Critical Analysis on the Strategy and Outcome of the Anglo-Nepal War 1

Critical Analysis on the Strategy and Outcome of the Anglo-Nepal War1 -Prem Singh Basnyat, PhD

Background By this time Nepal unified its territories from Teesta to Kangara : east to west and the extended territories of Nepal covered on the frontier of Purnea in the east, on those of the frontiers of Gorakhpur and Saran to the South of Central Nepal and on the frontiers of Bareily in the west. It was common to emerge out some disputes on the adjoining borders of the two forces. The dispute arose since 1806 between Nepal and British India and reached on the height by 1814. The border dispute to the context of Gorakhpur and saran took the serious turn after the Butwal and Syuraj (Shiva Raj of present Kapilvastu) scuffle The Gorkhalis were compelled to capture 22 villages in the Saran district. The Nepalese Government was ready and prepared to hand over the 22 districts as to be settled by the Commission. However, the Company mainly on the supervision and dominance of the Marquess of Hasting was determined to extend the British Government's sovereignty over the lands in India controlled by the East India Company. This mandate was conferred on the renewed Charter of the Company. Thus, the Company's Government was the first to use force to invade and capture Butwal and Syuraj. As the Nepalese troops recaptured these two villages on 29th May, the British planned overtly and covertly to invade Nepal from the west, south and east porous lands. The Government of Nepal could not reassess the mammoth military power of the invader and even ignored the strategic military advise of Bam Shah, Governor of Kumaun, Hasti Dal Shah, Governor of Doti and Bada Kaji Amar Singh Thapa, Governor of the entire far west, Garwal. In the early 17th century, the English East India Company entered into South India and started trade by opening its trade centres in Surat and Bombay (now Mumbai) in the west and Madras (now Chennai) in the east. By the end of the 17th century, they were able to establish their trade centre even in the city of Calcutta (currently Kolkata). As the East India Company faced various obstructions from the native

1 The presentation has been extracted from the book " Anglo-Nepal War-A military Review", authored by Prem Singh Basnyat, PhD. This paper is the detail version of the Power Point Presentation and the research methodology has not given, presently.

1 rulers, the former decided to establish its own military organisations in order to protect its trade interest. They entrusted Robert Clibe with the responsibility establishing the troops. The successful test of the new military power was conducted in the war of Palasi in 1757 when they defeated the Nawab of Bengal and founded their imperialism in India. As part of their imperialist drive, they were capable of maintaining their dominance in Bengal, Bihar, Abadh and Delhi of North India, and Maisur, Karnatak, Hyderabad and Madras of South as well as Sri Lanka by the end of the 18th century. Almost during the same period, the unification campaign launched by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the Great, of Nepal was taking a concrete shape, his successors also continued to the campaigns and a great Kingdom of Nepal was established from the Teesta River in the east to the Kangara State in the west through integrating the hilly territories. During that period, there was a very long border from the east to the west between Nepal and the East India Company in the south. Consequently, there were border disputes at different places. Because of such disputes, the East India Company decided to fight against Nepal in 1814. And in line with that, it formally declared the war against Nepal on November 1, 1814. The war ended in two phases, i.e., the English was badly defeated in Butwal, Parsa and Jaithak areas, and became victorious in Kumaon and Garhwal areas in the first phase. In the second phase, Nepal lost war in Hariharpur Gadhi and Makawanpur and Nepal was compelled to sign the Sugauli Treaty. The war that took place between Nepal and the East India Company from 1814-16 carries a great value in the military history of Nepal. The war is called the Anglo-Nepal War.

Preparations for the War

The English Side Military confrontations between Nepal and the British India had started since 1767 when the East India Company Government tried to dispatch troops under the leadership of Captain Kinloch in support of Kantipur's King Jaya Prakash Malla in order to save his Kingdom from the possible Gorkha invasion. During that period, Gorkha troops were planning to attack against the Malla Kingdoms in the Kathmandu Valley. Subsequently, the British India attempted to impose many conditions and provisions on Nepal through diplomatic channel, too.

2 With the British India failing in all its bids, its diplomatic relations with Nepal turned bitter from 1767 to 1814. But following 48 years, a great political clash took place and it was converted into a military war. It is called the 'Nepal-Company War' or Anglo-Nepal War.' That was like a difficult military test for Nepal as the country had to lose almost half of its territories in the war. In any battle, a defeat or victory is universal truth. War techniques, strategies and military fighting skills are the measuring rods for any country. The Nepalese Army tried its best to fight defensive-offensive battles against the British India, a more powerful rival. The English might have wanted to make Nepal their colony, but the country never became the colony in the world’s history. Putting life at stake, the Nepalese Army fought the war by defending itself even in the most adverse situation. Some aspects of the English strategy were as follows:

Objectives

(a) Their main objective was to capture the then states in the Indian sub- continent. It was becoming difficult for the British India and it took a long time for its strategy 'divide and rule' to work. Nepal had captured the territory up to Kangada during its unification war. But that was intolerable for the English. It also hampered their political interest. So, they were ready to push Nepal back or if not possible, contain the unification campaign. (b) They had thought that they would be able to seize Kathmandu if they could contain the Nepalese Army by carrying out military operations against it. (c) They aimed to bring the entire Himanchal State, Garhwal, Kumaon and Tibet under control. (d) They wanted to open trade access to Tibet from Kumaon, Kashmir, Sikkim and Bhutan. (e) At any cost, they aimed at capturing the territories that were under Nepal’s control. For that, they wanted to win the hearts and minds of the locals, incite them against Nepal and make them loyal to the British India and capture all the territories. (f) The Company Government wanted to spread the message that it was developing friendship with Sikhs and Marathis, and it had no any geographical

3 interest in Nepal. It also aimed to assure China that the war against Nepal was temporary.

Patterns of Operation

To achieve the goal, the English designed a comprehensive military plan. They wanted to make their belligerent presence in Nepal and launch a multiple attacks simultaneously. The English officials wished that the Nepalese Army could get dispersed in several places and carry out decisive attacks. Their overall patterns of operation, main objectives and military commanders were as mentioned below: 1) Major General Bennet Marley: There was the first division under his command. He was entrusted with the responsibility of capturing the Makawanpur area and advancing towards Kathmandu for the same purpose. 2) Major General John Sullivan Wood: He led the second division. He aimed at seizing Palpa and opening the line of communications to Kathmandu. 3) Major General Rollow Gillespie: He was the commander of the third division. His responsibility was to capture Saranpur through Dehra Doon and advance towards Srinagar. 4) Col. David Ochterlony: He was assigned to command the fourth division. He had to capture the territories from Bilaspur to Ramgadh, and Arki and Malaun and link up with Gillespie’s troops in Jaithak. 5) Lt. Col. William Gardener: He was entrusted to capture the Kumaon area and stop the reinforcement and logistics sent from Kathmandu to Garhwal. 6) Capt. B. Latter: He was assigned to set up a strong firm base and attack against the areas between Morang and Sikkim. He also had to provide flank protection to Major General Marley’s troops from the east.

The English Strength

4 They possessed 200 times more excellent troops and 1,000 times more weapons and equipment than that of Nepal. The initial strength of the English Army advanced to attack against Nepal was as follows: 1. Infantry: 4061 European, 31,0008 Indian-31 4069 2. Cavarly—664 3. Dromedory—200 4. Artilleries: 3628 5. Pioneers—843 6. Private followers—115,000 7. Artillery pieces—106 (guns and canons) 8. Fiend guns—47 9. Howitzers—20 10. Siege Guns—14 11. Mortars—23

The Nepalese Side Actually, Nepal was in dilemma whether to go for the Anglo-Nepal War or not. There was no favourable situation for Nepal to opt for the war because the Nepal- China-Tibet war had concluded recently. In the war, Nepal incurred a huge economic loss and had to lose Tibet as well. Owing to the same war, the country had to stop the unification campaign in the west. The task of regrouping the deployed troops together with logistic management for the war was not carried out. There was a shortage of logistics and trained military troops. On top of that, there was no unanimity in opinions among the courtiers of the Government of Nepal. Experienced military leaders like Bada Kaji Amar Singh, Chautara Bam Shah, Sardar Bhakti Thapa had suggested that Nepal should not opt for war against the English without managing the required military logistics. But Bhimsen Thapa and his younger brothers were in favour of launching a war immediately. Finally, they decided to take part in the war by any means. In other words, the war against the British India was just a hasty defensive battle. Nepal had company-level military

5 organization with few regiments. In fact, there were 66 independent companies to go for the war on as and when basis. The country had to make preparations for the war from the Teesta River in the east to the Alakananda River in the west. With a view to dispersing Nepalese troops, the English troops would be fighting battles from six entry points. They were as mentioned below:

The Design of Battle (a) With a brigade strength, the English had planned to attack against the areas from Darjeeling to Bijaypur (Dharan) under the command of Captain B. Latter. For defensive purpose, Kaji Bakhtabar Singh Thapa of the Nepalese Army was deployed in the Bijaypur area. (b) Under the leadership of Major General Bennet Marley, a division of English troops, was deployed for the invasion in the territory between the Koshi River and the Rapti river in Chitwan. For the defensive and offensive operations, the Nepalese troops were deployed under the leadership of Colonel (later General) Ranabir Singh Thapa. His headquarters was based in the Makawanpur Palace. (c) A division of English troops, under the command of Major General John Sullivan Wood, was deployed in the area between the Narayani River and Dang. A group of Nepalese troops led by Colonel Ujir Singh Thapa was deployed for the defensive and offensive purposes. (d) As per the revised plan, two brigades of troops under the command of Colonel Nicolls were advancing to capture the Kumaon State. For the defensive-offensive battles, the Nepalese troops were deployed in Almora under Chautara Bam Shah, his military commander was his younger brother Hasti Dal Shah. (e) Captain Balabhadra Kunwar was assigned to destroy the enemy’s division led by Major General Gillespie in the Sahanpur-Dehra Doon area. (f) Sardar Bhakti Thapa and Kaji Ranajor Thapa were deployed in Suraj Gadh and Jaithak areas in order to destroy Colonel Ochterlony’s division. Bada Kaji Amar Singh Thapa was the overall commander in the area of Dehra Doon, Jaithak, Suraj Gadh and Malaun. His tactical headquarters was at the Malaun fort.

6 Effects of War

Positive Aspects

(a) As the Nepalese Army fought against stronger troops equipped with modern weapons, professional training for the Nepalese Army began after the signing of the Sugauli Treaty. Chhaunis (Barracks) were set up for stationing the army troops. The Army Headquarters in Chhauni, the Balaju Manufacturing Arsenal and Swayambhu Barud Khana (gunpowder factory), among others, were established. After bringing in army officers from France, modern trainings were conducted for the Nepalese Army. Military facilities were also increased. To enhance the professional quality of the Nepalese Army, its strength was downsized and the military organization was made more efficient. (b) Because of contacts of the Nepalese Army with the English and the English troops from Indian origin, the former's level of social awareness about education, civilization, medical system, eating habits and lifestyle was raised. (c) The tussle between the elderly Kaji group and new general group in the army came to an end. Most of the old Kaji group members got retirement. Now there has been domination of the General-Colonel group in the Nepalese Army. Despite all that, there was unity in efforts. (d) Defeat and victory in the war is a universal truth. Although the Nepalese were defeated in the war, their fighting skills, fearlessness and bravery were conveyed even to other European countries through the English. Since then, the Nepalese have been known as the bravest of the brave. (e) The military facilities of the East India Company were better than that of Nepal. Similarly, the social civilization of the western world would also be reflected there. They were educated people in the military service and there was no any caste-based discrimination among them. The Nepalese 'Lahures' joined the British Army and got training from them and finally they were able to bring about changes in Nepalese economic, social, political and education sectors. Excellent civilizations like discipline, honesty, education, sanitation and respect for others can be found wherever there are dense settlements of the 'Lahures' in Nepal.This is also a positive aspect emerged after the Anglo-Nepal War.

7 (f) Nepal accepted the Sugauli Treaty rather than accepting the English colonization. Nepal remained only independent nation in South Asia and second in Asian continent after Japan.

Weaknesses of the War

(a) Nepal, which possessed an extensive territory between the Teesta River in the east and the Kangara state in the west, had to lose about half of the total territories due to the war. That has become a matter of pain for the Nepalese. The unified greater Nepal was possible because of the leadership of and inspirations from King Drabya Shah, King Ram Shah, Prithvi Narayan Shah, Queen Rajendra Laxmi, Prince Bahadur Shah, Mukhtiyar (regent) Bhim Sen Thapa and Prime Minister Junga Bahadur Rana. But it was collapsed like a building of cards. (b) In the Nepal-Tibet-China War, Nepal regarded China as its big master and the war came to an end. Even after the war, the Chinese Emperor was found using humiliating words and statements to the name of the King of Nepal. Even in the official documents, the Chinese Emperor is found instructing Nepalese King, "Do what I tell you to do."206 Nepal was almost a puppet of the English empire up to 1947. (c) Before the Anglo-Nepal War, Nepalese border was linked with the Bay of Bengal and the country had access to sea. But following the war, Nepalese border was limited to the Mechi River in the east, becoming a landlocked nation, and the country has got deprived of the access to the sea facility. In the map of Nepal given below, the black-coloured areas in the east and southwest were lost by Nepal in the Anglo-Nepal War. Of the areas, the eastern part would touch upon the Ganges River and the Bay of Bengal. If Nepal had not lost that area, the country would not have become landlocked. (d) Causing a loss to lives and properties is a feature of a war. In the war, Nepal lost hundreds of brave men and women, including Bhakti Thapa and Hasti Dal Shah. Hundreds of brave women had also fought in the wars of Nalapani, Jaithak and Malaun forts. Besides, Nepal had to spend a great deal of financial resources in the wars. (e) A lot of Nepalese troops were dissatisfied after the Sugauli Treaty. Many Nepalese ex-armies, including the commander of the Nalapani battle, left Nepal for

8 foreign army employment. Balabhadra Kunwar was recruited in the Punjab Army. Meanwhile, Bada Kaji Amar Singh Thapa got voluntary retirement from the army and went to Bhotang, Sindhupalchowk to spend peaceful life. Later on, Thapa passed away while meditating at Gosainkunda, Rasuwa. So, youths started after this war. (f) The Nepalese started joining the British Indian Army for the sake of 'economic gains'. It is not good for the national prestige. During the World War I and II, Rana rulers would look for the Nepalese youths in order to get them recruited in the British Army. That practice was forcibly imposed on the Nepalese following the defeat in the war. Even until now, the Nepalese have been working with the Indian and British armies in the name of the Indian Gorkha and British Gurkha. (g) The British India started trade with Tibet directly after capturing Kumaon and Sikkim. That resulted in a huge economic loss to Nepal. (h) From 1743-1809, Nepal was into the unification campaigns, and the country was engaged with the Nepal-Tibet and Nepal- Tibet-China wars, too. Later on, the country had to get involved in the war against the English. Following the Sugauli Treaty, Nepal did not get engaged in any military action. It was a kind of leisure period for the country. The country was divided into different political factions and sub-factions because of the courtiers' ambitions to capture the state power. Majority of the kings were juvenile and the state power was vested in the hands of queens. As the saying goes: empty vessels sound much, Nepalese politics was too much polluted because of tussles among the courtiers. Consequently, prime ministers were murdered; various infamous scandals/scams like Kot Parva, Bhandarkhal Parva, 38 Sal Parva, 42 Sal Parva took place and ultimately, the Rana rule was established in the country. (i) After the victory of the British India over Nepal, a British residency was officially opened in Kathmndu. For Britain, it was a political success. Its existence continued until later period and it exists as the British Embassy presently. During the Rana period the British Residency collected thousands of invaluable archives and goods and sent them to Britain, which have been presently on the display at the British Library, London, and University of Oxford, UK, too. It was a big loss for Nepal. It may not be inappropriate to say that Nepalese history has become incomplete because of those archives.

9 (j) Following the war, the English began interfering with Nepalese politics. Various conspiracies were hatched to create disorders/disharmony among the Queens, Pandey and Thapa lineages. Ultimately, after the Kot Parva, Britain became Nepal’s international guardian for 104 years. India has been trying to copy the guardian module to govern over Nepal presently. (k) The then British India had established the Nusseeree Battalion, the first Gorkha unit in Subathu, India consisting of the Nepalese Army who had deserted from the battlefield of Kumaon and Garhwal fronts (Anglo-Nepal War). That has been the legacy to recruit the Nepalese youths into the British Gorkha and Indian Gorkha until now. Using the Nepalese youths at the several international disputes by the British and Indian governments has given rise to a hostile feeling of the international community towards Nepal even though they are not the Nepalese Army. It is a misunderstanding of the global community. (l) Greedy Role Taksari Chandra Shekhar Upadhyaya :He was good in English (speaking, reading and writing). So, he was carrying out responsibilities as Taksari and English language interpreter. In this regard, Nepal used to send him to the British India for diplomatic negotiations and goodwill visits several times. During the time of rectifying the Sugauli Treaty, he was there as the interpreter. Unfortunately, he was already subverted by the English bribes and promises of “Magistrate of Bihar” with thousands of acres of land and security guards. Because of his wrong interpretations about the Terai land, Nepal lost a huge area of the plain land after the Sugauli Treaty. Ultimately, he settled down in Bihar as a Magistrate.

Finally, the British India was ready to return the Nepalese territories back before leaving India for the United Kingdom in 1947. The last Governor General of the East India Company, Lord Mountbatten made his personal approach to the then Rana Prime Minister for returning those territories. Prime Minister wanted to get the territories back happily, but he was very weak and suppressed by his ambitious brother C-In-C and his family. C-In-C’s team flatly discarded the Governer General’s offer since Darjeeling, Kumaon, Dehra Doon, Sirmor and Garhwal were much more conscious in politics and better in education, which could jeopardize the Rana dictatorial regime. It was a matter of misfortune that Prime Minister Rana could do nothing and Nepal missed the opportunity. And India enjoys those Nepalese territories.

10 At the End Any country's army is only a tool during the war. The state uses or mobilizes the army. It is the duty on the part of the army organization to work in the areas where the state deploys and to carry out the assignments accordingly. Founded under the leadership of Kaji (Commander-In-Chief) Bhagirath Panta by Gorkha's King Drabya Shah in 1559, the Nepalese Army has remained dedicated to the nation throughout its history. The Nepalese Army had sacrificed their lives in the several Wars and in the battles, especially in Nepal -Tibet War, Nepal –Tibet- China War and the last Nepal -Tibet War and the battle of Kumaon, Nalapani (Khalanga), Jaithak, Malaun, Butwal , Hariharpur Makawanpur, Bara, Parsa, Samanpur areas. Great warriors like Bhakti Thapa, attained martyrdom. They did their best for the sake of the country even in many adverse situations. Even when they did not have good war logistics, arms, ammunitions and managerial aspect from the Capital, they showed such bravery that even the enemies were influenced by their battle skills. It is natural that there is victory and defeat in the war. The art and techniques of wars, courage and discipline of those who are defeated are assessed. The Nepalese Army was excellent in those aspects. The win and defeat in the war is given importance politically, while the war skills applied the war are evaluated through the military lens. The state’s capability (logistic supply and international relation) supplies determine the success and defeat in the war. Therefore, the then government was responsible for failing to manage the war logistics supply including reinforcements and commencing war in adverse political situation. It is important to mention is that every action taken in the war by the Nepalese army was of high standard. However, the treacherous act done by Kumaon governor Chautara Bam Shah was an exception and Nepalese history cannot give him any excuse.