Maharaj Adhirajkumar Chandrarup Shah was the youngest son of Prithvipati Shah[1] and Rani Kulangavati. He is known in the history of Nepal for cleverly settling power struggle in the Royal house of Gorkha between Dal Shah and Udyot Shah after the death of their older brother (Crown Prince) Birbhadra Shah. Chandrarup Shah was appointed as the Regent for his nephew Maharaj Nara Bhupal Shah

Death of Yuvaraj Birbhadra Shah

Gorkha Palace.
Gorkha Palace

Birbhadra Shah, the eldest son of Prithvipati Shah, entered matrimony with the daughter of the Raja of Tanahun, maintaining utmost discretion about her pregnancy. In a moment of heartfelt conversation, Chandrarup Shah, Birbhadra's younger brother, confided in him, 'Our bond has been profound since childhood, and I confide in you alone. My ailment appears grave, with no prospects of recovery. My queen is expecting and has sought refuge in her father's home. In the event of my departure by divine will, I implore you to inquire about the outcome of her pregnancy and lend her your unwavering support.' Birbhadra solemnly pledged to fulfill his brother's wishes with the full extent of his strength, life, and wealth. Reassuring Chandrarup that his household would be well-taken care of, Birbhadra comforted him, urging him not to dwell on the matter. Subsequent to Birbhadra's demise, Chandrarup discreetly learned that the departed queen had given birth to Nara Bhupal Shah in Tanahun.

Maharaj Narabhupal Shah

Cannon with inscription mentioning the contribution of Chandrarup Shah during the reign of King Prithivipati Shah.
Cannon with inscription mentioning the contribution of Chandrarup Shah during the reign of King Prithivipati Shah, Gorkha Palace

Maharaj Prithwipati Shah reigned over Gorkha from 1673 to 1716 A.D. Enthralled by the splendor of Malla art and architecture during his sojourn in Kathmandu, he sought to replicate its grandeur in Gorkha. Consequently, he commissioned the construction of temples dedicated to goddess Kali, Lord Pashupati, Hanuman (the Monkey god), and the footprints of the sage Gorakhnath, from whom Gorkha derived its name. Remarkably, the images of Pashupati and Hanuman mirrored those found in the Kathmandu Valley. Maharaj Prithwipati Shah's visionary contributions also extended to the establishment of the revered temple of Goddess Manakamana.[2]

Contemplating the selection of a successor,Maharaj Prithiwipati,[3] in his advanced age, faced a dilema. The loss of his eldest son without an heir raised concerns. The second son, Dal Shah, was deemed unfit due to the exclusionary factor of having only one eye. Choosing the third son, Udyot Shah, posed the ethical challenge of favoring a younger heir over an elder one. The royal council found itself divided on this crucial decision, with some advocating for the second son and others for the third, unable to reach a consensus.

In this moment of uncertainty, Chandrarup Shah approached the Raja during a private audience, proposing that the established tradition be maintained. According to this practice, not all sons of the Raja could ascend to the throne, and adherence to this precedent would resolve the current impasse

In response to Prithwipati's inquiry, Chandrarup Shah elucidated the intricate details of Birbhadra Shah's pregnant queen and the subsequent birth of Nara Bhupal Shah. Though relieved by this revelation, Prithwipati remained skeptical. Attempting to secure Nara Bhupal Shah's presence, Chandrarup dispatched a messenger, but the Raja of Tanhun, harboring ambitions of Gorkha's sovereignty through the child, obstinately refused to release him.

Undeterred, Chandrarup Shah employed a shrewd strategy, bribing the nurse and attendants of Nara Bhupal Shah. With their cooperation, he managed to bring the child to his residence in Gorkha, safeguarding him for three years. As the fourth year commenced, Chandrarup orchestrated a pivotal moment. Placing Nara Bhupal Shah on the back of a slave, he presented him before the Raja, who inquired about the boy's identity. When informed by the slave that he was the Sahib ji (heir apparent), the Raja remained silent.

During a momentous day when Nara Bhupal Shah immersed himself in a nude swim, baring his entire body to the observing Raja, a profound realization dawned upon the ruler. In an instant, the Raja recognized Nara Bhupal Shah as the incarnation of Birbhadra Shah. Seizing this pivotal moment, he ushered the young heir to the Durbar, where he ascended the gaddi with his grandson comfortably seated on his lap.

In acknowledgment of Chandrarup Shah's pivotal role in restoring the lost descendant, the Raja summoned him. Expressing gratitude and admiration, he commended Chandrarup's unwavering efforts, patting him on the back with the exclamation, 'Syabas! You have fulfilled your duty to the utmost.' The Raja went on to declare, 'Henceforth, my descendants will regard yours as their own brothers.' In a gesture of generosity, he announced, 'Your jagirs and birtas will descend to your posterity rent-free.'

After the death of Prithwi-pati, for the succession of Narbhupal Shah, there was much intrigue but because of the loyalty of Chandra Rup Shah and courtiers, he became the king without bloodshed.[4] To him was born Prithvi Narayan Shah. Prithvi Narayan Shah took his seat on the gaddi, at the age of twelve, in Saka 1644 (1742 A.D.)

Descendants

Chandrarup Shah had two sons: Vishnurup Shah and Birbaha Shah. Vishburup Shah had only one son: Jiv Shah. Jiv Shah had three sons: Sri Chautaria Prana Shah (Granted the title of Sri Chautaria 1803), Shamsher Shah, and General H.E. Sri Chautariya Pushkar Shah.[5]

General H.E. Sri Chautaria Pushkar Shah was born in 1784, educated privately. He served as the governor of Doti 1831-1837, as a special ambassador to China 1837-1838, as Mukhtiyar (prime minister) 1838-1839, and as Councilor of State 1840-1843. He died in 1841. He has four sons: Sri Chautaria Bhim Bikram Shah, Rana Bikram Shah, Colonel Sri Chautaria Bir Bikram Shah, and Colonel Ambar Bikram Shah.

Colonel Ambar Bikram Shah was killed by the Ranas for his part in the attempted coup d'état, at Teku, January 1882. His son Jabber Jung escaped from Kathmandu disguised as a Jogi with his son Amar Jung Shah Shah to a village. Jabbar Jung's mission was to organize an army to topple the regime of Ranodeep Singh Kunwar. Jabbar's daughter was married to Maharaj Bhim Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana. She gave birth to Maharaj Padma Shumsher.

References

  1. ↑ Vaidya, Tulsi Ram (1993). Prithvinarayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal. Anmol Publications. p. 98. ISBN 978-81-7041-701-9.
  2. ↑ "<<<<< Discover Nepal >>>>>". Archived from the original on 2012-04-18. Retrieved 2012-08-17.
  3. ↑ "Revisiting the History – I [Gorkha Darbar] | Featured : EverestUncensored". Archived from the original on 2011-12-12. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
  4. ↑ "<<<<< Discover Nepal >>>>>". Archived from the original on 2012-04-18. Retrieved 2012-08-17.
  5. ↑ Chautariya Puskhar Shah
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