Chautariya

Introduction of Chautariya

Chautariya was a high-ranking official in the administration of the Gorkha state in Nepal. There was just one Chautariya at first, but as time went on, more of them appeared. They became the Chief Administrators after the King and the Royal Family. In fact, they were the Primary Advisors of the King. They were originally selected from the Relatives of the King.

Chautariyas was later appointed as Hakim of Strategic Areas and Forts with 400 to 1000 soldiers under their command. They were seen as a channel of communication for the King during the War and collaborated closely with him in matters of government.

Chautariyas were considered the Deputy Prime Minister or Senior Minister. The Chautariyas held the position of Jetha Chautariya and Kanchha Chautariya.

The position of Chautariya was often given to the king’s brother or cousin. There were also traditions of having Khambu or Limbu Chautariyas in East Kiranta’s Thakurai.

After Bhimsen Thapa became Mukhtiyar, the level of Chautarias is seen to decline. The importance of Chautariyas decreased, and the Mukhtiyar gained more control. However, some Chautariyas, such as Fatte Jang Shah of Kotparva, continued to hold administrative positions. After the rise of Jung Bahadur, it wasn’t used often.

The Position of Chautariya was amongst the Highest Posts in the Administration of Nepal. They were also the close Cousins of the Royal Family.

Functions of Chautariya

Co-Operation with King

They assisted in the administration of the Nepal and cooperated with the King with intimate ties.

Amongst other responsibilities, they had act as a communication channel between the grassroots level and the Kazi. Kazi were the Political Advisor of Gorkha. They were in charge of communicating administrative issues that came from the bottom up.

They had the privilege of offering counsel on a range of topics, such as foreign policy, military planning, and state affairs.

The Chautariyas were the Right Hand Men of the King in every facet of the Nepalese Administration.

Provincial Administration

During the pre-modern era in Nepal, the Chautarias could also be appointed as Governors of multiple regions such as Doti, Jumla, Dailekh, Palpa, and Salyan.

On behalf of the federal government, they were also in charge of tax and revenue collection. This was a difficult assignment since tax collection sometimes resulted in disputes with influential local landowners and aristocrats who refused to pay their fair share.

Additionally, they were supposed to stay in regular contact with the Nepalese government and notify higher authorities when deemed necessary.

Emergency and War

Chautarias was in charge of a certain number of men during wartime, and it was their duty to make sure the soldiers were prepared for combat, well-trained, and equipped.

It was expected of Chautarias to lead his army into combat and engage in valiant combat with them. Chautarias would maintain a continual connection with the reigning king and other Chautarias throughout the conflict.

Conclusion

Chautariya was the Right Hand Man and the Closest Political Advisor of the King in Gorkha. After the Unification of Nepal, the position evolved and they were engaged in Military Campaigns and Administration of Regional Areas. They could collect Taxes, Uphold Law and follow the command of the King.