SOC204 Nepalese History and Politics

Nepalese History and PoliticsTU Board 2025

Analyze the following case carefully and answer the questions that follow: Prithvi Narayan Shah was born as the son of Narabhupal Shah on 7 January 1723. He was raised by Chandra Prabhavoti the…

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Analyze the following case carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Prithvi Narayan Shah was born as the son of Narabhupal Shah on 7 January 1723. He was raised by Chandra Prabhavoti the first wife of king Narabhupal Shah although he was born to Kaushalyawati.

He was the first King of unified Nepal and is often regarded as the founder of modern Nepal. Ascending to the throne of Gorkha in 1743, he embarked on a mission to unify the fragmented kingdoms of the region. Prithvi Narayan Shah understood several key strategies in his military campaigns to unify Nepal. Firstly, he built a strong and loyal army, consisting mainly of his Gorkhali soldiers, who were known for their bravery and discipline. He utilized guerilla warfare tactics to surprise and outmaneuver his enemies. Secondly, Prithvi Narayan Shah formed alliances with neighboring kingdoms to strengthen his position and isolate his adversaries. His strategic military campaigns led to the conquest of the Kathmandu Valley and the consolidation of various principalities into a single nation by 1769. Prithvi Narayan Shah's vision extended beyond military conquests; he implemented administrative reforms too.

He established trade routes with Tibet and India, ensuring a steady flow of goods and resources into Nepal. This not only boosted the economy but also facilitated cultural exchanges and strengthened diplomatic ties with neighboring regions. By encouraging local production and commerce, he aimed to make Nepal self-sufficient and resilient against external threats. His economic policies laid the groundwork for a centralized and stable unified Nepal, contributing significantly to the nation's long-term development and stability. His policies laid the foundation for a centralized and cohesive Nepal, which maintained its sovereignty despite external threats. Prithvi Narayan Shah's legacy is celebrated for his role in shaping Nepal's national identity and territorial integrity.

Questions: a. What were the key strategies employed by Prithvi Narayan Shah in his military campaigns to unify Nepal? b. How did Prithvi Narayan Shah's administrative reforms contribute to the stability and cohesion of the newly unified Nepal? c. What role did trade and economic policies play in Prithvi Narayan Shah's vision for a strong and independent Nepal? d. How did Prithvi Narayan Shah's leadership play vital roles to ensure Nepal's sovereignty amidst external threats during his reign?

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