Modern Uttarakhand (1790 AD till Independence) | Uttarakhand State PSC (UKPSC): Preparation - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Modern
 
Uttarakhand
 
(1790
 
AD
 
till
 
Independence)
Uttarakhand under Gorkhas.
In 1790, Kumaun and in 1804, Garhwal came under the Gorkha rule. Before
we study Gorkha administration it is important to discuss causes behind
success of Gorkhas in their struggle agains Kumaun and Garhwal Kingdoms
Expansion of Gorkha Empire- During 17
th
 and 18
th
 century Nepal was
ruled by various small principalities. By 1779, Prithvinarayan and Bahadur
Shah defeated all of them and unified Nepal under one Gorkha flag.
Meanwhile Kumaun and Garhwal were going through the phase of turmoil.
In battle of Pali village, Mohan Chand defeated Pradyman Shah(ruler of
Kumaun) and Harshdev Joshi and return to the Almora throne. After battle of
Pali, Garhwal faced internal conflict between Pradyman Shah and Parakram
Shah. After returning to power Mohan Chand imposed a new and heavy tax
named Manga, on all people including on Fartyals and Mehras. This led to
discontent among masses, who attacked Mohan Chand under the leadership
of Harshdev Joshi. Joshi gave him death penalty and Shiv Chand was made
new king. In 1789, Mahendra Chand son of Mohan Chand attacked Kumaun
with the help of Nawab of Rampur and took control of it. They punished
Joshis after winning over Almora. On one hand discontent was rising among
masses, on the other the state had become weak. Harshdev Joshi, invited
Gorkha King Bahadur Shah to attack Kumaun, and promised him all kind of
help. In January 1790, under the leadership of Kazi Jagjit Pande, Amar Singh
Thapa, and Subba Jognarayan Malla, Gorkha army attacked Kumaun. They
were supported by armies of Harshdev Joshi. Mahendra Chand defeated them
at Gangoli, but his uncle Lal Singh was defeated at Kali Kumaun. Both of
them fled to Tarai and Gorkhas captured Almora. They also attacked Garhwal
in the same year, but due to Chinese aggression in Nepal they had to witdrew.
Once again they attacked Garhwal in 1804 Garhwal also came under the
control of Gorkha rule.
Expansion in Garhwal- After capturing Kumaun Gorkhas attacked,
Garhwal. King Pradyman Shah was better prepared, thus Garhwal was
attacked from two sides- Under the leadership of Gangaram, one unit
attacked Chandpur Gadhi from Dwrahat, where Garhwal army of Lohabgadhi
Page 2


Modern
 
Uttarakhand
 
(1790
 
AD
 
till
 
Independence)
Uttarakhand under Gorkhas.
In 1790, Kumaun and in 1804, Garhwal came under the Gorkha rule. Before
we study Gorkha administration it is important to discuss causes behind
success of Gorkhas in their struggle agains Kumaun and Garhwal Kingdoms
Expansion of Gorkha Empire- During 17
th
 and 18
th
 century Nepal was
ruled by various small principalities. By 1779, Prithvinarayan and Bahadur
Shah defeated all of them and unified Nepal under one Gorkha flag.
Meanwhile Kumaun and Garhwal were going through the phase of turmoil.
In battle of Pali village, Mohan Chand defeated Pradyman Shah(ruler of
Kumaun) and Harshdev Joshi and return to the Almora throne. After battle of
Pali, Garhwal faced internal conflict between Pradyman Shah and Parakram
Shah. After returning to power Mohan Chand imposed a new and heavy tax
named Manga, on all people including on Fartyals and Mehras. This led to
discontent among masses, who attacked Mohan Chand under the leadership
of Harshdev Joshi. Joshi gave him death penalty and Shiv Chand was made
new king. In 1789, Mahendra Chand son of Mohan Chand attacked Kumaun
with the help of Nawab of Rampur and took control of it. They punished
Joshis after winning over Almora. On one hand discontent was rising among
masses, on the other the state had become weak. Harshdev Joshi, invited
Gorkha King Bahadur Shah to attack Kumaun, and promised him all kind of
help. In January 1790, under the leadership of Kazi Jagjit Pande, Amar Singh
Thapa, and Subba Jognarayan Malla, Gorkha army attacked Kumaun. They
were supported by armies of Harshdev Joshi. Mahendra Chand defeated them
at Gangoli, but his uncle Lal Singh was defeated at Kali Kumaun. Both of
them fled to Tarai and Gorkhas captured Almora. They also attacked Garhwal
in the same year, but due to Chinese aggression in Nepal they had to witdrew.
Once again they attacked Garhwal in 1804 Garhwal also came under the
control of Gorkha rule.
Expansion in Garhwal- After capturing Kumaun Gorkhas attacked,
Garhwal. King Pradyman Shah was better prepared, thus Garhwal was
attacked from two sides- Under the leadership of Gangaram, one unit
attacked Chandpur Gadhi from Dwrahat, where Garhwal army of Lohabgadhi
defeated Gorkhas in the Battle of Benital. Another unit attacked Garhwal
Langurgadhi through Kotdwar. Here too war continued for a year and
Gorkhas were defeated. But during this period they committed many
atrocities insurrounding villages, including making people slaves and selling
many to Rohillas. Resultantly entire Salan Patti became empty, with all
people fleeing to forests. Meanwhile China attacked Nepal in 1991, and king
ordered Nepal army to return. Before returning Amar Singh Thapa somehow
reached Srinagar and entered into a treaty with Garhwal.
Meanwhile from 1790 to 1803 four significant events took place in the
region. Gorkhas and Chinese entered into a treaty of peace. Garhwal faced
internal conflict for throne between Prdyman Shaha and Parakram Shah, it
also suffered its biggest famine leading to weakening of economic and
revenue of the state. Final jolt came as a big earthquake hitting mainly
Garhwal in 1803, with around 80% of Srinagar demolished and people losing
all their house, wealth and livestock. Gorkhas find it appropriate time to
attack Garhwal. Getting the news of attack King Pradyman along with his
family fled to Khalanga in Dehradun from the Srinagar.
Battle of Khudbuda- The final battle between Gorkhas under the
leadership of Amar Singh Thapa and Garhwal armies supported by Gujar
Sardars and financed by rich people of Saharanpur was faught at Khudbuda
in Dehradun. In this battle Pradyman Shah was killed and Garhwal came
under Gorkha rule. Gorkhas distributed Jagirs to Molaram, Saklanis,
Khanduris, etc. to gain their confidence.
Reasons for victory of Gorkhas:
1. social divisions in Kumaun- every caste was subdivided into subcastes and
there was no unity among people. On the other hand despite having
different castes Gorkhas were united under the banner of Gorkha rule. It
was a military administration having discipline of command.and unity
2. During 18
th
 century Kumaun faced repeated floods and drought that made
the state weaker.
3. Economy of Kumaun perished due to misgovernance. Markets like
Dwarahat, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Almora which were flourishing
centres of trade and gave huge revenues to the state though existed but had
declined due to mismanagement.
4. Internal conflicts among nobles and loyalist of court, for example Fartyals
Page 3


Modern
 
Uttarakhand
 
(1790
 
AD
 
till
 
Independence)
Uttarakhand under Gorkhas.
In 1790, Kumaun and in 1804, Garhwal came under the Gorkha rule. Before
we study Gorkha administration it is important to discuss causes behind
success of Gorkhas in their struggle agains Kumaun and Garhwal Kingdoms
Expansion of Gorkha Empire- During 17
th
 and 18
th
 century Nepal was
ruled by various small principalities. By 1779, Prithvinarayan and Bahadur
Shah defeated all of them and unified Nepal under one Gorkha flag.
Meanwhile Kumaun and Garhwal were going through the phase of turmoil.
In battle of Pali village, Mohan Chand defeated Pradyman Shah(ruler of
Kumaun) and Harshdev Joshi and return to the Almora throne. After battle of
Pali, Garhwal faced internal conflict between Pradyman Shah and Parakram
Shah. After returning to power Mohan Chand imposed a new and heavy tax
named Manga, on all people including on Fartyals and Mehras. This led to
discontent among masses, who attacked Mohan Chand under the leadership
of Harshdev Joshi. Joshi gave him death penalty and Shiv Chand was made
new king. In 1789, Mahendra Chand son of Mohan Chand attacked Kumaun
with the help of Nawab of Rampur and took control of it. They punished
Joshis after winning over Almora. On one hand discontent was rising among
masses, on the other the state had become weak. Harshdev Joshi, invited
Gorkha King Bahadur Shah to attack Kumaun, and promised him all kind of
help. In January 1790, under the leadership of Kazi Jagjit Pande, Amar Singh
Thapa, and Subba Jognarayan Malla, Gorkha army attacked Kumaun. They
were supported by armies of Harshdev Joshi. Mahendra Chand defeated them
at Gangoli, but his uncle Lal Singh was defeated at Kali Kumaun. Both of
them fled to Tarai and Gorkhas captured Almora. They also attacked Garhwal
in the same year, but due to Chinese aggression in Nepal they had to witdrew.
Once again they attacked Garhwal in 1804 Garhwal also came under the
control of Gorkha rule.
Expansion in Garhwal- After capturing Kumaun Gorkhas attacked,
Garhwal. King Pradyman Shah was better prepared, thus Garhwal was
attacked from two sides- Under the leadership of Gangaram, one unit
attacked Chandpur Gadhi from Dwrahat, where Garhwal army of Lohabgadhi
defeated Gorkhas in the Battle of Benital. Another unit attacked Garhwal
Langurgadhi through Kotdwar. Here too war continued for a year and
Gorkhas were defeated. But during this period they committed many
atrocities insurrounding villages, including making people slaves and selling
many to Rohillas. Resultantly entire Salan Patti became empty, with all
people fleeing to forests. Meanwhile China attacked Nepal in 1991, and king
ordered Nepal army to return. Before returning Amar Singh Thapa somehow
reached Srinagar and entered into a treaty with Garhwal.
Meanwhile from 1790 to 1803 four significant events took place in the
region. Gorkhas and Chinese entered into a treaty of peace. Garhwal faced
internal conflict for throne between Prdyman Shaha and Parakram Shah, it
also suffered its biggest famine leading to weakening of economic and
revenue of the state. Final jolt came as a big earthquake hitting mainly
Garhwal in 1803, with around 80% of Srinagar demolished and people losing
all their house, wealth and livestock. Gorkhas find it appropriate time to
attack Garhwal. Getting the news of attack King Pradyman along with his
family fled to Khalanga in Dehradun from the Srinagar.
Battle of Khudbuda- The final battle between Gorkhas under the
leadership of Amar Singh Thapa and Garhwal armies supported by Gujar
Sardars and financed by rich people of Saharanpur was faught at Khudbuda
in Dehradun. In this battle Pradyman Shah was killed and Garhwal came
under Gorkha rule. Gorkhas distributed Jagirs to Molaram, Saklanis,
Khanduris, etc. to gain their confidence.
Reasons for victory of Gorkhas:
1. social divisions in Kumaun- every caste was subdivided into subcastes and
there was no unity among people. On the other hand despite having
different castes Gorkhas were united under the banner of Gorkha rule. It
was a military administration having discipline of command.and unity
2. During 18
th
 century Kumaun faced repeated floods and drought that made
the state weaker.
3. Economy of Kumaun perished due to misgovernance. Markets like
Dwarahat, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Almora which were flourishing
centres of trade and gave huge revenues to the state though existed but had
declined due to mismanagement.
4. Internal conflicts among nobles and loyalist of court, for example Fartyals
and Mehras were competing against each other and left no chance to put
down another, in turn they weakened the state.
5. Lack of funds to manage a large state and its administration due to decline
in trade and agriculture.
6. Frequent wars with Gorkhas, Garhwal and Rohillas weakened Kumaun
kingdom.
7. Later Kumaun kings were not as competent as earlier ones.
8. Due to their misgovernance and disinterest towards welfare of people, they
began to be looked down by people who lost liking for king and its rule.
9. Many local rulers and feudatories were raising their heads when they saw
weak ruler at centre.
10. When Gorkhas attacked Kumaun many local lords and people from
within the court conspired with them to defeat Chand King.
11. Gorkha system was a military rule, with strict discipline and unity of
command. They were swift and ruthless in their conduct, making their
attacks more effective.
Consequences of Gorkha rule
Gorkha Rule had disastrous consequences for Kumaun and Garhwal. They
not only destroyed Chand and Panwar dynesties but also their major forts.
They treated people especially those placed at higher places and upper castes
with disrespect and contempt, killed many of them and made large number of
women and children their slaves. Cities, homes and forts of rulers and
common man were looted and assets were transported to Nepal. For the first
time, they introduced slave trade and sold women, children and men in Nepal
and at Haridwar.Gold, copper, silver, livestock, foodgrain etc was looted and
transported to Nepal using slaves. Unlike other Hindu rulers of the time they
had no respect for Brahmins of Kumaun except Pandey and Upadhyay who
were their kul purohit in Nepal. King ruled from Nepal through governor who
used to be the military commander.The innumearable sufferings of people of
Uttarakhand during this period are called Gorkhyani.
Gorkha Administration: Earlier existing system of governance including
Mantri Parishad, Panchayat etc. were abolished from Kumaun as well as
Garhwal. Jagirdari was abolished. They continued the offices of Fauzdar,
Kamin, Sayana, Padhan, and Daftari. Kamins and Sayanas were the main
revenue officials. The region was directly administered from Nepal. With few
Page 4


Modern
 
Uttarakhand
 
(1790
 
AD
 
till
 
Independence)
Uttarakhand under Gorkhas.
In 1790, Kumaun and in 1804, Garhwal came under the Gorkha rule. Before
we study Gorkha administration it is important to discuss causes behind
success of Gorkhas in their struggle agains Kumaun and Garhwal Kingdoms
Expansion of Gorkha Empire- During 17
th
 and 18
th
 century Nepal was
ruled by various small principalities. By 1779, Prithvinarayan and Bahadur
Shah defeated all of them and unified Nepal under one Gorkha flag.
Meanwhile Kumaun and Garhwal were going through the phase of turmoil.
In battle of Pali village, Mohan Chand defeated Pradyman Shah(ruler of
Kumaun) and Harshdev Joshi and return to the Almora throne. After battle of
Pali, Garhwal faced internal conflict between Pradyman Shah and Parakram
Shah. After returning to power Mohan Chand imposed a new and heavy tax
named Manga, on all people including on Fartyals and Mehras. This led to
discontent among masses, who attacked Mohan Chand under the leadership
of Harshdev Joshi. Joshi gave him death penalty and Shiv Chand was made
new king. In 1789, Mahendra Chand son of Mohan Chand attacked Kumaun
with the help of Nawab of Rampur and took control of it. They punished
Joshis after winning over Almora. On one hand discontent was rising among
masses, on the other the state had become weak. Harshdev Joshi, invited
Gorkha King Bahadur Shah to attack Kumaun, and promised him all kind of
help. In January 1790, under the leadership of Kazi Jagjit Pande, Amar Singh
Thapa, and Subba Jognarayan Malla, Gorkha army attacked Kumaun. They
were supported by armies of Harshdev Joshi. Mahendra Chand defeated them
at Gangoli, but his uncle Lal Singh was defeated at Kali Kumaun. Both of
them fled to Tarai and Gorkhas captured Almora. They also attacked Garhwal
in the same year, but due to Chinese aggression in Nepal they had to witdrew.
Once again they attacked Garhwal in 1804 Garhwal also came under the
control of Gorkha rule.
Expansion in Garhwal- After capturing Kumaun Gorkhas attacked,
Garhwal. King Pradyman Shah was better prepared, thus Garhwal was
attacked from two sides- Under the leadership of Gangaram, one unit
attacked Chandpur Gadhi from Dwrahat, where Garhwal army of Lohabgadhi
defeated Gorkhas in the Battle of Benital. Another unit attacked Garhwal
Langurgadhi through Kotdwar. Here too war continued for a year and
Gorkhas were defeated. But during this period they committed many
atrocities insurrounding villages, including making people slaves and selling
many to Rohillas. Resultantly entire Salan Patti became empty, with all
people fleeing to forests. Meanwhile China attacked Nepal in 1991, and king
ordered Nepal army to return. Before returning Amar Singh Thapa somehow
reached Srinagar and entered into a treaty with Garhwal.
Meanwhile from 1790 to 1803 four significant events took place in the
region. Gorkhas and Chinese entered into a treaty of peace. Garhwal faced
internal conflict for throne between Prdyman Shaha and Parakram Shah, it
also suffered its biggest famine leading to weakening of economic and
revenue of the state. Final jolt came as a big earthquake hitting mainly
Garhwal in 1803, with around 80% of Srinagar demolished and people losing
all their house, wealth and livestock. Gorkhas find it appropriate time to
attack Garhwal. Getting the news of attack King Pradyman along with his
family fled to Khalanga in Dehradun from the Srinagar.
Battle of Khudbuda- The final battle between Gorkhas under the
leadership of Amar Singh Thapa and Garhwal armies supported by Gujar
Sardars and financed by rich people of Saharanpur was faught at Khudbuda
in Dehradun. In this battle Pradyman Shah was killed and Garhwal came
under Gorkha rule. Gorkhas distributed Jagirs to Molaram, Saklanis,
Khanduris, etc. to gain their confidence.
Reasons for victory of Gorkhas:
1. social divisions in Kumaun- every caste was subdivided into subcastes and
there was no unity among people. On the other hand despite having
different castes Gorkhas were united under the banner of Gorkha rule. It
was a military administration having discipline of command.and unity
2. During 18
th
 century Kumaun faced repeated floods and drought that made
the state weaker.
3. Economy of Kumaun perished due to misgovernance. Markets like
Dwarahat, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Almora which were flourishing
centres of trade and gave huge revenues to the state though existed but had
declined due to mismanagement.
4. Internal conflicts among nobles and loyalist of court, for example Fartyals
and Mehras were competing against each other and left no chance to put
down another, in turn they weakened the state.
5. Lack of funds to manage a large state and its administration due to decline
in trade and agriculture.
6. Frequent wars with Gorkhas, Garhwal and Rohillas weakened Kumaun
kingdom.
7. Later Kumaun kings were not as competent as earlier ones.
8. Due to their misgovernance and disinterest towards welfare of people, they
began to be looked down by people who lost liking for king and its rule.
9. Many local rulers and feudatories were raising their heads when they saw
weak ruler at centre.
10. When Gorkhas attacked Kumaun many local lords and people from
within the court conspired with them to defeat Chand King.
11. Gorkha system was a military rule, with strict discipline and unity of
command. They were swift and ruthless in their conduct, making their
attacks more effective.
Consequences of Gorkha rule
Gorkha Rule had disastrous consequences for Kumaun and Garhwal. They
not only destroyed Chand and Panwar dynesties but also their major forts.
They treated people especially those placed at higher places and upper castes
with disrespect and contempt, killed many of them and made large number of
women and children their slaves. Cities, homes and forts of rulers and
common man were looted and assets were transported to Nepal. For the first
time, they introduced slave trade and sold women, children and men in Nepal
and at Haridwar.Gold, copper, silver, livestock, foodgrain etc was looted and
transported to Nepal using slaves. Unlike other Hindu rulers of the time they
had no respect for Brahmins of Kumaun except Pandey and Upadhyay who
were their kul purohit in Nepal. King ruled from Nepal through governor who
used to be the military commander.The innumearable sufferings of people of
Uttarakhand during this period are called Gorkhyani.
Gorkha Administration: Earlier existing system of governance including
Mantri Parishad, Panchayat etc. were abolished from Kumaun as well as
Garhwal. Jagirdari was abolished. They continued the offices of Fauzdar,
Kamin, Sayana, Padhan, and Daftari. Kamins and Sayanas were the main
revenue officials. The region was directly administered from Nepal. With few
exceptions, only Gorkhas were apoointed at high places.
1. It was a military rule headed by military commander.
2. King ruled from Nepal through Governor called Subba.
3. They did not copy Chand administration and established their own system,
though some of the earlier designations continued to be used.
4. They completely overhauled taxation and revenue system.
5. They introduced and used three tools of exploitation namely slavery, taxes
and begar.
6. They ruled over Kumaun and Garhwal with an iron hand and lost no
opportunity to suppress people and humiliate upper sections of society.
7. Socially Gorkhas were looked down by people of Kumaun and Garhwal, it
is said they took revenge for this.
8. Highly placed sections of society and to some extent common people fled
their homes and villages whenever Gorkhas used to visit these places.
Some left permanently to Tarai and other areas.
However it is said that main targets of Gorkhas were nobles and rulers, little
changed for common man as even Chand and Parmar rulers used to be
authoritarian and sometimes exploited people.
Justice Delivery System of Gorkhas- A unique feature of Gorkhas was
their judicial system. Earlier Chand rulers used Panchayat system for justice
delivery. Gorkha rulers established a new system for this purpose. In
provinces Subba, Nayak Subba, and Military Commander used to deliver
justice. A court was established at Almora presided over by a judge called
‘Vichari’. Courts were also setup in 3 Tehsils of Srinangar, Langur and
Chandpur in Garhwal. In these courts military officials- Kardar, Jamadar,and
Amaldar were appointed to help the judge. Accused used to be asked to
pickup Harivansh.
Gorkha established a test called ‘Agni Pariksha’ to prove guilt or
innocence of an accused, which they named as ‘Divya’ to establish truth.
Three types of Divya were used.
Gola Deep- accused had to walk upto a certain distance with red hot iron
rod in hand.
Kadhai Deep- accused had to submerge his hands in hot boiling oil.
Taraju Ka Deep- accused used to be weighed against a stone. If next day
his weight increases he used to be declared innocent.
Page 5


Modern
 
Uttarakhand
 
(1790
 
AD
 
till
 
Independence)
Uttarakhand under Gorkhas.
In 1790, Kumaun and in 1804, Garhwal came under the Gorkha rule. Before
we study Gorkha administration it is important to discuss causes behind
success of Gorkhas in their struggle agains Kumaun and Garhwal Kingdoms
Expansion of Gorkha Empire- During 17
th
 and 18
th
 century Nepal was
ruled by various small principalities. By 1779, Prithvinarayan and Bahadur
Shah defeated all of them and unified Nepal under one Gorkha flag.
Meanwhile Kumaun and Garhwal were going through the phase of turmoil.
In battle of Pali village, Mohan Chand defeated Pradyman Shah(ruler of
Kumaun) and Harshdev Joshi and return to the Almora throne. After battle of
Pali, Garhwal faced internal conflict between Pradyman Shah and Parakram
Shah. After returning to power Mohan Chand imposed a new and heavy tax
named Manga, on all people including on Fartyals and Mehras. This led to
discontent among masses, who attacked Mohan Chand under the leadership
of Harshdev Joshi. Joshi gave him death penalty and Shiv Chand was made
new king. In 1789, Mahendra Chand son of Mohan Chand attacked Kumaun
with the help of Nawab of Rampur and took control of it. They punished
Joshis after winning over Almora. On one hand discontent was rising among
masses, on the other the state had become weak. Harshdev Joshi, invited
Gorkha King Bahadur Shah to attack Kumaun, and promised him all kind of
help. In January 1790, under the leadership of Kazi Jagjit Pande, Amar Singh
Thapa, and Subba Jognarayan Malla, Gorkha army attacked Kumaun. They
were supported by armies of Harshdev Joshi. Mahendra Chand defeated them
at Gangoli, but his uncle Lal Singh was defeated at Kali Kumaun. Both of
them fled to Tarai and Gorkhas captured Almora. They also attacked Garhwal
in the same year, but due to Chinese aggression in Nepal they had to witdrew.
Once again they attacked Garhwal in 1804 Garhwal also came under the
control of Gorkha rule.
Expansion in Garhwal- After capturing Kumaun Gorkhas attacked,
Garhwal. King Pradyman Shah was better prepared, thus Garhwal was
attacked from two sides- Under the leadership of Gangaram, one unit
attacked Chandpur Gadhi from Dwrahat, where Garhwal army of Lohabgadhi
defeated Gorkhas in the Battle of Benital. Another unit attacked Garhwal
Langurgadhi through Kotdwar. Here too war continued for a year and
Gorkhas were defeated. But during this period they committed many
atrocities insurrounding villages, including making people slaves and selling
many to Rohillas. Resultantly entire Salan Patti became empty, with all
people fleeing to forests. Meanwhile China attacked Nepal in 1991, and king
ordered Nepal army to return. Before returning Amar Singh Thapa somehow
reached Srinagar and entered into a treaty with Garhwal.
Meanwhile from 1790 to 1803 four significant events took place in the
region. Gorkhas and Chinese entered into a treaty of peace. Garhwal faced
internal conflict for throne between Prdyman Shaha and Parakram Shah, it
also suffered its biggest famine leading to weakening of economic and
revenue of the state. Final jolt came as a big earthquake hitting mainly
Garhwal in 1803, with around 80% of Srinagar demolished and people losing
all their house, wealth and livestock. Gorkhas find it appropriate time to
attack Garhwal. Getting the news of attack King Pradyman along with his
family fled to Khalanga in Dehradun from the Srinagar.
Battle of Khudbuda- The final battle between Gorkhas under the
leadership of Amar Singh Thapa and Garhwal armies supported by Gujar
Sardars and financed by rich people of Saharanpur was faught at Khudbuda
in Dehradun. In this battle Pradyman Shah was killed and Garhwal came
under Gorkha rule. Gorkhas distributed Jagirs to Molaram, Saklanis,
Khanduris, etc. to gain their confidence.
Reasons for victory of Gorkhas:
1. social divisions in Kumaun- every caste was subdivided into subcastes and
there was no unity among people. On the other hand despite having
different castes Gorkhas were united under the banner of Gorkha rule. It
was a military administration having discipline of command.and unity
2. During 18
th
 century Kumaun faced repeated floods and drought that made
the state weaker.
3. Economy of Kumaun perished due to misgovernance. Markets like
Dwarahat, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Almora which were flourishing
centres of trade and gave huge revenues to the state though existed but had
declined due to mismanagement.
4. Internal conflicts among nobles and loyalist of court, for example Fartyals
and Mehras were competing against each other and left no chance to put
down another, in turn they weakened the state.
5. Lack of funds to manage a large state and its administration due to decline
in trade and agriculture.
6. Frequent wars with Gorkhas, Garhwal and Rohillas weakened Kumaun
kingdom.
7. Later Kumaun kings were not as competent as earlier ones.
8. Due to their misgovernance and disinterest towards welfare of people, they
began to be looked down by people who lost liking for king and its rule.
9. Many local rulers and feudatories were raising their heads when they saw
weak ruler at centre.
10. When Gorkhas attacked Kumaun many local lords and people from
within the court conspired with them to defeat Chand King.
11. Gorkha system was a military rule, with strict discipline and unity of
command. They were swift and ruthless in their conduct, making their
attacks more effective.
Consequences of Gorkha rule
Gorkha Rule had disastrous consequences for Kumaun and Garhwal. They
not only destroyed Chand and Panwar dynesties but also their major forts.
They treated people especially those placed at higher places and upper castes
with disrespect and contempt, killed many of them and made large number of
women and children their slaves. Cities, homes and forts of rulers and
common man were looted and assets were transported to Nepal. For the first
time, they introduced slave trade and sold women, children and men in Nepal
and at Haridwar.Gold, copper, silver, livestock, foodgrain etc was looted and
transported to Nepal using slaves. Unlike other Hindu rulers of the time they
had no respect for Brahmins of Kumaun except Pandey and Upadhyay who
were their kul purohit in Nepal. King ruled from Nepal through governor who
used to be the military commander.The innumearable sufferings of people of
Uttarakhand during this period are called Gorkhyani.
Gorkha Administration: Earlier existing system of governance including
Mantri Parishad, Panchayat etc. were abolished from Kumaun as well as
Garhwal. Jagirdari was abolished. They continued the offices of Fauzdar,
Kamin, Sayana, Padhan, and Daftari. Kamins and Sayanas were the main
revenue officials. The region was directly administered from Nepal. With few
exceptions, only Gorkhas were apoointed at high places.
1. It was a military rule headed by military commander.
2. King ruled from Nepal through Governor called Subba.
3. They did not copy Chand administration and established their own system,
though some of the earlier designations continued to be used.
4. They completely overhauled taxation and revenue system.
5. They introduced and used three tools of exploitation namely slavery, taxes
and begar.
6. They ruled over Kumaun and Garhwal with an iron hand and lost no
opportunity to suppress people and humiliate upper sections of society.
7. Socially Gorkhas were looked down by people of Kumaun and Garhwal, it
is said they took revenge for this.
8. Highly placed sections of society and to some extent common people fled
their homes and villages whenever Gorkhas used to visit these places.
Some left permanently to Tarai and other areas.
However it is said that main targets of Gorkhas were nobles and rulers, little
changed for common man as even Chand and Parmar rulers used to be
authoritarian and sometimes exploited people.
Justice Delivery System of Gorkhas- A unique feature of Gorkhas was
their judicial system. Earlier Chand rulers used Panchayat system for justice
delivery. Gorkha rulers established a new system for this purpose. In
provinces Subba, Nayak Subba, and Military Commander used to deliver
justice. A court was established at Almora presided over by a judge called
‘Vichari’. Courts were also setup in 3 Tehsils of Srinangar, Langur and
Chandpur in Garhwal. In these courts military officials- Kardar, Jamadar,and
Amaldar were appointed to help the judge. Accused used to be asked to
pickup Harivansh.
Gorkha established a test called ‘Agni Pariksha’ to prove guilt or
innocence of an accused, which they named as ‘Divya’ to establish truth.
Three types of Divya were used.
Gola Deep- accused had to walk upto a certain distance with red hot iron
rod in hand.
Kadhai Deep- accused had to submerge his hands in hot boiling oil.
Taraju Ka Deep- accused used to be weighed against a stone. If next day
his weight increases he used to be declared innocent.
Similarly other systems including Teer Ka Deep, thowing people into
ponds, poisoning, keeping soil in case of land disputes, cash in case of money
matters in temple were setup. The system was highly illogical, irrational and
based on the mercy of individual. Principles of justice was lost all together.
Gorkha Bandobast- In Kumaun, Gorkhas established a new system of
land management and revenue system called Gorkha Bandobast. It was
founded by Subba Jogabhal in 1791-92. Under this revenue was fixed for
each village. Revenue rate fixed by the state was collected from each adult,
family and village. Manga or Pall Tax, fixed at Rs. one perindividual,
Gharahi Pichhahi fixed at Rs. two per family, Gaon Kar, fixed at Rs. one
per 20 Nali land, Subangi Dastur one ruppe, Mejabani Dastur, 2.5 Ana
were the village taxes. Kamin used to collect this revenue from each village
and deposit it with state officials. Other taxes included- Subedar Ji Ki
Timasi, Donia, Dhiukar, Rankar, Majharo, Khani-Khapini etc. In
Garhwal first settelement was carried out in 1804, with military functionaries
appointed as tax officials. Revenue was fixed not on the basis of land
productivity, but on the basis of need of the military. Second settelement was
carried out in 1811-12, in which quality of land was considered in fixing
revenue. Goonth system established by earlier ruler, under which some
villages were placed at the disposal of temples, continued during Gorkha rule.
Gorkha Revenue System- To keep resources coming for military
administration, Gorkhas established many types of taxes to be collected by
Kamins, Sayanas and military commanders. They included- Pugangdi or
Pugangdi (Land Revenue)- land revenue was increased many fold. It was the
main source of income. Salami- Nazrana for high officials. Maukar – in
Kumaun prevalent as Ghirahi Pichadi and in Garhwal Maukar, was tax on a
family. Gheekar- On milch animals. Mijhari- Tax on Shilpkars and on their
small industries. Tadangkar- Tax on looms and smiths, including on Kolis
and textile handlooms. Saunyafagun- Taxes for the fairs and festivals
celebrated by Gorkha rulers and officials. Cash, Kind apart from buffalo and
goats wee to be presented under this.
Kushahi- A new tax was imposed on Brahmins, mainly involved in politics
and placed at high places in 1797, when Bamshah and Rudrashah were
appointed as Governors of Kumaun at the rate of Five rupees per Jyula (6 to
13 acre).
Narshahi Mangal – In 1793, Nayak Ramdutt was appointed as King,