Bansaraj Pandey

Introduction to Bansaraj Pandey

Kazi Bansaraj Pandey was the son of the great Kaji Kalu Pandey and assisted in the Unification of Nepal. He fought heroically in the conquest of Makwanpur, Timal, Sindhuli, etc. He was also loyal to the Youngest Son of Prithvi Narayan Shah, Bahadur Shah. He was brutally beheaded by Rajendra Laxmi Shah.

Life of Bansaraj Pandey

Kazi Bansaraj Pandey was the oldest son of Kalu Pandey, who raised him and his two younger siblings, and was born in Gorkha in 1739 A.D. According to Marwat’s method, his schooling was overseen by Prithvi Narayan Shah. He grew up with the Basnet Family including Abhiman Singh Basnet. He also became friends with Deelmardan Shah, the Prince of Lamjung.

His rise was the result of the death of Kalu Pandey. Kalu Pandey attained martyrdom at the first attempt of the Conquest of Kirtipur in 1857 A.D. Then, Bansaraj Pandey at the age of 18 years old became the Kazi of Gorkha.

As per the Tradition set by King Ram Shah, the post of Father must be given to the eldest Son. This Tradition passed down as “Bido” was transferred to him. During his reign as the Kazi of Gorkha, he defeated the War against Makwanpur, Timal, Sindhuli, Kashim, Tanahu, and Lamjung.

Prithvi Narayan Shah ordered Kaji Bansaraj Pandey to capture the Western Kingdoms of Nepal in 1771 A.D., two years after the conquest of Nepal. The Army was sent under the command of the Kazi and other individuals like Prabhu Malla, Ranashur Pandey, Kehar Singh Basnet, and others. However, he was suffering and had difficulty defeating the United Alliance of Lamjung, among other things.

Bansaraj Pandey’s army began to battle the Chaubise Kingdoms of Western Nepal. However, the Chaubise Kingdoms forged a hazardous alliance, and they battled to win and eventually succumbed to the Chaubise Kingdoms.

They were detained and punished in Nepal when his troops arrived in the Kathmandu Valley. They were eventually set free in 1776 A.D. Bahadur Shah and Bansaraj Pandey were also banished after the death of King Pratap Singh Shah. He was sent back to Kashi.

He was imprisoned during the regency of Rajendra Rajya Laxmi in 1783 A.D. He was killed in 1785 A.D., at the age of 46, for being a follower of Bahadur Shah. After the death of Bansaraj Pandey, it is reported that Bahadur Shah was heartbroken and sobbed a lot.

Kazi Bansaraj Pandey was a brave Friend of Bahadur Shah. He was assassinated on false allegations. He fought valiantly against the British at Sindhuli and the Malla monarchs at Kantipur and Bhaktapur. Following the victory at Bhaktapur, he was named king of Balambu.

However, it was a huge error to execute Kazi Bansaraj Pandey, the Chief Minister during Pratap Singh Shah’s tenure.

Conclusion

Kazi Bansaraj Pandey was a Patriot, Loyal Soldier, and creator of Great Nepal. He served Nepal and the Shah kings as a minister for 11 years during the reign of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. He also carried on the heritage of his father Kalu Pande and his grandfather Ganesh Pande.

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