Siege of Kirtipur
- Title
- Siege of Kirtipur
- Description
The Siege of Kirtipur was one of the most significant battles in Prithvi Narayan Shah's unification campaign. Located on a high hill southwest of Kathmandu, Kirtipur was a strategically important and well-fortified Malla town.
Key Phases of the Siege
- First Attack (1757 AD / 1814 BS): Gorkhali forces suffered a heavy defeat. Kalu Pande, the commander, was killed.
- Second Attack (1764 AD / 1821 BS): Surajpratap Shah (brother of Prithvi Narayan Shah) lost an eye, and the attack failed.
- Third & Final Siege (1766 AD / 1823 BS): Captured successfully through blockade and betrayal after cutting off water and food supply.
The brutal aftermath included the cutting of noses and lips of Kirtipur's residents as a warning tactic to other kingdoms.
- Period
- Unification
- Year (BS)
- 1823
- Year (AD)
- 1766
- CMAT Significance
- The Siege of Kirtipur is a frequent CMAT topic highlighting Gorkhali military tactics, the loss of Kalu Pande in 1757 AD, and final victory in 1766 AD (1823 BS).