By the late 1700’s, the Three Kingdoms of Nepal, (Kathmandu, Bhadgaon and Patan) had been conquered by the House of Gorkha, originally a small hill state. During the ensuing years, infant kings came to power, controlled by scheming regents, the business of the court was intrigue and power play, and the military was given a free reign as long as it left the court alone.
Expansionist moves made by the military led to the Anglo-Nepalese War from 1814 to 1816, and the British victory left Nepal with less territory and permanent boundaries. In 1846, Jang Bahadur became the prime minister of Nepal, wielding enough power to be called “dictator” by history. A few of the details of how he maneuvered into that powerful position remain somewhat of a mystery, though the actual event is well known. The Kot Massacre removed many of Jang Bahadur’s enemies and competitors and cleared the way for his ascension to power.
The Kot Massacre
The following is a brief explanation of how the events leading up to and during the Massacre unfolded.
In 1843, Mathbar Singh became the prime minister of Nepal, and gave his support to the heir apparent, Crown Prince Surendra, son of King Rajendra. At that time, real power in Nepal lay in the hands of Queen Lakshmidevi, King Rajendra’s junior queen. Queen Lakshmidevi, of course, had high hopes for her own son and hoped to see him claim the throne in time. Mathbar Singh’s support of Surendra made him a powerful and dangerous enemy in the person of the queen. On May 17, 1845 he was assassinated, and though no proof exists, it is widely believed he was killed by order of the queen.
Intrigue and infighting increased after this, and a former prime minister, Fateh Jang Chautaria, found himself once again in his old position. Military leaders also scrabbled for power, and in the hands of a man named Gagan Singh lay quite a bit of the real power in Nepal. He was a favorite of Queen Lakshmidevi and controlled seven army regiments. The prime minister, Jang Bahadur and Abhiman Singh each controlled three army regiments. On September 14, 1846, Gagan Singh was assassinated while he was at prayer. Queen Lakshmidevi went into a rage.
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