On the eve of Nepal Unifier King Prithvi Narayan Shah National Unity Day-Poush 27

Bhim Nath Baral
Associate Professor
Department of Political Science
Prithvi Narayan Campus, Pokhara
Email: baralbhimnath@pncampus.edu.np

Introduction:

After the death of his father Narbhupal Shah, in 1799 B. S., at the age of 20, Prithvi Narayan Shah became the king of Gorkha. There existed 24 kingdoms like Palpa, Tanahun, Lamjung, Gorkha etc. in Gandaki region (commonly known as chaubise rajya) and 22 kingdoms including Jumla, Salyan, Jajarkot etc. on Karnali region (commonly known as baise rajya). Beyond these, there were Sen kingdoms in Koshi region and Malla kingdoms in Kathmandu valley (known as Nepal Valley) (Gautam, 2074). Economically and militarily, the weak Gorkha state was nothing more than ‘one of the twenty-four states’ at that time. The overall environment around the Gorkha was divisive, aggressive, restricted and targeted against the sovereignty of others (K. C., 2001, p.24). The international environment was also driven by the interests and favors of their respective states, mainly for commercial purposes. Tibet, which was a weak state in the 17th century, gradually played a stronger role in the 18th century, while the emerging influence of the British Empire was seen in the south (India). All these internal and external circumstances were challenging the arrival of Prithvi Narayan Shah on the throne of Gorkha. In this situation, managing the internal situation of the country was the main concern whereas externally, it was equally difficult to achieve its goals through balancing the relations with the powerful Baise, Chaubise, Malla and Sen kingdoms (Gupta, 1993, p.3). It is natural for small and weak states to manage the challenge upon their sovereignty, while making every effort to protect their sovereignty is the goal of any state’s foreign policy. In addition, Prithvi Narayan Shah, who had an unwavering desire to expand the Gorkha kingdom and especially to become the king of Kathmandu (Nepal), not only successfully conducted the unification campaign, but also realized his dream of becoming the king of Kathmandu. In this context, the questions automatically arise that how a small state like Gorkha was able to protect its sovereignty even in the midst of weak internal situation and uncomfortable external environment? How was it possible to conduct unification campaign by conquering developed and larger states than Gorkha? Are his teachings useful in present-day foreign policy dealing? In general understanding, there is no doubt that such a difficult and challenging task has been successfully concluded mainly through the successful implementation of foreign policy. Learned from history, this article is prepared to provide guideline in contemporary Nepal’s foreign policy. It will be equally helpful to provide insights to the small and weak countries in protecting the sovereignty by playing an active role in the international system.

Concept:

Foreign relation is an important aspect of international studies. Looking at the history of the world, there occurred several ups and downs in the foreign relations of the states. Especially, small and weak states are affected by such developments. Located in the lap of the Himalayas, Nepal is also one of the states with an ancient history. It has a long and glorious past of about 5000 years (Dahal, 2018, pp.82-113). As a part of ‘Bharatbarsha’, ancient Hindu and Buddhist civilization have made remarkable input in its foreign policy. Traditional foreign policy was based on the spirit of ‘Bashudaiva Kutumbakam’. Teachings of the holy epics like ‘Ramayan’ and ‘Mahabharat have made equal contribution in shaping Nepal’s foreign policy. Kautilya’s ‘Arthashastra’ also remained the important text to influence Nepal’s foreign policy (Acharya, 2019). However, systematic study of Nepal’s foreign policy begun with the arrival of Prithvi Narayan Shah in the throne of Gorkha, a tiny state in hilly region of Nepal.

The beginning of modern Nepal is found to occur after Prithvi Narayan Shah’s unification campaign. Prior to this, Nepal was ruled by the Kirant, Lichchavi and Malla kings. Government was conducted on the basis of different castes and clans, and there was little discussion about foreign relations in those systems. Basically, at that time, various types of wars and conflicts were going on between the states. The borders and numbers of the states were frequently changed. Continuous instability and wars always brought instability causing serious threat upon the sovereignty of the country. Family and marital relations were maintained to protect themselves from external threat (K.C., 2001, p. 18). In the seventh century, the marriage of the Nepalese princess Bhrikuti with the powerful king of Tibet ‘Shrangchangampoo’ can be taken as an example of this. At that time, it seems that there was an attempt to make the state’s foreign policy balanced and safe by establishing relations with the powerful ruler of the south, Harshabradhan (Rose, 1971, p. 11). In further days, the systematic and theoretical analysis and implementation of country’s foreign affairs was done by Prithvi Narayan Shah, the creator, visionary, imperious and nationalist king of modern Nepal at the end of the eighteenth century and the beginning of the nineteenth century (Hamal, 2014, p.7).

The important phase of the unification campaign completed after getting the victory over Kantipur in 1825 B. S. Prithvi Narayan Shah did not lead any kind of attack after taking over Bhaktapur in 1826. But his plan to expand the kingdom did not come to a complete halt. He had his sights set on the western chaubise states, but as he was defeated by the combined forces of Lamjung, Kaski and Parbat, he stopped his western campaign and headed towards east. Towards the end of the campaign, Chaudandi and Vijayapur in the east were also taken under the authority (Gautam, 2074, p.66-68). Meanwhile, in 1831, Prithvi Narayan Shah reached Nuwakot from Kathmandu. Probably this time was the last stage of his life. During his stay, including his Guru (teachers), Purohit (priests), Tharghar (Arjyal, Pande, Pantha, Bohora, Rana, Khadal), Bhaiyad (family members) and Bhardar (courtiers), he spent 2-3 days narrating various topics that he had personally experienced and analyzed with a concentrated mind during his 52 years of heroic life, 32 years of rule and 30 years of victory (Baral, 2020, pp. 11-22). He wanted to convey this teaching from generations to generations. He adds “when an old man dies, his words die with him, so they say. What you who are gathered here from me, pass on your children, and they to ours; and this kingdom will endure” (Stiller, 2068, p. 38). All the ideas and experiences of the unification journey expressed from his deathbed became a guide for his succeeding rulers and common people. His teaching, known as “Dibya Upadesh”, was edited by Yogi Narharinath in 2016 B. S. and by Stiller in 2025 B. S. (Acharya and Yogi, 2061, p. 47). This teaching is related to the prosperity and security of the country as a whole, while those teachings have been truly immortal in the analysis and operation of foreign policy. His views, expressed nearly 250 years ago, are still relevant and memorable. In particular, in the presented article, an attempt has been made to analyze the significance of divine teachings in relation to Nepal’s foreign policy.

-PN Shah’s view on foreign policy-

 

Impact of geostrategic factor in foreign policy:
Prithvi Narayan Shah had made better analysis of geo-political condition of the country. Geopolitics generally refers to the influence of geography on politics. At present, Nepal is a land-locked state strategically located between China and India, two huge neighbors of the world. This sensitive geostrategic location of Nepal has created a serious obstacle to make external relations harmonious with the aspiration of peace, prosperity and development. Prithvi Narayan Shah himself had contemplated this reality. It can be seen that there is a clear and accurate analysis of the geo-politics of Nepal. According to him, “Nepal is like a gourd between two rocks”. At that time, the power of the British Empire that rose to the south and the power of Tibet and China to the north were analyzed. This issue now has become more complicated. Prithvi Narayan Shah has openly praised the strength of China-backed Tibet and the southern power, East India Company, in every situation. He also said that under no circumstances will he use power against these two forces (Stiller, 1968, p.56). Prithvi Narayan Shah is of the opinion that if Nepal is to maintain its existence intact, it needs to bring the big stones on sides, i.e. China and India. “They should be behaved in a balanced manner without allowing them to deviate from their respective places” (Acharya and Yogi, 2061, p.72). Being located between the two emerging powers of the world armed with nuclear weapons, China and India, Nepal is really between two stones. It is the need of the situation to follow the balanced foreign policy keeping in mind the reality of the gourd between the stones.

Relations with immediate neighbors:

Considering the geo-strategic location of the country, Prithvi Narayan Shah has preached to maintain a balanced relationship with the immediate neighbors. He always warned to be careful in maintaining relations with his neighbors. According to him, “special precautions should be taken with the southern neighbors”. Considering the growing influence of the British Empire and its imperialist tendencies, he held this view. In his own words, “maintain a treaty of friendship with the emperor of China. Keep also a treaty of friendship with the emperor of southern sea (the company)” (Divya Upadesh, 2054, p. 19). He said that we should be careful with the British, who were the world power at that time. His teaching was to maintain friendly relations with the British, but never attack them by going down to the plains of the Terai. Perhaps if they come upon them, they are instructed to let them come straight to the interior of Madhesh and as soon as they enter the hilly area, they should be driven out by guerilla warfare (Acharya and Yogi, 2061). But after nearly half a century, Nepal had to sign on Sugauli Treaty after shameful defeat with the same power (Baral, 2018, p.32) which resulted in limiting the boundary of the country.

Border security:

Issue of boarder security is the matter of vital interest of a country. Prithvi Narayan Shah was of the opinion that special emphasis should be placed on the security of the borders. He has mentioned seven major forts sensitive from security point of view i. e. “Sivapuri 1, Fulchok 2, Chandagiri 3, Mahadeuposhari 4, Palu 5, Dapcha 6 and Kahulya 7” (Divya Upadesh, 2054, p.19). He seems to be aware of the problems caused by the powerful states of the north and the south and the open borders with them. He further emphasized that armed forces should be deployed at every checkpoint. Due to the open borders, the state is still facing problems like border encroachment, human trafficking, increase in illegal trade and criminal activities. So, his teaching of caring boarder still seems relevant in foreign policy matter.

Respect on expert’s opinion:

It is a common practice to follow the suggestions of experts in the related fields in various areas of governance. On the eve of the unification campaign, he paid due attention on the suggestion given by his maternal uncle, Udyot Sen, about the possible victory over the Nepal Valley. Sen replied on the problem that “Lamjung is a large vulture, Gorkha, a snake and Nepal, a frog. Evade the large vulture, then the snake will have the frog to eat” (Stiller, 1968, p.40). That is, Lamjung, Nepal (Kathmandu) and Gorkha, who were considered very powerful at that time, were respectively Garuda, frog and Prithvi Narayan Shah has pondered the suggestion that Gorkhas, who are like snakes, can easily conquer Kathmandu. But it was difficult to achieve this success without managing the powerful Lamjung. According to the natural life cycle, the snake eats the frog and the eagle eats the snake. Taking this suggestion in mind, Prithvi Narayan Shah signed the treaty with King Ripumardan Shah of Lamjung in 1996. In addition, Bhanu Jaisi and Kulananda Jaisi were the prominent intellectuals to advice the king. Not only this, it is found that the advice of his lister Bise Nagarchi helped in military strengthening and financial collection. This trend of taking expert’s opinion in foreign policy matter is poorly implemented at present.

Management of domestic affairs:

Better running of foreign policy depends upon the proper management of domestic affairs. The famous politician Glad Stone says, “the first condition of a good and successful foreign policy is a good domestic policy” (Adhikari, 2071, p.57). Prithvi Narayan Shah seems to be very aware of this issue. Emphasizing the unity of the three stepmothers and the five related brothers, he said, “our mothers are three. Of three bridal chambers we brothers came avatars (incarnation) of Pandavs” (Stiller, 1968, p.38). He emphasized on family unity, while it is believed that the unity of brothers will maintain the power of the Pandavas of Mahabharata. However, Prithvi Narayan Shah’s mothers were actually four. Among Chandraprabhavati, Kaushalavati, Dayavati and Shubhadravati, the eldest mother was childless. So, they would have addressed as children of three mothers. In addition, emphasis has been placed on internal reconciliation to keep the unity between nobles and citizens intact in the palace and state. Emphasizing on the reconciliation of internal forces like Pandey and Basnyat, he said, “now, I made marriage bond between the Pandes and Basnyat. I made Pandey the shield (foreign policy) and Basnyat the sword (war minister) and prepared to ascend to Nepal” (Divya Upadesh, 2054, p.16). His intention was that Nepal has been conquered when he established mutual respect between his minister (Kazi) family and the Basnyats of the Senapati (Army chief) family and attracted the powerful people of both families in the battlefields in a mutual way (Acharya and Yogi, 2061, p.70). In addition to this, the advice to be prudent towards civil servants of the state is found in divine teaching.

Respect to public opinion:

Public opinion carries equal importance on the foreign policy matter. Basically, internal politics is guided by public opinion and this increases the ability and strength of the state to deal with the outside world. According to the saying, “Raiti (people) are the storehouses of the king”, the prosperity of the people is taken as the prosperity of (the king) (Acharya, 2070, p. 13). It is clear that Prithvi Narayan Shah valued the public opinion while providing the post of Kazi in the state. It has been said in the divine teaching;

“I was wondered. But I was also pleased. He, with whom the people are pleased, he, it is who made kazi, so the shastras say. I consulted the wishes of the people and found that the people who wanted him. If Kalu Pandey is made kazi, all the people will be pleased. I was advised. Then I looked to the Baise and Chaubise princes. And they told me that if Kalu Pandey were made kazi, the home and foreign policy would be strong. It was in my mind to make Biraj Bakheti kazi” (Stiller, 1968, p.40).

In accordance with the prevailing government tradition in Gorkha, Prithvi Narayan Shah appointed Kalu Pandey, who was popular among his people, to the post of Kazi. In fact, he wanted to give the post of Kazi to Viraj Bakheti, but due to the popularity of Kalu Pandey, the people also wanted to give him the post of Kazi. His foreign policy was successful because he was able to keep the domestic politics united with due respect to public opinion.

Strengthening national economy:

Economy, on the other hand, is an irreplaceable element in making foreign policy successful. Prithvi Narayan Shah’s attack on Nuwakot after his accession to power was inspired by economic factor. Nuwakot had economic importance due to its fertile land and trade route with Tibet. Even now, the foreign policy should be focused on the direction of maintaining economic balance between China, the world’s second economic power, and India, an industrialized country. Promotion of national industry, priority in the use of natural resources, etc. are trying to encourage economic prosperity (Acharya, 2070, p.13). His teaching focuses on making of proper use of available resources and recommended to give top priority on native products. He further adds; “forbid the use of foreign cloth (in Nepal). Show samples to those who know how to make our clothes. Teach them and begin to make clothing. If this is done, our money will not go abroad” (Acharya and Yogi, 2061, p.49). He also advised to discourage foreign traders saying, “do not let the merchants of India come up from the border. If the merchants of India come to our country, they will leave the people poor” (Stiller, 1968, p.43). He opined that mining should be done for economic prosperity. There is no doubt that these measures of economic prosperity will increase the power of the state in foreign relations by eliminating dependency. Taking advice from his teaching, trade deficit can be reduced by discouraging imports. Making proper use of natural resources certainly helps to boost up our economy.

Army strengthening:

It is said that the most effective way to prevent war is to be prepared for war. Prithvi Narayan Shah also applied the tactics of war to achieve his goal. As Gorkha was a weak state from both militarily and economically, it was possible to get victory over others only by strengthening military related activities. The activities like military training, arms collection, reorganization of military power etc. were conducted. In addition to this, he made the healthy youths of Gorkhas between the age of 16 and 30 to undergo compulsory military training. Compulsory military training was also made for one person from each Gorkhali’s house (Gautam, 2074: 41). Considering that it is possible to preserve and promote national interest only through the acquisition of hard power. Attempts were made to collect arms and cannons thinking that the throne of Indra (king of heaven) can be shaken through the collection of arms (Divya Upadesh, 2054: 24). Accordingly, after the defeat in the battle of Nuwakot Bazzar, Mohammad Tanki and Bhekh Sinha were brought to Nepal to arrange weapons repair and military training (Gautam, 2074, p.41). This fact is confirmed by the declaration of ‘Marwat’ (support amount given to the families of dead soldiers in war or battle). Taking the soldiers as the essence of the king (state power), he suggested to keep the soldier sharp. It is equally essential to raise the morale of the soldiers. It was also found that he formed a total of seven platoons including Srinath platoon, Kalivax platoon, Brajprani platoon, Sharju platoon and New Gorkha platoon in addition to the existing 2 platoon of Gorkhas, Gorkha platoon and Sharduljung platoon (Gautam, 2074, p.41). Though hard power preparation does not suit in the enhancement of present day Nepal’s foreign policy, it was the necessity of the time.

Need of high morale in foreign policy:

National psychology plays a significant role in the foreign policy of the state. Developed determination and positive psychology in the rulers, employees, army and ordinary citizens can contribute in maintaining the relations with foreigners. He involved in war with the strong determination to be the king of Kathmandu valley. His teaching reads; “when I reached to Chandragiri’s top, I asked, which is Nepal? They showed me saying “that is Bhadgaon, that is Patan and there lies Kathmandu.” The thought came in my heart that if I might be the king of these three cities, why let it be so?” (Divya Upadesh, 2054, p.17). The unification was finally possible with the determination to become the king of Kathmandu. It is also found that the faith in the ‘Shastra Vidya’ made him psychologically strong. If there was a weak psychology, the victory upon Nuwakot and Kathmandu would not have been possible, nor would it have been possible to win against the well-equipped English army (Gautam, 2074, p. 62). It seems that strong faith, high morale and victorious psychology played a major role in the overall unification campaign rather than means and resources.

Adoption of visit and war strategy:

The divine teaching also deals with the various difficulties faced during unification along with the policy to be adopted by the ruler in the future. His visit policy also became an important tool of foreign policy in recent days. His trip to Banaras, a trip to Baise-Chaubise states and a trip to Kathmandu Valley including Makwanpur found very helpful to achieve his target. In addition, he was suspicious with the activities of Capuchin clergymen and exiled them thinking as a threat to national security (Muni, 2016). It can be considered as another firm step of his foreign policy. It is also emphasized in the Divine Teaching on the banning of foreign dances and songs, while instructions have been given not to open a war on two fronts at any time. However, contrary to this teaching, during the time of his grandson Rana Bahadur Shah, Bahadur Shah opened a war with Tibet, and even the Nepalese army, which had been defeated by Tibet and reached Kumaon Gadhwal in the west, had to return (K. C., 2001). His message is to assess the situation and “zai katak nagarnu, jhiki katak garnu” (do not go for attack but don’t back down from what is coming). Basically During the confrontation with the king of the south, it was found that he did not go to the land up to India and fight, but instead fought only in the mountainous region (jhiki katak). So, the successors are advised not to go down to the plains to fight. Better to withdraw to the hills to fight. Chure pass will be much used. It will be possible to collect arms and ammunitions for five to seven generations and Ganga will remain a line of defense (Acharya and Yogi, 2061). He also suggested that if it is difficult to face the war the tactics such as sam, dam, danda and bhed should be adopted (Baral, 2018). Besides this, the teaching aims to develop the feeling of ownership towards the state. His idea of considering Nepal as a common and beautiful garden of several flowers what he called as the garden of Four Varna and 36 castes. It is for all, big and small, rich and poor (Acharya and Yogi, 2061, p. 50). This is the division based on ancient Hindu varna system, which is divided into four varnas, namely ‘Brahmin’, ‘Kshetriya’, ‘Vaishya’ and ‘Shudra’. Similarly, the inspiration given in the divine teaching is to unite the multi-ethnic Nepali society such as Gurung, Magar, Rai, Limbu, Sunwar, Damai, Sarki, Kami etc. under the common umbrella of the nation. It has given energy to establish unity in diversity.

Balance through alliances:

Besides above all, Prithvi Narayan Shah’s teaching was to maintain balance of power in Nepal’s foreign policy dealing. It was evident that Gorkha was a small and weak country and it was really hard to get victory upon powerful kingdoms. As a common device of maintaining foreign relation, he tactfully behaved with several traditional groupings (normally called as alliances) through balance of power. Though Gorkha was not involved in any formal alliance, there existed several alliances like Bhirkot, Lamjung, Pyuthan and others (K. C., 2001). He kept Lamjung (powerful immediate neighbor) in side by signing a treaty. Trade treaties were also signed with Kantipur and Bhaktapur (Rose, 1971). Taking geopolitical and geostrategic sensitivity in mind, he suggested being serious to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation. His ‘Yam Theory’ is still taken as fundamental basis of Nepal’s foreign policy which is based on the principle of panchasheel and non-alignment movement (Baral, 2020). These policies are still taken as the fundamental bases of Nepal’s foreign policy. Application of defensive foreign policy is equally relevant in contemporary Nepalese context. Nepal’s joining of UNO and other regional and sub-regional forums helps to maintain balance in its relations. Multilateral involvement is beneficial to protect the interest of the nation in present context of globalization. But supporting military alliances cannot suit Nepal’ geostrategic position.

Institutional mechanism:

The more important teaching in foreign policy was the making of institutional arrangement to conduct foreign affairs. Jaisi kotha was established and Bhanu Jaisi, the then intellectual, was appointed as the first officer to carryout foreign business. His initiation helped in making institutional arrangement of foreign relations. Currently, we have Ministry of Foreign Affairs to conduct the business related to foreign affairs. By all every effort, Prithvi Narayan Shah was able to preserve national dignity and sovereignty during the challenging days of nation building. Basically, he was successful in making and implementing foreign policy and his foreign policy teaching is still found relevant.

Conclusion:

Several dimensions have their impact in the determination of Nepal’s foreign policy. However, the foundation of modern Nepal’s foreign relations can be found in the ‘divine teaching’ of Prithvi Narayan Shah. His ‘yam theory’ still provides fundamental guidelines in Nepal’s foreign policy. Considering the land-locked position and difficult terrain, social and cultural diversity, weak economy, different climate, the views of the nearest neighbors and the international environment, there has been a constant challenge to the existence of the country in every stage of civilization. It was really difficult for Nepal to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation. The challenge was more acute for small and weak countries like Gorkha. In this context, the task of conducting unification campaign was really challenging. National survival during post-unification period was more serious because of internal and external threats. After analyzing all these situations, Prithvi Narayan Shah insisted on adopting an independent foreign policy. He also recommended paying attention on border security. His suggestions to follow expert’s opinion in governance, give emphasis on economic prosperity, management of domestic politics and respect for public opinion are equally important in the operation of successful foreign policy. Principles of panchasheel and nonalignment movement are already accepted as the fundamental bases of Nepal’s foreign policy. Though military preparedness and the use of hard power do not seem pragmatic at modern times, we need to promote soft power diplomacy in foreign policy dealing. However, the issues expressed in the ‘divine teaching’ have proved pragmatic guidelines in foreign policy behavior. These suggestions still found relevant to protect the existence of small, weak and land-locked states like Nepal.

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