Ganesh Pande

Introduction to Ganesh Pande

Kazi Ganesh Pande is the Patriarch of the Pande Family and the First Kaji of Gorkha who helped Drabya Shah establish his reign over Gorkha. He served as the Kaji to the Four Shah Kings of Gorkha.

Early Life and Career

Kazi Ganesh Pande was born in 1596 in Palpa state. His father was a minister in Manimukund Sen’s Palpa kingdom and had migrated from Kumaon. After Palpa state was divided, Ganesh Pande moved to Gorkha and settled there.

He became disillusioned with the misrule of the Khadka king in Gorkha and united the people of Cha Thar Ghar to overthrow him. With his wisdom, he conquered Liligkot, Talokot, Majhkot, and Upallokot of Gorkha and established Lamjung Prince Drabya Shah as the king.

He was the mastermind in installing Drabya Shah on the throne. He had the support of several individuals, including Narayanadas Arjyal, Bhagirath Pant, Sarveshwar Khanal, Gangaram Rana, Keshav Bohora, Murali, Khawas, and Gajanananda Bhattarai.

Together, they removed the Khadka Magar Raja of Gorkha and established a kingdom of rulers.

Ganesh Pande was the chief minister throughout the reign of Dravya Shah and remained in this position even after the king’s death. He served as the chief minister to Purna Shah, Chhatra Shah, and Ram Shah. During the reign of Ram Shah, the Gorkha kingdom could not expand without defeating the Ghale Surtan of Salyan.

Ganesh Pande led the Gorkhali army but was forced to flee after the army’s escape. He was left alone and was killed along with all the Ghales. Despite this, he is considered the founder of the Gorkha state.

Drabya Shah

Drabya Shah founded the Gorkha Kingdom and the Shah Dynasty in 1558 A.D. He was the younger son of Yasobikram Shah and the brother of Narahari Shah. He ruled the Kingdom of Gorkha for 11 years until his eventual death. After him, his son Purna Shah became the King of Gorkha.

He established Cha Thar Ghar, the conglomerate of Gorkha’s six dominant houses. He formed a Royal Council consisting of six families. He also had conflicts with his elder brother, Narahari Shah, the King of Lamjung.

Purna Shah

Purna Shah was the King of the Gorkha Kingdom from 1569 A.D. to 1604 A.D. During his reign, he extended the kingdom, improved ties with neighbouring powers, and repulsed invasions from the Kingdom of Lamjung.

He was subjected to a blockade by the Barpak Kingdom, but he was able to break it with the assistance of the Tanahu Kingdom.

He attempted to extend the kingdom further by attacking Dhading and Salyan. Although he failed against Salyan, he did defeat and seize control of certain sections of Dhading, completing the Gorkha Kingdom’s First Unification.

Chatra Shah

Chatra Shah was the grandson of Drabya Shah and the King of Gorkha for a year in 1605 AD. During his short reign, he did not expand the kingdom much. He did attempt to conquer the Barpak Kingdom.

He defeated the King of Barpak and planned to attack Kathmandu Valley, but he died before it could happen. His death led to the crowning of Ram Shah, one of the most famous kings of the Shah Dynasty.

Ram Shah

Ram Shah was among the Greatest Kings of Gorkha who expanded the boundaries of his kingdom and carried out administrative, economic, religious, and judicial reforms.

He was born in 1586 A.D. and became the king of Gorkha after the premature death of his brother Chatra Shah. He is famously known for “26 Thithis,” a set of rules and regulations he established.

Legacy

Ganesh Pande died in the War of 1663 B.S. at 67 years Old. The children of Ganesh Pande are as follows: Sardar Haricharan Pande, Vishwadatta Pande, and Virudatta Pande.

Bhimraj Pande, son of Jagatloka Pande and grandson of Virudatta, was popular during the reign of King Prithvipati Shah. From 1773 to 1800, when Shri 5 Narbhupal Shah was the king of Gorkha, Bhimraj Pande served as a Kazi of Gorkha at 30/32 years old. Kalu Pande also became the Prime Minister to Prithvi Narayan Shah. Later Bansaraj Pande, Damodar Pande and Rana Jung Pande also became Powerful Courtiers of Nepal.

Conclusion

Kazi Ganesh Pande, although less known, was the pioneering Figure behind establishing Drabya Shah behind the Throne of Gorkha.

References