Anglo-Nepalese Relations in the Nineteenth Century (An Old and Rare Book)

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The relations between India and Nepal have been intimate through the ages. Geographical propinquity, shared history. cultural influences and economic ties account for this intimacy. But it was not before India passed under British rule and Nepal under Gurkha rule when the relations between the two countries assumed an overwhelmingly political character. The British viewed Nepal, politically united and militarily strong, as a security problem for India. Nepal had, therefore, to be brought under the British sphere of influence to ensure its enervation and harmlessness. All means were applied to secure this end: political pressure and war, persuasive diplomacy and pecuniary temptation. In the end the British succeeded in reducing Nepal into a protected, client state, internally independent, but within the broad framework of the British Empire in India, its interests being co-ordinated with those of the Empire.

The Nepalese, for their part, looked upon the British as an aggressive and expansionist power; they were fearful and suspicious. Since absolute aloofness was impossible, relations with the British were kept to the minimum to prevent their domination. The result of this policy was that Nepal retained its political integrity, despite the British impact on its life-no mean achievement for the small state.

By the end of the nineteenth century, however, a pattern had emerged in Anglo-Nepalese relations; they had developed neighbourly relations of understanding and interdependence-the result, partly, of policy, and partly, of the force of circumstances. Their policy of accommodation of respective interests and adjustment proved of mutual benefit. Each now had appreciated the value of the other's good-will. The Gurkha recruitment in Nepal was for the British as much a military necessity as it was for the Nepalese government an indispensable means of economic support. But then, as is natural of neighbours, there were also occasions of misunderstanding. Nepal's policy towards China and Tibet, for example, was not always compatible with British interests, nor was Nepal's traditional policy of restricted dealings with foreigners agreeable to the British.