Maharajadhiraja Prithivi Narayan Shah
Unifier of Nepal
Life of Prithvi Narayan Shah
- Early life & Education:
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Son of King Nara Bhupal Shah and Queen Kausalyavati Devi, Prithvi Narayan Shah born on the date B.S. 1779 (1723 AD). His complete care was taken by the eldest of the Queens, Chandra Pravawati. Prince Prithivi Narayan Shah showed his greatness from a very early age. His education began at the age of five through the appropriate ceremony. From a young age, he took interest in the affairs of his father's state and soon began to take on these responsibilities.
After the death of his father in 1743 AD, Prithivi Narayan Shah ascended to the throne of Gorkha at the age of 20.
- Unification of the kingdom:
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Before Prithivi Narayan Shah's unification movement, there were a total of 54 states in Nepal. After conquering other state of Nepal, he conquered Kathmandu Valley and made Kathmandu the capital of the Nepal in 1769. The foundation of the Kingdom of Nepal was thus laid. Then he turned his attention towards the east and conquered kingdoms over there.
- Famous Quote:
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"This is not the nation gained by my trifle efforts, this is the garden of all kinds of flowers, and may all be aware of this."
-- Prithvi Narayan Shah - Death & Legacy:
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In January 1775, at the age of 52, Prithvi Narayan Shah died at Devighat, Nuwakot on his birthday. Upon his death, his son, Pratap Singh Shah, succeeded him and his unification campaign was continued by his younger son, Bahadur Shah.