History - Assaults on Kirtipur

Kirtipur Booklet

History - First Assault on Kirtipur

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In 1757, the Gorkhalis, under King Prithvi Narayan Shah's command, set their sights on conquering Kirtipur as part of their campaign to unify Nepal. They established a strategic base in Dahachowk, where they stockpiled weapons and prepared for the assault. Determined to defend their city, the people of Kirtipur, led by the valiant Kaji Danwant, organized their defenses with unwavering resolve.


The battle took place at Tyangla Phant, located northwest of Kirtipur. The Newar defenders fought fiercely against the invading Gorkhalis, using their deep knowledge of the terrain to their advantage. The clash was brutal and unrelenting, with heavy casualties on both sides. Despite their efforts, the Gorkhalis suffered a crushing defeat. The legendary Gorkha commander, Kalu Pande, was killed in action, dealing a severe blow to the morale of the Gorkhali forces.


King Prithvi Narayan Shah himself narrowly escaped death. To avoid capture, he disguised himself as a wandering saint and fled the battlefield. This defeat marked a significant setback for the Gorkhalis and underscored the indomitable spirit of Kirtipur's defenders.


History - Second Assault on Kirtipur

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Refusing to concede defeat, King Prithvi Narayan Shah regrouped his forces and devised a new strategy to capture Kirtipur. Recognizing the strength of the city's defenses, he implemented a blockade in 1754 to cut off food and supplies from entering the city. The Gorkhalis patrolled the surrounding roads, intercepting and punishing anyone attempting to bring essential goods such as salt or cotton into Kirtipur.


Despite facing starvation and immense pressure, the people of Kirtipur displayed remarkable resilience. King Shah launched a second direct assault on the city, this time led by his brother, Suraparatna. The battle was fierce, with both sides sustaining heavy losses. During the fight, Suraparatna was gravely wounded when an arrow struck his right eye, forcing the Gorkhalis to retreat once again. Despite the suffering caused by the blockade, Kirtipur's defenders held their ground, refusing to surrender.


History - Third Assault on Kirtipur

In 1767, after years of preparation and recovery, King Prithvi Narayan Shah launched a third and final assault on Kirtipur. This time, the stakes were higher as the city had formed alliances with the neighboring kingdoms of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur. The united forces sought to protect Kirtipur from the relentless Gorkhalis.


Despite their combined efforts, betrayal from within proved to be Kirtipur's undoing. A man named Danuvanta from Lalitpur secretly facilitated the entry of Gorkhali troops into the city. This act of treachery led to the fall of Kirtipur, marking a pivotal moment in the Gorkhalis' campaign for unification.


Following the capture of Kirtipur, King Prithvi Narayan Shah issued a ruthless decree. To send a chilling message of his power, he ordered the mutilation of the local population by cutting off the ears and noses of its residents. This brutal punishment left a lasting scar on the people of Kirtipur but also solidified the Gorkhalis' dominance in the region.


The three assaults on Kirtipur remain a poignant chapter in Nepal's history, symbolising the city's courage, resilience, and ultimate sacrifice in the face of conquest.

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