Nepal crisis: Nepal is going through historic unrest and protests these days. With more than 21 protestors dead, the anti government protests led by the Zen Z of Nepal has overthrown the KP Oli government in Nepal.
Amidst the debate on unemployment, corruption and democracy versus monarchy, a historical question also arises in the context of Nepal which says, when the Mughal Empire dominated the whole of North India, why could it not conquer the small country of Nepal? History and documents show that there were many geographical, political and cultural reasons behind this. Here are all the details you need to know about why the Mughals could not or did not capture the Nepal region.
Strategic reason:
Situated in the lap of the Himalayas, the high mountains, deep valleys and narrow paths of Nepal made the country a tough to break natural fortress. The real strength of the Mughal army was cavalry and heavy artillery, which would have proved ineffective in mountain warfare. On the other hand, Nepali Gorkha warriors were experts in guerrilla warfare, thereby, proving a defence for the region.
Topographical reason:
The Mughals mainly kept an eye on fertile plains and areas with trade benefits-Ganga-Yamuna Doab, Bengal, Gujarat and Deccan were much more important for them. Nepal was an area with difficult geographical conditions and limited resources, so they did not find it attractive from an economic point of view.
Political reason:
Nepal was divided into small states at that time, but in case of external attack, these states would resist together. Nepal was an important route for Tibet-India trade, so the Mughal Empire gave priority to trade rather than spoiling relations.
Story highlights:
- Nepal could not become part of Mughal empire because of various reasons.
- Strategic reason was the weakness of Mughal army, topographic reason was the terrain of Nepal.
- The question is in news due to the recent protest in Nepal.
Religious and cultural identity also kept Nepal separate. The people here were deeply attached to Hindu and Buddhist traditions, so they saw external Muslim rule as a cultural threat. At the same time, the Mughals had to constantly struggle on other fronts i.e., Afghans, Iranians and Marathas. In such a situation, a difficult and less profitable area like Nepal did not become a priority for their expansion.