The Battle of Nalapani was the first major conflict of the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816), fought between the British East India Company and Nepal, then ruled by the House of Gorkha. This battle, fought near Dehradun, became legendary due to the extraordinary bravery of the Gorkha soldiers under Captain Balbhadra Kunwar. Despite being heavily outnumbered, they held the Nalapani fort against British forces for over a month, leaving an indelible mark on military history.
key information about the Battle of Nalapani:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Battle Name | Battle of Nalapani |
| Date | October - November 1814 |
| Location | Nalapani Fort, near Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
| Conflict | Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816) |
| Belligerents | Gorkha Kingdom vs British East India Company |
| Gorkha Leader | Balbhadra Kunwar |
| British Leader | Major-General Robert Rollo Gillespie, later Major-General Gabriel Martindell |
| Strength (Gorkhas) | ~600 soldiers |
| Strength (British) | ~5,000 troops |
| Key Events | - British launched multiple attacks on the fort. - Gorkhas fiercely resisted despite being outnumbered. - The British cut off water supply, forcing Gorkhas to retreat. |
| Outcome | British victory, but at a heavy cost. |
| Casualties | Gorkhas: Most perished in battle or during retreat. British: Over 750 dead or wounded. |
| Legacy | - Gorkha bravery is honored in Nepal and India. - The battle is remembered as an example of resilience and heroism. - The site has a memorial in tribute to the Gorkha warriors. |
The Battle of Nalapani Anglo-Nepalese War
In 1814, under the leadership of Governor-General Francis Edward Rawdon-Hastings, the British East India Company sought to invade Nepal. The reasons included territorial expansion, securing trade routes to Tibet, and strengthening their hold over the Indian subcontinent. The British strategy involved attacking Nepal on multiple fronts, stretching from the Sutlej River in the west to the Tista River in the east. The western front, where the Battle of Nalapani took place, was led by Major-General Robert Rollo Gillespie and Colonel David Ochterlony.
The Gorkha Resistance at Nalapani
Captain Balbhadra Kunwar, a fearless Gorkha commander, led a garrison of 600 soldiers at Nalapani Fort, a strategically placed hill fortress. Knowing that defending Dehradun directly was impossible against the large British force, Balbhadra retreated to Nalapani, fortifying the fort with his troops. His force was a mix of Magar soldiers from the Purano Gorakh Battalion and fighters from Garhwal and nearby areas.
British Siege and Initial Assault
On 31 October 1814, the British, with around 5,000 troops, launched their assault on Nalapani. Major-General Gillespie, known for his previous victories in Java, expected a quick victory. However, the Gorkhas fiercely defended the fort, repelling multiple British attacks. Gillespie himself was shot and killed on the first day while rallying his troops, forcing the British to reassess their strategy.
The Final Attack and Gorkha Heroism
After suffering heavy losses in direct attacks, the British decided to cut off Nalapani’s water supply, hoping to force a surrender. After enduring three days without water, Balbhadra Kunwar, refusing to surrender, led his surviving troops in a last-ditch charge against the British. With only 70 men left, they fought bravely and managed to escape into the surrounding hills. Though the British captured the fort, it was a pyrrhic victory, as they suffered significant losses and gained immense respect for the Gorkha warriors.
Also Read - History of Gorkha rule in Uttarakhand
Aftermath and Legacy
The Battle of Nalapani demonstrated the unbreakable spirit and martial excellence of the Gorkhas. It played a crucial role in shaping British military policies, leading to the later recruitment of Gorkhas into the British Army. The battle also influenced subsequent engagements in the Anglo-Nepalese War, such as the Battle of Jaithak, where similar resistance was observed.
The Battle of Nalapani remains a testament to courage, resilience, and unwavering patriotism. The Gorkhas' heroic stand against the British invaders near Dehradun left a lasting legacy, influencing military history and fostering deep respect for Nepalese warriors worldwide. Today, Nalapani stands as a symbol of bravery, inspiring generations to remember the sacrifices made in the defense of their homeland.
Battle of Nalapani - FAQ
1. What was the Battle of Nalapani?
The Battle of Nalapani was the first major conflict of the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816) between the Gorkhas of Nepal and the British East India Company. It took place at the Nalapani Fort near Dehradun, where a small but determined Gorkha force heroically resisted the much larger British army.
2. When and where did the Battle of Nalapani take place?
The battle occurred between October and November 1814 at Nalapani Fort, located near Dehradun, in present-day Uttarakhand, India.
3. Who were the main leaders in the battle?
- Gorkha Side: Balbhadra Kunwar, a fearless commander known for his leadership and resilience.
- British Side: Major-General Robert Rollo Gillespie (who died early in the battle), later replaced by Major-General Gabriel Martindell.
4. How many soldiers fought in the Battle of Nalapani?
- Gorkhas: Around 600 warriors, including men, women, and children inside the fort.
- British: Over 5,000 troops, supported by heavy artillery.
5. Why did the British attack Nalapani?
The British aimed to expand their territory into the Himalayan region, facing strong resistance from the Gorkhas, who controlled the area. Nalapani was a strategic fort and symbolized Gorkha strength.
6. How did the Gorkhas resist despite being outnumbered?
The Gorkhas, under Balbhadra Kunwar, used superior mountain warfare tactics, strategic defense, and sheer bravery to hold off repeated British attacks. Even after suffering heavy casualties, they refused to surrender.
7. How did the British finally capture Nalapani?
After failing to breach the fort directly, the British cut off the Gorkhas' water supply, forcing them to abandon the fort due to thirst and exhaustion. Balbhadra Kunwar and his surviving soldiers broke through the British lines and retreated to safety.
Also Read - History of Chand Dynasty, Who ruled in Kumaun Uttarakhand
8. What were the casualties on both sides?
- Gorkhas: Most warriors perished in battle or during the retreat.
- British: Over 750 soldiers were killed or wounded, marking a heavy loss despite their victory.
9. What is the significance of the Battle of Nalapani?
- Showcased the unmatched bravery of the Gorkhas, earning them deep respect from both friends and foes.
- Led to the eventual signing of the Sugauli Treaty (1816), which defined Nepal’s modern borders.
- Inspired the recruitment of Gorkhas into the British and Indian armies, where they are still honored for their valor.
10. Is there any memorial for the Battle of Nalapani?
Yes, a memorial stands near Dehradun in honor of the Gorkha warriors who fought at Nalapani. The battle is remembered in Nepal and India as a symbol of courage and sacrifice.