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Nivedita Dash
Nivedita Dash is an Assistant News Editor at India.com, where she leads a dynamic editorial team and oversees the platform’s daily news operations. With over 15 years of experience in Digital and Pr ... Read More
The Mughals extended their empire over India and its surrounding areas for 300 years. Babur laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India and it expanded rapidly under the rule of Akbar. After this, the Mughal Empire flourished during the reign of Aurangzeb. The Mughal army captured all the areas around India. The Mughal fighters would either defeat the opposing army or force the king to compromise.
From Kabul to Kaveri valley, from Gujarat to Bengal, the Mughals had control. However, there was a country in India’s neighbourhood which the Mughals could not muster the courage to capture. Not only this, the British also had to face defeat.
The Mughals were never able to muster the strength to capture Nepal. It is not that the Mughals never thought of it, but the geographical conditions there were the biggest obstacle for them. On one hand, 8 of the 10 highest peaks of the world are in Nepal and on the other hand, the elephants, horses and camels in the army were a big problem in such a situation.
The high peaks and hills of Nepal acted as a strong natural fortress for it. Being a hilly area, horses, camels and elephants, which were considered the strength of the Mughal army, could become its weakness.
It was not easy for the Mughal soldiers to bear the cold of Nepal. Earlier also, whoever raised his eyes towards Nepal, had to face defeat in the war due to such problems. The brave Gurkhas drove them away.
The British also tried to capture Nepal and tried very hard, but still they were unsuccessful in annexing Nepal to their side. Not only this, they even made some special agreements with the Nepalese ruler.
In 1814, a fierce war took place between the British and the Nepalese. Due to geographical conditions, the British were taking more time in this war than they had thought. Apart from this, the Gorkhas had made the situation of the British very bad in this war. Ultimately, the British showed wisdom in entering into a treaty.
