhakti Thapa led 400 Nepali soldiers against British forces; he expressed his farewell to Badakaji Amar Singh Thapa before the battle, anticipating his death.

• Despite their bravery, the Nepali forces were outnumbered and lost control of Deothal fort after fierce fighting.

Advances in Eastern Kumaon

• Following the loss at Deothal, British Captain Hearsey advanced into Kumaon with 4,500 troops while Kaji Bam Shah could only muster 1,500 soldiers for defense.

• Kaji Bam Shah requested reinforcements from Kathmandu but faced dire circumstances as British Colonel Nichols surrounded Almora fort.

The Fall of Almora Fort

• After heavy fighting and losing contact with Kathmandu, Kaji Bam Shah was forced to surrender when Almora fell to British forces on Baisakh 16.

• In response to Ochterlony's letter suggesting defection to the British side, Amar Singh Thapa famously declared his loyalty with a powerful metaphor about being a "cub of a tiger."

Negotiations and Treaty Signing

• As conditions worsened due to food shortages and continuous battles, Amar Singh Thapa had no choice but to negotiate with Ochterlony.

• On Jeth 4, they signed the Malaun Treaty before moving towards Sindhuli amidst ongoing military pressures from the British.

Final Stages of Conflict

• With further losses in Makwanpur under Colonel Kelly and Colonel O'Halloran’s command following intelligence gathering through bribery.

• Ultimately on Falgun 24, representatives from Nepal signed the unilateral Sugauli Treaty ceding significant territory to the East India Company.

Conclusion: Impact of War on Nepal

Tribute to Balbhadra Kunwar and the Concept of Greater Nepal

Historical Context and Tribute

• The tribute is dedicated to Sardar Bhakti Thapa and Captain Balbhadra Kunwar, recognizing their bravery in battle.

• The inscription honors Balbhadra as the commander of the fort, highlighting his leadership among the Gorkhas.

• This acknowledgment reflects a deep respect for adversaries in historical conflicts, emphasizing valor over enmity.

Ongoing Debate on Greater Nepal

• The concept of Greater Nepal remains a relevant topic today, sparking discussions about its potential restoration.

• Emotional ties to the idea of Greater Nepal indicate its significance in national identity and pride.