Prithvi Narayan Shah (1723-1775) was the first King of unified Nepal and the founder of the Shah dynasty, which ruled the country until the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. He was born on January 11, 1723, in Gorkha, which is now part of modern-day Nepal.
Here is a brief biography of Prithvi Narayan Shah:
1. Early Life and Background: Prithvi Narayan Shah was born to King Nara Bhupal Shah and Queen Kaushalyavati Devi. He belonged to the Shah dynasty, a noble family in the region of Gorkha. During his early years, he received education and military training.2. Unification of Nepal: Prithvi Narayan Shah ascended to the throne of Gorkha at the age of 20, following the death of his father in 1743. He set out on a mission to unify the small, fragmented kingdoms and principalities in the region to form a single, strong nation. Over several years, through strategic military campaigns and diplomatic efforts, he successfully brought many regions under his control.
3. Military Campaigns: Prithvi Narayan Shah is renowned for his military campaigns and conquests, which laid the foundation for a unified Nepal. He captured various smaller kingdoms and merged them into a larger territory under his rule. Notable conquests include the Kathmandu Valley, Kaski, and Tanahun.
4. Kathmandu Valley Conquest: In 1768, Prithvi Narayan Shah led a decisive invasion of the Kathmandu Valley, which was a significant stronghold. He defeated the Malla kings and established Kathmandu as the capital of his newly unified kingdom.
5. Legacy and Reign: After successfully unifying a large part of the Himalayan region, Prithvi Narayan Shah was crowned as the first King of Nepal in 1769. He ruled over the unified kingdom until his death in 1775. His reign marked the beginning of the Shah dynasty's rule over Nepal.
6. Contributions and Policies: Prithvi Narayan Shah is credited with implementing various policies to consolidate the nation, such as promoting a sense of national identity, economic reforms, and a unified administrative system. He also encouraged the use of Nepali language and culture to foster unity among the diverse ethnic and linguistic groups.
7. Personal Life and Family: Prithvi Narayan Shah had several queens and children, including his heir, King Pratap Singh Shah.
Prithvi Narayan Shah's vision and efforts laid the foundation for modern Nepal, establishing a unified nation from the diverse ethnic, linguistic, and cultural groups that existed in the region at that time. His legacy is celebrated in Nepal, and he is often referred to as the "Father of the Nation."