Bada Hakim

Introduction of Bada Hakim

Bada Hakim was the powerful District governor during the Rana Regime. They were selected among the Ranas themselves to govern specific parts of Nepal. They had straight coordination with the Central Government of the Ranas and had to obey any orders sent by them.

They were the De-Facto rulers of the District with massive authority over the Judiciary, Law, Military, Employees, and Economy of the whole District. Nepal was comparatively large in geography but the rulers could directly rule limited parts of the Kathmandu Valley and its surroundings.

It increased the chances of Rebellion and movements of Independence among the local individuals. Therefore, a representative of the Ranas was required to control and administer these regions and integrate them into the Central Administration. This task was carried out by Bada Hakim.

Bada Hakim had hundreds of duties and responsibilities to fulfill as the Official District Administrator. They had to maintain law and order within the area and had absolute control over the Army and other Military Units.

They also had to control crimes and set up Police Stations and Prisons. They had to ensure the collection of Revenue and keep the Key with themselves etc.

Functions of Bada Hakim

Chief District Officer

Bada Hakim’s were the Chief District Officers of the Period. Primarily, they were the Supreme Authority for the District required to maintain Law and Order over the Area. They had complete control over the Army and militia. Personal weapons could not be kept without the prior approval of the district governor.

The Bada Hakims, because of the rising opposition of the Rana Regime, stationed army troops inside the Jail in case of a Revolution. Such form of Revolution could be organized through Revolts from the Local Individuals or Party Cadets.

The Bada Hakim also banned Personal Weapons in Nepal without prior approval for preventing violence.

Prisons acted as Detention Center in those days and Bada Hakim had the authority to give Punishment to those Individuals that he thought were guilty.

Revenue Collection

Revenue from the Citizens was the Chief Source of Income during the Rana Regime. The Prime Minister highly valued and trusted the Bada chiefs who were able to send more revenue. They had to send the revenue to Muluki Khana where the National Revenue was collected.

The Bada Hakim was required to provide money to the center, save costs, and raise awareness of the Revenue Submission which happened in an annual basis.

Coordination with Central Government

The Bada Hakim was required to report every district issue to the Prime Minister through the respective Commanding General or Hajuriya General. They had to report any unrest or security issues in the district, revenue collection progress, and social activities.

Conclusion

Bada Hakims were the Chief Administrative Officers that were Ranas and much Trusted by the Prime Ministers. They were the chief governing officers of a specified Areas with Supreme Authority over Military, Administrative, Judicial and Legal Matters with the consent of the Prime Minister.

Bada Hakims were appointed directly by the Prime Minister and were accountable to them. The districts of Terai and Madhesh were particularly sensitive because of the connection with India. So, they had to exercise regular vigilance in these areas.