King Prithvi Narayan Shah: The Father of the Nation and Architect of Nepal’s Unification

Introduction

Prithvi Narayan Shah (1723–1775), the King of Gorkha, is remembered as the “Father of the Nation” in Nepal. He is credited with the unification of the fragmented smaller kingdoms of the Himalayan region into a unified Nepal. His vision, leadership, and military strategy laid the foundation for modern Nepal. He emphasized national unity, military strength, and self-sufficiency, shaping the country’s political landscape and standing in South Asia. In his honor, We are presenting the Biography of King Prithvi Narayan Shah (P.N. Shah).

Early Life

Prithvi Narayan Shah was born in 1723 in Gorkha Palace; Gorkha was a small hill kingdom in central Nepal. He was the eldest son of King Nara Bhupal Shah and Queen Kaushalyavati Devi. As a child, he was groomed in the art of governance, military tactics, and statecraft. His early years in the royal palace exposed him to the ambitions and challenges of ruling a small kingdom surrounded by powerful neighbors like the Malla kings and the British-ruled East India Company in India.

Education

Prithvi Narayan Shah received a traditional education that befits a future king. At that time, some palace teachers and Gurus provided his basic education. He was taught history, religion, and governance alongside military training. He was deeply influenced by the ideals of Hinduism and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, which guided his personal and political philosophy throughout his reign.

Rise to Power

In 1743, Prithvi Narayan Shah ascended to the throne of Gorkha following the death of his father. Upon becoming king, he realized that the survival and growth of his small kingdom depended on expansion. His focus quickly shifted to uniting the various independent hill states and the prosperous Kathmandu Valley, which was politically fragmented at the time.

When King Prithvi Narayan Shah was on the throne, he also did not feel that his kingdom was safe because there were huge superpower countries on Nepal’s north and south sides. All the states of Nepal were scattered in different parts. Seeing this situation in Nepal, he did not want to remain silent and started planning to make a big Nepal by combining all the small states, which is called the unification of Nepal. He also made necessary military preparations for it.

Challenges and Struggles

Prithvi Narayan Shah’s mission to unify Nepal was fraught with challenges. His initial attempts to conquer the rich and strategically significant Kathmandu Valley, ruled by the Malla kings, faced resistance. The well-fortified city-states of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan were allied with powerful neighbors, including Tibet and the British. Despite facing defeat in some early attempts, Prithvi Narayan Shah remained determined, learning from each setback. He strengthened his army, improved his strategies, and formed alliances with neighboring states that shared his vision of a unified Nepal.

Military Strategy and Unification

Prithvi Narayan Shah’s military campaigns were relentless and visionary. By implementing innovative warfare strategies and making effective use of geographical advantages, he was able to expand his kingdom. His use of guerrilla tactics, combined with the ability to cut off trade routes to weaken enemy states, proved effective. After years of preparation and several military campaigns, he successfully captured the Kathmandu Valley in 1768, marking the beginning of Nepal’s unification.

His unification efforts didn’t stop with Kathmandu; he continued to annex smaller states in the surrounding regions, gradually bringing together most of present-day Nepal under his rule. His vision was not merely territorial but also about cultural integration, ensuring that the diverse ethnicities and traditions within the unified state contributed to a strong and cohesive national identity.

Leadership and Vision

Prithvi Narayan Shah’s leadership was defined by his deep patriotism and desire for a strong, independent Nepal. He famously proclaimed Nepal to be a “yam between two boulders,” referring to its geographical location between the powerful nations of China and India. He emphasized self-reliance, discouraged unnecessary foreign influences, and laid the foundation for Nepal’s foreign policy for years to come. His statesmanship ensured that Nepal remained a sovereign, independent nation, even during turbulent times in the region.

Major Achievements and Contributions

Prithvi Narayan Shah’s most significant achievement is the unification of Nepal, transforming it from a fragmented collection of small states into a singular, stronger nation. He built a military stronghold and administrative system that secured Nepal’s borders and maintained peace and stability. He is also remembered for promoting trade, maintaining diplomatic relations with Tibet and other neighboring countries, and fostering cultural and religious harmony within his kingdom.

He introduced reforms to strengthen the economy, including focusing on agriculture and discouraging the exploitation of resources by foreign traders. His policies ensured that the Kathmandu Valley, now the capital of Nepal, became a prosperous hub of trade, culture, and political power.

Personal and Family Life

Prithvi Narayan Shah was married twice. In February 1738, he married Princess Indra Kumari Devi, daughter of King Hemkarna Sen of Makwanpur. However, the marriage turned into a dispute during the ceremony, and he returned without taking a bride.

Then, in 1740, he married Narendra Rajya Lakshmi Devi, daughter of Abhiman Singh, a Rajput chief of Gorakhpur (now part of India). They had five children: Pratap Singh Shah, Bahadur Shah, Bilas Kumari, Narayan Shah, and Vishnu Shah.

On 11 January 1775, or on his birthday, Prithvi Narayan Shah died at Devighat in Nuwakot at the age of 52. His son Pratap Singh Shah succeeded him, and his younger son Bahadur Shah continued his unification campaign. As a deeply religious ruler, he followed traditional Hindu customs and practices, believing in the divine role of the king as protector of the people and the nation. His belief in the connection between religion and governance influenced many of his decisions throughout his reign.

Legacy

Prithvi Narayan Shah’s legacy as the unifier of Nepal remains unmatched in the country’s history. His vision of a strong, independent Nepal continues to inspire political leaders and the nation. His emphasis on national unity, independence from foreign powers, and military strength set the foundation for modern Nepal. His unification of Nepal also left a lasting cultural impact, as it brought together diverse ethnicities and languages under a single national identity.

King Prithvi Narayan Shah is honored with various monuments and celebrations in Nepal. His contributions are taught in Nepali history, and his foresight about Nepal’s geopolitical position remains relevant in contemporary politics.

Summary

King Prithvi Narayan Shah stands as the most important figure in Nepal’s history. His contributions to uniting Nepal’s diverse, fragmented regions into a unified nation are still celebrated today. His legacy as the Father of the Nation and the architect of Nepal’s unification remains at the heart of Nepal’s identity. His political vision, military strategy, and unyielding dedication laid the foundation for a united, independent, and strong Nepal.

Writing the Biography of King Prithvi Narayan Shah is not easy because although his life was short, the historical story of his unification of Nepal is very long and profound. But in his honor, we have briefly tried to write his life story here. If there are any errors, we always welcome your suggestions.