Sardar

Introduction to Sardar

Sardar was the administrative and Military officer of Gorkha and, after that, Nepal. They were powerful officers of Nepal with respectable power and authority, which included leading the army, preparing for defense, and administering over small areas.

Sardar was given Military as well as Administrative Responsibilities by the Shah Kings. They weren’t as Powerful as a Kaji. They were appointed from the Aristocratic and Noble Families of Nepal.

Functions of Sardar

Defense

Sardar was administrative and Military personnel of Nepal. They had multiple functions that ranged from participation in War to Judicial Administration. Primarily, they had to stay in important Forts and other Defensive Regions to guarantee Fortifications.

Forts were instrumental during the Unification of Nepal as it was substantive in ensuring the prevention of Retaliation and Defiance. Therefore, Sardars were kept in Important Forts and Places including Kumaon, Nuwakot, Gorkha etc.

War

Gorkha was under constant warfare during the reign of Prithvi Narayan Shah, Pratap Singh Shah, and Rana Bahadur Shah.

They had to conquer Nuwakot, Kirtipur, Makwanpur, Eastern Nepal, Western Nepal, Kumaon, Garhwal, etc. Gaining Victory in these Lands was difficult for a small hill kingdom such as Gorkha.

Therefore, multiple military men were necessary to regulate these Wars and Campaigns. More than 10 Sardars were present throughout Nepal in both the East and the West.

Administration

After the Unification of Nepal and the end of the Period of War in Nepal, the post of Sardar was transitioned from Military to Administrative. They were responsible for running the large administrative regions of Nepal.

Important Men such as Amar Singh Thapa (Father of Bhimsen Thapa) were selected for the Post. Before being a Kazi, men from Noble Families were appointed to this Post.

Another Important Warrior Bhakti Thapa was also made a Sardar before his eventual death.

They had the opportunity to rule over Regions and Provinces.

Other Functions

Sardar was also an honorary Post. One of the Muslim Weapon Makers who came to Nepal as an expert was also appointed to this Post. He was provided the overall Salary of Rs 501 Per Month.

Not only that, they were also an integral part of the Judicial Administration. They had to work together with Dharmadhikari, Dittha, Bichari, Bahidar, etc. They made Amaldar work under them.

Conclusion

Sardar was a Highly respected Military and Administrative Position that assisted the Kaji and actively partook in Military and Administrative Affairs in Gorkha and Nepal. They were generally selected in a Routine Procedure from the Aristocratic Houses of Gorkha.