History of Nepal “Shah dynasty”

Introduction 

The Shah Dynasty is the foundation of modern Nepal. It was Founded by the Gorkhali King Prithivi Narayan Shah. He is also known as the father of Nepal. The modern Nepal for around 449 years if we take it from the Gorkha kingdom period. King Drabya Shah is the 1st recognized king of the dynasty and his descendants the great king, Prithivi Narayan Shah, is the most powerful and influential king who united his Gorkha kingdom as Nepal and became the father figure of the dynasty. The actual origin or the history of the dynasty is sketchy with no proven evidence. There is a lot of debate about it. However the Rajput version from Chittor, Rajasthan (India) is the most convincing and recognized one. In a nutshell, Kulmandan Khand, a member of the Rajput royal dynasty from Rajasthan who had escaped to Nepal (a country in the midwestern region) to escape the Muslim invasion and atrocities, succeeded Manamth Ranaji Rao as the first king of Kaski in the late 15th century AD. After ascending to the throne, he assumed the title of Shah, which was supposedly given to him by the Baadshah of Delhi, India. Then he was succeeded by his son, Yasho Brahma Shah. Later, in 1559—actually regarded as the apex of the Shah dynasty his youngest son, Drabya Shah, overran Gorkha and assumed the throne.

Shah Dynasty Rise 

Gorkhali officials assisted Drabya Shah in defeating the Kingdom of Ligligkot. To overcome Gorkha, Ligligkot has to be defeated. The Ghales ruled over Ligligkot. Three possible ways that Drabya Shah could have defeated Ligligkot are as follows:

1. To choose the king for a year, the Ghale people of Ligligkot held a marathon race. Every year on the day of Bijaya Dashami, it takes place. During the race, Ghale were not allowed to carry any weapons. Thus, when they lacked weapons. After his brother and other courtiers requested his troops, Drabya Shah invaded Ligligkot, vanquished the Ghale, and established himself as Ligligkot's king.

2. To determine who would rule for a year, the Ghale people of Ligligkot held a marathon race. Every year on the day of Bijaya Dashami, it took place. The annual race had to be won in order to become King of Ligligkot. Drabya Shah made the decision to compete. According to some Ghales, Drabya Shah shouldn't be permitted because he wasn't a member of the Ghale Clan. With his feeble physique and pitiful legs, Drabya can never prevail, according to the stronger Ghale. Everyone was shocked when Drabya emerged victorious and assumed the throne of Ligligkot.

3.  In order to protect the Kingdom of Gorkha, Drabya Shah had to defeat Ligligkot. To choose the king for a year, the Ghale people of Ligligkot held a marathon race. Ghale’s of Ligligkot had a marathon race to decide who would be the King for one year.

He made the decision to compete. Drabya Shah was witty and quick-witted. According to the account, the Ghale family was also quite obstinate. Thus, Drabya Shah gave them all local wine. The other day, the Ghales were unable to compete due to their excessive drinking. 

They were unable to maintain their balance. As a result, Drabya Shah won the race handily and was crowned King of Ligligkot. Drabya Shah sought to overthrow Gorkha and establish himself as the King of the Kingdom of Gorkha following the conquest of Ligligkot. He made two attacks on Gorkha. He lost for the first time, but he won the second time.

First Battle of Shah Dynasty 

Drabya Shah's dream was now one step closer to reality. Thus, he assaulted Gorkha from Ligligkot in 1559 A.D. Following 15 days of a brutal and bloody conflict, Drabya Shah was unable to subdue Gorkha, and the Shah Dynasty was not established there. His wishes became dreams, and his hopes became worry.

Second Battle of Shah Dynasty 

Drabya Shah was once more encouraged by a few of the courtiers. All the courtiers cooperated this time. He concealed Drabya Shah in secret, and when nightfall arrived, Drabya Shah and his army launched an attack. The Khadka King was killed by Drabya Shah.

As a result, Drabya Shah was crowned King of Gorkha at last, and the Shah Dynasty rose to prominence in Gorkha. In Gorkha, Drabya Shah's reign was prosperous but far from tranquil.

Learn about Malla dyansty

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ's)

1. Who founded the Shah Dynasty in Nepal?

The Shah Dynasty was founded by King Drabya Shah, who became the first recognized king of the Gorkha Kingdom in 1559 A.D.

2. Who is considered the "Father of Modern Nepal"?

King Prithivi Narayan Shah, a descendant of Drabya Shah, is regarded as the "Father of Modern Nepal" for uniting small kingdoms into Nepal.

3. What is the origin of the Shah Dynasty?

The Shah Dynasty is believed to have originated from the Rajput royal dynasty of Chittor, Rajasthan, India. Kulmandan Khand, a Rajput prince, is said to have migrated to Nepal to escape Muslim invasions and later assumed the title "Shah."

4. When was Drabya Shah crowned King of Gorkha?

Drabya Shah was crowned King of Gorkha in 1559 AD after winning the second battle against the Khadka King.

5. Who succeeded Kulmandan Khand in the Shah Dynasty lineage?

Kulmandan Khand was succeeded by his son, Yasho Brahma Shah, and later by Drabya Shah, who expanded the dynasty's influence.

6. How did the Shah Dynasty rise to prominence?

The Shah Dynasty rose to prominence through strategic conquests, beginning with Ligligkot and later Gorkha, under the leadership of Drabya Shah.