13-10-2024
06:30 PM
Prelims: History of India and Indian National Movement.
Mains: Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
The Anglo-Nepal War (1814-1816), also known as the Gorkha War was a significant military conflict between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Nepal. This war marked the first major military engagement between the British and the Gurkhas, showcasing the rising power of British colonial ambitions in India and the formidable resistance posed by Nepalese forces.
The war concluded with a decisive victory for the British, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816, which resulted in the cession of various territories previously under Nepalese control to the EIC.
The Kingdom of Nepal, established in the 18th century under King Prithvi Narayan Shah, expanded rapidly through conquests. By the early 19th century, it had emerged as a formidable regional power. The British East India Company, seeking to consolidate its influence in India, viewed Nepal's expansion as a threat to their interests in the region. Initial tensions arose from border disputes and competing ambitions.
In the years leading up to the Anglo-Nepal War, both the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Nepal were engaged in territorial expansions. The British consolidated their influence in India from key bases such as Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay. Meanwhile, Nepal was extending its reach into Sikkim to the east, the Kumaon and the Garhwal to the west, and Awadh to the south.
These intertwined territorial, economic, and security issues ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the war.
The Gurkha army, under the command of Amar Singh Thapa, numbered between 5,000 and 8,000 men. Despite their smaller size, they had the advantage of fighting on familiar terrain, giving them a strategic edge. The rugged terrain hampered the EIC’s logistics, including difficulties in transporting artillery and supplying troops. The Gurkhas' forts, often on hilltops, were highly defensible, causing problems for EIC assaults.
The Anglo-Nepalese War concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816, heavily favouring the British East India Company. The treaty resulted in significant territorial losses for Nepal and a shift in its political relations with the British.
Following the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, Nepal was forced to relinquish several territories, including Kumaon and Garhwal. Despite these losses, Nepal did not have to pay an annual subsidy to the British East India Company, a privilege not extended to many Indian princely states. This treaty, unlike many others of the time, remained effective for long. As a result, there were no further conflicts between Nepal and the EIC.
Q1. Who won the Anglo-Nepalese War?
Ans. The British East India Company won the Anglo-Nepalese War, resulting in the signing of the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816
Q2. Who was the Governor-General during the Anglo-Nepal War?
Ans. The Governor-General of India during the Anglo-Nepalese War was Lord Hastings.
Q3. Which was the first Anglo-Nepal War Treaty?
Ans. The first and only treaty signed after the Anglo-Nepalese War was the Treaty of Sugauli, signed in 1816.
Q4. Who was the first king of Nepal?
Ans. The first recorded king of Nepal is King Prithvi Narayan Shah
Q5. What are the main causes of the Anglo-Nepal War?
Ans. The main causes of the Anglo-Nepalese War include territorial disputes over the borderlands between Nepal and British India.
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