Damodar Pandey

Introduction to Damodar Pandey

Kazi Damodar Pandey was born in 1751 in Gorkha and acted as a Kajiin Nepal’s unification during the reign of Prithvi Narayan Shah. He served as Commander-in-Chief and Prime Minister as the son of Kaji Kalu Pande.

He extended Nepal’s border and fought against the Baise and Chaubise Kingdoms. He also overthrew King Mohansingh of Kumaon and fought in the Nepal-Tibet War, and was appointed Chief Minister.

However, he was accused of being responsible for the Nepal-India trade agreement and died tragically in 1803 A.D. at the age of 52.

Life of Damodar Pandey

Kazi Damodar Pandey was born into a family of eight sons of Kalu Pandey. His six brothers were Lalitbam, Randal, Ranjang, Karveer, Jangkeshar, and Rankeshar Pandey.

He was born during the reign of Prithvi Narayan Shah. He is said to have been skilled in fighting, foreign relations, and political maneuvers. His eldest Brother, Bansaraj Pande had also become the Kazi after the death of Kalu Pandey.

Kazi Damodar Pandey served Nepal as the Commander-in-Chief and Prime Minister under Prithvi Narayan Shah from 1803 A.D. He extended Nepal’s border to the Mahakali River, and Bahadur Shah made him the chief commander of the Gorkhali army to fight against the Baise and Chaubise Kingdoms.

In 1786 A.D., he was sent to fight against the Chaubis kings across the river Kali. With the help of Harshadev Joshi, the royal family of Kumaon, he overthrew King Mohansingh of Kumaon.

Damodar Pandey reached Kumaon and returned to Nepal after which he was sent to Attack Tibet during the Nepal-Tibet War. He fought a war with the Chinese army that came to help Tibet.

After Bahadur Shah was removed from the throne, Rana Bahadur Shah made Damodar Pandey one of the Four Kazi of Nepal under the chief command of Kirtiman Singh Basnet. He was even entrusted with Foreign Affairs.

However, Rana Bahadur Shah never concentrated on the Administration of Nepal. He was more engaged with his Widow turned Wife Kantivati. Damodar Pandey and Kirtiman Singh Basnet were tired of this behavior and conspired against The King. He abdicated the Infant King Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah to Nuwakot.

They were accompanied by Queen Suvarnaprabha as well. After that, they started running the administration of Nepal from that area. There was a situation of Dual-Administration and Rana Bahadur Shah exiled himself to India in fear.

However, the Alleged Love Affair of Kirtiman Singh Basnet and Queen Suvarnaprabha was publicized and Kirtiman Singh Basnet was assassinated. Bakhtawar Singh Basnet was made Kazi after that. Consequently, Rana Bahadur Shah returned to Nepal and confronted Damodar Pandey in Thankot.

Kazi Damodar Pandey was accused of being responsible for the Nepal-India trade agreement and the commercial treaty concluded in 1801 A.D. Then, Rana Bahadur Shah returned to Nepal after his exile. But, he was angry with Damodar Pandey.

To justify the signing of the Commercial Treaty, he ran to Thankot. However, Rana Bahadur Shah didn’t accept the apology. He died tragically at the age of 52, along with his eldest son Lalitavam and some Bhardars. He died in 1803 A.D.

Conclusion

The Murder and Execution of Damodar Pandey have been condemned as a hasty and emotionally driven Action by many analysts and Historians. He was an expert diplomat and an ideal Kazi of Nepal. He has remained an underrated Figure in the History in Nepal.

References