Importance of the Battle of Makaidanda in the Context of Nepal’s Unification

Abstract

At the beginning of Queen Rajendralakshmi’s regency, powerful Chaubisi states such as Tanahun and Lamjung were conquered as part of the unification campaign. During this process,  the Kaski state was brought into alliance. Other states like Garahun, Satahun, Pallo Nuwakot, and Palpa were also subdued. As the Nepali army advanced by defeating one Chaubisi state after another, King Kirtibam Malla of Parbat realized that unless the Nepali forces were stopped, the existence of his own state and the other Chaubisi states would be threatened. He therefore gathered the defeated kings to his side, including Kaski, and prepared for war against the Nepali army. On 12 Ashadh 1841 B.S. (June/July 1784 A.D.), a major battle took place at Makaidanda, located west of Lamjung, between the Nepali forces and the combined armies of the Chaubisi states. This battle is known as the Battle of Makaidanda. Because of the scale of the conflict, the Nepali army had to mobilize troops from the states it had already conquered, which temporarily allowed those states to regain independence. However, the Nepali army emerged victorious. After this battle, the Chaubisi states realized that the Nepali forces could not be defeated. They never again formed a united army nor launched a joint attack against Nepal. From then on, each state had to defend itself individually, which made them more vulnerable. As a result, the Nepali army was able to continue its campaign of conquering the Chaubisi states one by one, advancing the unification of Nepal. This article therefore highlights the Battle of Makaidanda, its outcomes, and its significance in the broader process of Nepal’s unification.