The historical relationship between Britain and Nepal is a tale of diplomacy, conflict, and cultural exchange. Nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas, Nepal’s strategic location and unique cultural identity have long captivated the attention of foreign powers, including the British Empire. From the early encounters between British explorers and the fiercely independent Gurkha warriors to the formal diplomatic engagements and military campaigns, the story of Anglo-Nepalese relations is rich with intrigue and complexity. Spanning centuries, this relationship has left an indelible mark on the political landscape of the region and shaped the identities of both nations.
Background
- From the 1700s, the East India Company (EIC) continued to expand its influence through both diplomacy and military conquests.
- During the three Anglo-Mysore Wars between 1767 and 1799, Mysore faced defeats. These wars were closely connected to the three Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1819) fought against the Maratha Confederacy, a group of Hindu kingdoms in central and northern India.
- Having gained control over a significant part of India, the EIC, under its new governor-general, the Marquess of Hastings, sought new economic opportunities in the far north.
- In April 1814, the EIC declared war on Nepal, initiating the Anglo-Nepalese War.
- Nepal, a Himalayan kingdom with its capital in Kathmandu, was known for its fierce Gurkha warriors. The kingdom had longstanding disputes with its neighbors.
- In 1762, the Nawab of Bengal attempted to stop the Gurkha expansion but was defeated at the Battle of Makwanpur.
- The Shah era of Nepal began when King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha invaded the Kathmandu Valley. By 1768, Kathmandu had united the region’s hill lords under its rule, and the Gurkhas had completed the conquest of the Nepal Valley.
Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-16)
- The Nepalese were very keen on expanding into the southern border area, which was controlled by the state of Awadh, a protectorate of the East India Company (EIC) since 1801.
- In 1814, the Gurkhas consistently raided their southern neighbor’s territory. A small EIC force sent to strengthen the area was defeated in April.
- Despite sending four separate armies into Nepal, three of them were repeatedly defeated in tough battles. The Gurkha army, though small, fought fiercely on their home turf.
- One significant defeat for the EIC was at the Battle of Jitgurh in 1814. The difficult terrain made it hard for the EIC to transport artillery and support their armies.
- The Gurkhas were known for their fierce fighting skills. They used the kukri knife, a curved blade used for slashing through dense vegetation and infamously mutilating enemies.
- The British logistics were severely challenged in the remote region, so bigger and better-led armies were sent in 1815. Sir Ochterlony reversed the trend of losses, capturing forts and territories.
- Despite attempts at negotiation, the Nepalese refused to give up territory or independence and continued fighting.
- In 1816, Ochterlony achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of Makwanpur. More battles followed, with the British using superior resources to maintain pressure on the Nepalese.
- The Treaty of Sugauli in 1816 saw Nepal cede territories like Kumaun and Garhwal to the EIC, accept a British resident at their court, withdraw from Sikkim, and give up a significant portion of their land.
- Although Nepal became a British protectorate, they were not required to pay an annual subsidy to the EIC like other princely states in India. This treaty ended further wars between Nepal and the EIC.
Consequences
- As per the terms of the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, Nepalese kings had to accept a permanent British representative at their court, leave Sikkim, and give a significant part of their land to the East India Company (EIC), including the kingdoms of Kumaun and Garhwal. This essentially made Nepal a British protectorate, although they didn’t have to pay an annual fee to the EIC like other princely states in India. This treaty ensured peace between Nepal and the EIC, unlike many other agreements that often failed.
- After dealing with Nepal, the EIC turned its attention to the northeast, engaging in the three Anglo-Burmese Wars (1824–85), and then to the northwest, fighting in the two Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845-49). Meanwhile, the EIC highly valued the Gurkhas as allies.
- Military historian R. Beaumont described the Gurkhas as the most famous mercenaries in Asia. By 1914, Gurkhas made up one-sixth of the Indian Army. Their reputation for loyalty led them to be the first non-British soldiers to guard Buckingham Palace, the residence of the British royal family in London. Even today, Gurkhas serve in the armies of Nepal, Britain, India, and Malaysia.
The story of Anglo-Nepalese relations is a testament to the complexities of international diplomacy and the enduring resilience of nations in the face of adversity. From the early encounters marked by mutual curiosity and respect to the conflicts and negotiations that shaped the geopolitical landscape of the region, the relationship between Britain and Nepal has evolved over centuries, leaving behind a rich tapestry of experiences and legacies.
Also read about Anglo Burmese Relation.