Weapons Management in the Nepali Army During Unification of Nepal and Rana Regime (1743-1951 A.D.)

Abstract

Background: During Nepal’s unification (1743–1768), Prithvi Narayan Shah collected local weapons and imported modern arms from Banaras. Under the Rana regime (1846–1951), domestic production expanded, with arsenals established in Kathmandu and other districts. Soldiers returning from the World Wars and British officials visiting the Tarai also contributed to the army’s weapon supply.

Methods: This article uses descriptive and analytical methods, presenting events chronologically and analyzing their outcomes. It is based on published secondary sources, including books, articles, and documents. Dates in Bikram Sambat (B.S.) are noted as Nepali, while others are in the Gregorian calendar.

Results: During unification, weapons were sourced internally and from Banaras. The British Indian government occasionally provided arms as assistance. During the Rana period, modern automatic rifles were manufactured domestically at facilities like Jamal in Kathmandu, alongside production in various districts outside the valley, helping meet army requirements.

Conclusion: Nepal’s weapon management evolved from reliance on local collection and imports during unification to increased domestic production under the Ranas, supplemented by British aid and war-returnee contributions. Arsenals at Jamal and elsewhere played a key role in sustaining military self-sufficiency.

Novelty: This paper clarifies the historical management of military arms in Nepal from 1743 to 1951 A.D., a period previously underexplored in scholarly literature.