Daudaha

Introduction to Daudaha

Daudaha was a temporary Accountability Tribunal during the Rana Regime. It traveled throughout Nepal and guaranteed that Law and Order were being maintained throughout Nepal.

There were two general types of daudaha in Nepal: The first type was a regular one that conducted periodic surveys, whereas the second type was a special one launched in times of necessity and emergencies.

This Special Tribunal was managed by Muluki Bandobasta Office and regulated by The Ranas themselves through Commander In Chief and Hajuriya General.

Procedure of Daudaha

Step 1: Planning

The Daudaha Procedure was a scheduled occurrence. First, the Logistics and Mapping of the Daudaha Court was designated.

Step 2: Travel

After the planning was completed, the Travel would continue under a Specialized Rana Chief. The Rana Chief belonged to the Ruling Rana Family. He was the mouthpiece of the Ranas.

Step 3: Gathering Complaints

Thenafter, the Rana Chief along with his assistants gathered complaints from the common populace of the districts and villages.

Step 4: Recording Complaints

If someone had a complaint, they were required to document it and give it to the Daudaha Chief. As an alternative, people may voice their objections verbally, and the Lekhandas would see to it that the grievance was documented.

Step 5: Investigation and Justice

After the complaint was gathered and lodges, Formal Proceedings always begun against the Accused and the evidence was weighted for a Decision.

Functions and Duties of Daudaha

Administration and Law Enforcement

The Daudaha was expected to regulate and cross check the Administrative and Legal Connundrums of the District. They had to make decision by enforcing laws passed down by the Government before their travel.

They were supposed act as an intermediate body between the people and the Government. Further, they could arrest, prosecute and punish individiuals that violated standards laws and norms.

Revenue Collection and Management

The Officials of Daudaha had to collect taxes, fees, and other revenues from the people. They had to cross check on whether the mode and means of Revenue Collectio was accountable and if the Rana’s were facing loss.

Disaster Management

It was also dispatched when Disaster or Large Scale Calamities happened and affected Nepal and its corresponding regions.

Intelligence Gathering

Daudaha also was well versed in gathering intelligence about the activities of the people in the district. Their Purpose was to observed Anti-Rana and Suspicious Activities and seize those individuals for investigation.

Conclusion

Daudaha was a Pre-Planned and Organized Raid/Event which later transformed into a Mobile Court led by the King himself. In the Rana Regime, it was a mechanism of Cross-Checking and Surveillance for Revenue Collection, Law Enforcement and Intelligence.

Citation

Pokhrel, A. (2023). Daudaha – Itihasaa. Encyclopedia of Nepali History. https://itihasaa.com/ranas/daudaha/