No, Prithvi Narayan Shah was not Indian in terms of nationality; he was the unifier and founder of modern Nepal.
The Founder of Modern Nepal
Prithvi Narayan Shah (1723–1775) is revered as the first monarch of the unified Kingdom of Nepal. Born in Gorkha, a small principality in the Himalayan foothills, he embarked on a significant conquest campaign that brought together numerous smaller states to form the nation of Nepal as we know it today. His strategic vision and military prowess led to the establishment of the Shah Dynasty, which ruled Nepal for centuries.
Ancestral Roots and Regional Connections
While Prithvi Narayan Shah founded the nation of Nepal, his ancestry can be traced to the Rajasthani Rajputs of present-day India. The Shah dynasty claimed descent from the Sisodia Rajput clan of Mewar, a region in what is now Rajasthan, India. This lineage indicates a strong historical and cultural link to the Indian subcontinent.
It is also notable that he himself referred to Nepal as "yo than ta asali hindustana rahechha," meaning "this place is a real Hindustan." This statement reflects the shared cultural and civilizational ties across the subcontinent, where "Hindustan" was often used to describe the broader geographic and cultural region, rather than a specific nation-state as understood today.
Nationality vs. Ancestry in Historical Context
The concept of "Indian nationality" as it exists today did not apply in the 18th century, a period when the Indian subcontinent consisted of numerous independent kingdoms, empires, and princely states. Prithvi Narayan Shah lived and operated within this complex political landscape.
- Nationality: He established the Kingdom of Nepal, making him a figure synonymous with Nepalese identity. His actions were aimed at unifying and establishing an independent state separate from the prevailing powers in the Indian plains.
- Ancestry: His lineage, however, clearly points to roots in a region that is now part of modern India, specifically Rajasthan.
Here's a breakdown of his identity:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Role | Unifier and Founder of the Kingdom of Nepal |
| Nationality | Nepalese (by virtue of founding the nation) |
| Ancestry | Rajasthani Rajput (from a region now located in India) |
| Cultural Tie | Referred to Nepal as a "real Hindustan," reflecting broader South Asian cultural and geographical ties |
Legacy
Prithvi Narayan Shah's legacy is central to Nepalese history and national identity. He is celebrated for his role in creating a sovereign and unified Nepal, a nation that successfully maintained its independence even during the British Raj. His efforts laid the groundwork for modern Nepalese statehood, distinct from the historical political entities within the geographical bounds of modern India.
