Battle of Makwanpur (1763) explained

Conflict:Battle of Makwanpur
Strength2:3,500 troops
Strength1:unknown
Combatant2: Nawab of Bengal
Combatant1:Gorkha Kingdom
Commander1:Prithvi Narayan Shah
Commander2:Mir Qasim
Gurgin Khan
Result:Gorkhali victory
Place:Makwanpurgadhi, Gorkha Kingdom
(today part of Makwanpurgadhi, Bagmati Province, Nepal)
Date:20 January 1763

Battle of Makwanpur was fought on 20 January 1763 in Makwanpurgadhi, Gorkha Kingdom between the Gorkhas and the Nawab of Bengal.[1] The Muslims fled Makwanpur, resulted in Gorkhali victory, and the first victory of Gorkhas against overseas soldiers.[2]

Background

Prithvinarayana, the ruler of Gorkha, aimed to economically isolate the Kathmandu Valley. By 1762, he controlled both the eastern and western trade routes to Lhasa from the valley. Additionally, he conquered strategic locations such as Makwanpur, Timalkot, Sindhuli, and Hariharpur on the Mahabharat range southwest of the valley, effectively blocking the southern routes to India. This blockade imposed economic restrictions on the valley, aligning with Prithvinarayana's objectives.[3] [4]

Clash

Prithvinarayana's actions led to clashes with external forces. Firstly, Ali Mir Kasim, the Nawab of Bengal, was incited by Digbandhan Sena, the displaced ruler of Makwanpur and Prithvinarayana's first wife's brother, to attack the Gorkha stronghold in Makwanpur. In response, Prithvinarayana engaged Mir Kasim's general, Gurgin Khan, at Makwanpur, where he decisively defeated the advancing troops and forced them to retreat.[5]

This event underscored Prithvinarayana's military prowess and determination to maintain control over strategic territories, thereby securing his position and objectives in the region.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Basnyat. Prem Singh. 31 July 2020. The battle of Makawanpur. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210128125318/https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/the-battle-of-makawanpur/. 28 January 2021. 28 January 2021. My Republica. en.
  2. Book: Singh, R. S. N.. The Unmaking of Nepal. 2010. Lancer Publishers. 978-1-935501-28-2. 114. en.
  3. Book: Grover, Verinder . Nepal: Government and Politics . 2000 . Deep & Deep Publications . 978-81-7100-937-4 . 17 . en.
  4. Book: Stiller, Ludwig F. . Nepal: Growth of a Nation . 1993 . Human Resources Development Research Center . 20 . en.
  5. Book: Pandey, Ram Niwas . Nepal, Through the Ages: Approach to Ancient History, Art, Architecture, Culture & Society . 2008 . Adroit Publishers . 978-81-87392-79-8 . 116 . en.