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Anglo-Nepalese War | Treaty of Sugauli

Anglo-Nepalese War- Relevance for UPSC Exam

GS Paper 1: Indian History- Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

Gorkhas established their control in the Nepal region in 1760 and from 1767 they started expanding their sphere of dominance to surrounding areas as well.
It was easy for them to expand their territorial control in the southern part of Nepal (that is Indian Territories) as the northern parts were controlled by the Chinese.
In this context, the British Aspirations to enhance their territorial might in the north, bringing them face to face with the Gorkhas of Nepal.

Economic Aspirations of the British: They wanted trade relations with the Tibet region. For this, the Rulers of the Kingdom of Nepal had to grant passage for the British which was declined by Gorkhas.
- Gorkhas were against the idea of opening their country for foreigners.
Immediate Cause: The border dispute between India and Nepal provided the spark for the Anglo-Nepalese war 1814-16.
- The British Annexed the Gorakhpur region in 1801 and also acquired lands from the Nawab of Oudh which brought English face to Face with the Kingdom of Nepal.
- As the India-Nepal border was not clearly defined, a conflict between them was inevitable.

Bhimsen Thapa, the Ruler of the Kingdom of Nepal captured the Terai of Butwal and Sheoraj, angering then British Governor-General Lord Hastings (1813-23).
In 1814, Governor-General Lord Hastings sent the British Army to invade Nepal, marking the beginning of the Anglo-Nepalese war of 1814-16.
The Anglo-Nepalese war continued for two years and many battles were fought in between. A few important battles of the Anglo-Nepalese war are listed below-
- The Battle of Nalapani
- The Battle of Jaithak
- The Battle of Malaon
In the Battle of Malaon in 1816, the Nepali Military Commander in Chief Amar Singh Thapa who was leading the Gorkha Army died in the battle.
This led to the defeat of Gorkhas in the Anglo-Nepalese war which was concluded with the signing of the treaty of Sugauli in 1816.

Loss of Territory: Gurkhas lost Sikkim, the territories of Kumaon and Garhwal, and most of the lands of the Tarai to the British East India Company.
- In return, the British East India Company promised to pay 200,000 rupees annually to compensate for the loss of income from the Tarai region.
Increased British Influence in Nepal:
- Nepal accepted a British Resident in its Capital.
- Nepal war barred from employing any European to its service without prior permission from the British.
Loyal Supporter: Gorkhas were allowed to get recruited in the British Army. With this Gorkhas became a loyal ally of the Britishers in India and helped them dominate over India.

shivam