Modern Nepal By D.R. Regmi

Title: Modern Nepal
Author: Dilli Raman Regmi (D.R. Regmi)
Volumes: Two volumes – Rise and Growth in the Eighteenth Century (Vol. I) & Expansion, Climax and Fall (Vol.

📚 Book Description

Modern Nepal is a comprehensive historical work by D.R. Regmi that traces the transformation of Nepal from a collection of small hill states into a unified nation under the Shah dynasty and examines its rise and political evolution till the early 19th century. Divided across two volumes, it delves deeply into political, military, diplomatic, and socio-economic developments between about 1750 and the Anglo-Nepal War beginning in 1814. Open Library+3Martin Chautari+3HathiTrust+3

• Volume I: Rise & Growth in the Eighteenth Century focuses on how modern Nepal’s foundations were laid. It covers the era of Prithvi Narayan Shah and his predecessors, the dissolution of the Malla kingdoms, and the gradual consolidation of power by Gorkha rulers. It also considers relations with Tibet, neighboring hill states (Baisi, Chaubisi), and the British presence in India. Nepal in Data+2Open Library+2

• Volume II: Expansion, Climax, and Fall examines Nepal’s outward expansion beyond its present borders, its diplomatic treaties (especially with the British), the mounting tensions that led to conflict, and the factors behind Nepal’s military and political decline into war. Martin Chautari+2HathiTrust+2

🌟 Key Features & Appeal

• Thorough Research & Primary Sources: Regmi uses archival material, diplomatic correspondence, Nepalese documents, and contemporary chronologies to support his narrative. Martin Chautari+1

• Detailed Military Campaigns & State Formation: It covers in depth the campaigns of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the regency periods (Rajendra Laxmi, Bahadur Shah), and Nepal’s territorial unification process. Martin Chautari+1

• Analysis of Diplomacy & External Relations: The book offers insight into how Nepal interacted with Tibet in the north, British India in the south, and dealt with internal and external diplomatic challenges. Martin Chautari+1

• Comprehensive Chronology & Context: Regmi’s narrative situates military history within political, economic, and social contexts, providing a holistic view of how Nepal developed into the modern state. Martin Chautari+1

🎯 Who Should Read This

• Students, scholars, or enthusiasts of Nepalese history, especially the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.

• Anyone interested in state formation, unification, diplomacy, and colonial contact in South Asia.

• Readers wanting a deep, well-documented narrative rather than a superficial summary.

🔍 Keywords

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