Prithvi Narayan Shah's Gorkha Campaign

Description

Overview

King Prithvi Narayan Shah (1723–1775) of Gorkha initiated a historic unification campaign, consolidating numerous small principalities (Baise and Chaubise Rajya) into a single nation, founding modern Nepal.

Key Milestones

First Major Conquest: Captured the strategic hill of Nuakot in 1744 AD (BS 1801), securing a vital trade route and establishing a base of operations.
Kathmandu Valley Conquest: Successfully conquered Kantipur (Kathmandu) in 1768 AD during the Indra Jatra festival, followed closely by Patan and Bhaktapur.
Strategic Doctrine: Formulated his geopolitical guidelines in the Divya Upadesh, outlining foreign policy, economic self-reliance, and national unity.
Legacy: Honored as the founder of modern Nepal, celebrated annually on Prithvi Jayanti on Poush 27 (around January 11).

Period

Unification

Year (BS)

1801

Year (AD)

1744

CMAT Significance

Crucial for CMAT exams. Key questions include: the conquest of Nuakot in BS 1801, the capture of Kathmandu in 1768 AD, the **Divya Upadesh**, and his title as the builder of modern Nepal.