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12Lesson EUROPE: GEOGRAPHICAL AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Europe is the second smallest continent. It is a peninsula as it is surrounded by oceans and seas on three sides - the Arctic Ocean in the North, the Atlantic Ocean in the West and the Mediterranean and Black Sea in the South. A closer look further reveals that there are several smaller peninsulas along its highly irregular coastline like the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Iberian Peninsula and the Italian and Greek Peninsulas. Europe is, thus, called a “peninsula of peninsulas”. Due to its long coastline, most of the countries in Europe have access to seas or oceans but there are a few land-locked countries in Europe. LOCATION Europe lies entirely in the Northern hemisphere. The Europe continent covers an area of 10,498,000 sq km (3,997,900 sq mile). Its longitudinal extension is 20°W to 65°E and latitudinal extension is 39°N to 71°N. The continent of Europe is separated by Ural Mountains and Caspian Sea from Asia in the East. Its average East-West extension is about 6,400 km and North-South extension is about 4,800 km. PHYSICAL FEATURES Europe can be divided into three main physical division based on its landforms. 1. The North-Western Highlands: Scandinavian Highlands The North-Western Highlands lies in the North and North-West extending from Norway and Sweden in the East to Scotland in the West. These highlands are also called Scandinavian Highlands. They are made up of very hard ancient crystalline rocks, and once were very high and rugged. But due to erosion by glaciers, it has reduced to low hills and gentle slopes with some areas almost reaching sea level. 2. The Central European Plain: The Central European Plain lies to the South of North-Western Highlands. It extends across Central Europe from Atlantic Coast in the West to the Ural Mountains in the East. It is a vast triangular undulating plain. It is also called Russian plate. This region covers the vast area of Russia, Poland, Germany, Northern France, Belgium, etc. These plains are formed by the deposits 202 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
brought by glaciers and big rivers like River Danube Don, Dnieper, Volga and Ural. River Danube is the largest river of Europe that drenches the Central Plain. Most of the rivers that flow into this region are large and flow across many European countries and are suitable for internal navigation. These plains are very fertile and good for agriculture. Some of the most densely populated places of Europe lie in these plains. 3. The Southern Mountains: The Southern Mountains lie to the South of the Central European Plain. It consists of chains of young fold mountain called the Alpine Mountain System formed during the Alpine Period, almost the same period the Himalayas were formed. The Alps is the most important mountain system running between Alps Mountain France and Switzerland. Mount Blanc (4,807 m) is the highest peak of the Alps. The Pyrenees Mountains forms a natural border between Spain and France. The Carpathian Mountains run eastwards from the Alps. The Caucasus Mountains lie between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea and has the highest peak of Europe, Mt. Elbrus (5,642 m). The Balkan Mountains lie to the South of River Danube. CLIMATE Due to its location in the temperate zone and a very Do you know? long coastline, most parts of Europe has temperate Mt. Elbrus (5,642 m) is the climate with influence from seas and oceans. Thus, highest mountain of Europe. in general, the climate of Europe is pleasant and mild with moderate rainfall with exception in few interior places. The regions beyond the Arctic Circle (66½° N) in the Northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia experiences Tundra climate. Summers are very short and winters are very long and very cold. The North West of the continent bordering Atlantic Ocean has British Type of climate. These regions are near to the sea so have warm summers and cool winters with rainfall throughout the year. The Central plain which lies more to the interior part of the continent experiences Central European Climate. As this region is further away from the sea, summers are warmer with rainfall and winters are cooler with little or no rainfall. The interior and the easternmost parts of Europe in countries from Caspian Sea up to the Our Earth 203
Ural Mountains experience the Desert Climate. Summers are extremely hot and winters are cold. This climatic region of Europe gets the least amount of rainfall and is, therefore, a temperate desert. The Southern part of Europe along the coasts of Mediterranean Sea experiences Mediterranean climate. This climate is characterized by warm-dry summers and cool-wet winters. The winter rain is brought by the westerlies. This type of climate is found in Spain, France, Italy and Greece. NATURAL VEGETATION Mediterranean Vegetation Tundra Vegetation The natural vegetation of Europe is largely the result of the great variation in climate across the continent. The treeless tundra in the extreme North of the continent only supports the growth of mosses, lichens and scattered and short trees. To the South of this vegetation is a belt of thick coniferous forests, called the Taiga. The trees found in this belt of thick forests are evergreen softwood trees such as pine, fir, spruce and larch. The temperate grassland is found in a vast stretch of land between Black Sea and Caspian Sea. Short grasses grow well here with a few scattered trees. This grassland is called the Steppes. The Southern parts of Europe in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea have Mediterranean Type of vegetation. This type of vegetation consists mainly of trees with long roots and thick barks or shrubs or bushes with small, waxy leaves and thorns. The common trees are olive, oak, lavender, laurel, etc. Fruit trees such as oranges, figs and grapes also grow well in this region. The location, landform, climate, natural vegetation, rivers and access to sea and oceans of Europe are very favourable for human civilization. Its location is near to the sea and oceans and irregular coastlines have provided great marine facilities for trade and business all over the world. Its moderate climate favours the way of life of the people to be healthy, active and energetic. It is the centre of many inventions and discoveries and the ancient civilization of the world. It is a very fast developing continent with a very high density of population. 204 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
KEY TERMS Coastline : the land along seashore Peninsulas : a piece of land almost surrounded by water or projecting out into a body of water Scattered : cover a surface with objects spread randomly over it Westerlies : a wind blowing from the West Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Which parts of Europe receive rainfall throughout the year, remains snow covered for long period, and receives rainfall only in winter? Discuss with your subject teacher and give suitable reasons. 2. Give reasons for the following statements: a. Eastern Europe has vast area of grassy plain. b. Southern Europe does not receive rainfall in summer. c. Coniferous forest is found in Northern Europe. d. Europe is called the “Peninsula of Peninsulas”. Exercise Short answer questions: 1. Into how many physical divisions can Europe be divided? Write short description of each of them. 2. Name the four major rivers of Europe and write from where they originate and drain. 3. The yearly data of rainfall and temperature of London city is given below. Draw a bar graph based on the given data. Month J FMAM J J A S OND Temp °C 4 5 7 9 12 16 18 17 15 11 8 5 Rainfall (mm) 54 40 37 37 46 45 57 59 49 57 64 48 4. Answer the following question in very short: a. Which is the highest mountain of Europe? b. Why does most part of Europe have pleasant and mild climate? c. What type of climate is experienced in Southern Europe? d. What is the main characteristic of Mediterranean climate? Our Earth 205
5. Give geographical reasons for the following statements: a. Rivers of Europe are suitable for internal navigation. b. North-West Europe receives rainfall throughout the year. c. Finland is called the land of thousand lakes. d. Eastern part of Europe has extreme climates. 6. Look at the map of Europe and identify the correct answer according to the clue given below: a. River draining into the North Sea via Germany. b. Mountain situated between France and Spain. c. Country of Europe close to Africa. d. An island with the highest density of population Long answer questions: 1. Draw an outline map of Europe and locate the following items: a. The North-Western Highlands b. The Great European Plain c. The Southern Mountains 2. Insert the following facts in an outline map of Europe with appropriate symbols: a. Alps Mountain, One region of ancient civilization, River Danube, Taiga, Region receiving rainfall throughout the year, Steppes, London b. Paris, Moscow, Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Lake Onega, Mt. Elbrus c. Winter rainfall region, Scandinavia highland, Iberian Peninsula, Strait of Gibraltar, Oslo, Greece, Lisbon 206 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
13Lesson EUROPE : ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AND SOCIAL LIFE Europe has been a developed continent since the past. Europeans were brave and adventurous sea-faring people. Infact, the great voyages of explorations and discoveries were led by the Europeans that helped in gathering information about North America, South America and Africa. Their advancement in the field of science and technology since the early days made them powerful and had colonies all over the world. The Great Industrial Revolution of 18th and 19th century AD where major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transportation, and technology had a profound effect on the socio- economic and cultural conditions of the people. It began in the United Kingdom, then subsequently spread throughout Europe. As a result, countries such as Germany, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Norway, etc have become highly industrialized. Today, most of the largest and important industries of the world are located in different countries of Europe. The people of Europe are believed to have migrated from Central Asia and lived in different parts of the continent. Some of the major languages of Europe include English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, etc. The continent has given birth to many great scientists, philosophers, artists and writers whose contributions has benefitted the entire humankind. Most of the people of Europe follow Christianity. The continent of Europe is known for its variety of natural resources. However, the people are its most important resources. The favourable climatic condition for human health in most parts of Europe is attributed for its labourious, energetic, intelligent and brave people. Their effort and extensive use of the natural gifts have created a rich economy and a high standard of living. AGRICULTURE Only about 10% of the total population of Europe is engaged in agriculture. The variety of climate and physical features has made it possible to cultivate different types of crops. Extensive farming is widely practiced in areas with more land available for cultivation. Use of machinery becomes necessary on farms in these areas. This type of farming is mostly practiced in Russia. In Mechanized Farming in Russia areas with dense population, land available for cultivation is limited. In such regions, intensive farming is practiced, where improved seeds, fertilizers, insecticides, etc are used to produce high output in small farms. Mixed farming is also common in Europe. In this type of farming, cultivation of crops and animal rearing is carried on the same farm. Horticulture, or the cultivation of fruits and flowers on a commercial scale, is also a common practise. Our Earth 207
ANIMAL REARING The temperate climate of most parts of Europe favours the growth of rich and luxuriant grasses. So, animal rearing is important in most countries of Europe. It is mainly practiced in North-Western and central Europe. Cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry are reared for milk and meat. Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Belgium and United Kingdom are world famous for dairy products. Sheep and goats are reared for Animal Rearing meat, wool and milk in Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean region, the Balkan countries and the British Isles. FISHERIES Europe is a peninsula, bounded by sea on three sides. This has made some of its countries the world’s leading fishing nations. Its long coastlines provide ideal sites for fishing grounds and ports. Most of the people of the coastal region are engaged in making fishing nets and fishing boats, catching fish, processing, packing and marketing tinned fish and fish products. Due to advancement in technology, Fishing in Finland fishing has become an industry. Large ships or trawlers which are well equipped with modern facilities are used to catch fish. These ships catch a large numbers and varieties of fish which are processed in the ship for marketing. The major fishing countries of Europe are Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal and Russia. MINERALS Coal Field in Germany The continent of Europe has large deposits SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9 of mineral resources. However, this mineral wealth is not uniformly distributed throughout the continent. Some of the main areas with mineral deposits are: Coal is found in Germany, Poland, Belgium, France, Spain, UK, Ukraine and Czech Republic. Iron ore deposit is found in Sweden, UK, Russia, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium and Ukraine. Lead and zinc is found in France, Belgium, Spain, 208
Poland, and Germany. Bauxite, an ore of aluminium, is found in Russia, Germany, France, Norway, UK, Switzerland and Austria. Petroleum and Natural gas is found in the North Sea oilfields, Romania and Russia, Norway and Sweden are known for water power. INDUSTRIES With the beginning of Industrial Revolution in 18th century in United Kingdom of Europe, most of the countries in Europe were influenced by it. Today most European countries are major producer of manufactured goods. The rich deposits of minerals, the scientific and technological advancement and a suitable climate have collectively been responsible for making Europe one of the most industrialized Iron and Steel industry of Germany continents in the world. There are well developed industries of various types in Europe. Do you know? Agro-based industries that use agricultural products as their raw material are very common in most parts Europe produces over 65% of the world’s total output of wine. of Europe. Forest-based industries that produce paper and newsprint, wood pulp, etc are developed in the taiga forest region of Europe. Mineral-based industries have developed in regions with rich deposits of minerals. Iron and steel industry is one of the most important mineral- based industries in Europe. Chemical industries producing fertilizers, cement, plastic, chemicals, pharmaceutical drugs and synthetic fibre are also common in Europe. KEY TERMS 209 Attributed : regard something as being caused by Luxuriant : vegetation rich and profuse in growth Port : a place on a water way with facility for loading and unloading slope Trawlers : a fishing boat that uses net to catch fish Voyages : a long journey involving travel by sea or in space Our Earth
Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Discuss in groups about the economic activities and lifestyle of Britain, Italy and Norway. 2. If you wish to settle in the European countries, which country would you select for it and why? Discuss in the class and write geographical, economic and social reasons. Exercise Short answer questions: 1. State the factors favourable for the development of fishing and international trade in Europe. 2. Although only 10% people are engaged in agriculture, Europe is highly developed. Why? 3. “Europe has played a leading role in the various sectors of human development.” Justify this statement. 4. Write the economic importance of grassland located in middle Europe. Long answer questions: 1. Describe about the economic activities and social life of Europe. 2. Insert the following facts in the outline maps of Europe with appropriate symbols: a. Adriatic Sea, English Channel, Petroleum production area, coal production area, region of high density of population, wheat growing areas, fruits production area, b. Taiga forest, Carpathian Range, Ural Mountains, Germany, Mt. Blanc, River Danube, Oslo Project Work Prepare a detailed chart on Europe according to the table given below by collecting the information from different sources. Region Countries Climate Agriculture Mineral Industries Northern Europe Western Europe Middle Europe Southern Europe 210 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
EUROPE - Physical N Our Earth 211
EUROPE : Political Map N 212 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
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14Lesson AUSTRALIA: GEOGRAPHICAL AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Australia is the smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth lying between the Pacific and Indian oceans in the Southern Hemisphere. Its population is comparatively low and made up of aboriginal people and immigrants from all over the world. LOCATION Australia is bounded by the Indian Ocean in the West, the Pacific Ocean in the East, the Arafura Sea in the North and the Southern Ocean in the South. It lies to the South-East of Asia with a latitudinal extension of 10°S to 40°S and longitudinal extension of 114°E to 154°E. Australia has an area of 7,686,850 sq km. PHYSICAL FEATURES Australia can be broadly divided into following physical regions: 1. The Eastern Highland: The Eastern Highland Great Dividing Range runs roughly parallel to the East coast from Cape Mt. Kosciuszko York in the North to Tasmania in the South. The mountains are broad and low in the North but narrow and high in the South. The average height of these highlands is 900 meters above sea level. These highlands are called Gregory Range in Queensland, the Blue Mountains and New England Range in New South Wales and the Australian Alps in Victoria. The highest peak of Eastern Highlands is Mt. Kosciuszko (2,228 m) which lies in Australian Alps. The Eastern Highlands are also called the ‘Great Dividing Range’. 2. The Central Lowlands: The Central Lowlands extends from Gulf of Carpentaria in the North to Encounter Bay in the South. These lowlands are rainless flat low-lying area with lakes and rivers. The most important river of this region is River Murray with its tributaries. The Central Lowlands can be divided into three distinct divisions- the Carpentaria Lowlands, the Lake Eyre Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. 3. The Western Plateau: The Western Plateau is a vast plateau towards the Western part covering nearly two-third of the continent. It is made up of old rocks which is rich in minerals. Much of the plateau is desert or semi-desert. Three of the four major deserts that make up the Great Australian Desert lie in this region, namely the Gibson Desert, the Great Sandy Desert and the Great Victoria Desert. The Ayers Rock, which is a 214 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
mass of single rock and a popular tourist attraction of Australia, is located in this region. CLIMATE Great Sandy Desert Several factors are responsible for the type of climate in Australia. Its location in the Southern hemisphere makes the climate exactly opposite to that of Northern hemisphere. Therefore, when it is summer in Nepal it is winter in Australia. The Tropic of Capricorn divides the country roughly into two halves, so the Northern part lies in the tropical zone which is warm and hot all year round. The Southern part lies in the temperate zone with warm summers and mild, cool winters. The Northern most part of Northern Territory and Ayers Rock Cape York region of Queensland experience tropical monsoon climate. It is mostly hot with alternate wet and dry season. Heavy rainfall occurs in summer. The entire Western Plateau experiences Hot Desert type of climate. It is hot and dry in summers and cold in winter. Annual rainfall is less than 25 cm. The South- East and South-West parts of Australia experiences Mediterranean Type of climate. It has moderately warm summers, mild winters with moderate rainfall in winter. The Murray- Darling Basin area experiences Temperate Grassland type of climate. Summers are warm and winters are cool with little rainfall in summers. NATURAL VEGETATION Spinifex Grass The different type of climate has resulted in varieties Eucalyptus Tree of natural vegetation in Australia. The tropical forests are found in the North and Eastern coastal region 215 where there is more rainfall and high temperature. The vegetation of this region includes deciduous trees, palms and other evergreen species. The temperate forests are found in the South-Eastern and South- Western parts of Australia and in Tasmania. Eucalyptus trees grow well in this region. The tropical grasslands or the savanna are found bordering the tropical forests. Tall grasses are common vegetation with scattered trees towards the outer margin. The temperate grasslands also known as ‘downs’ are found in and around the Murray-Darling Basin. Short grasses predominates the area with a few scattered trees. The Western Plateau region has nominal desert vegetation, such as, shrubs and bushes, cactus, spinifex and acacia. Our Earth
Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Look at the physical map of Australia and identify: Mountainous area, plateau area, plain areas. The Northern part of the central plain is sloped towards the North while its Southern part is sloped towards the South. Find out these facts in the map of Australia. 2. The following are the animals found in Australia. What types of animals are they? Discuss in the class. Koala Kangaroo Dingo 3. Look at the time-line to get a glimpse of Australia’s history. Discuss and find out other historical backgrounds of Australia. For this, you can go to the library to get more information. Circa: 40,000 1788 30,000 BC. British establish first Australia Aborigines arrive in Australia from Asia Penal colony in Sydney. Circa: 1851 1432 AD Gold is discovered Chinese settlers in New South Wales arrive in Northern Territory. and Victoria. Exercise Short answer questions: 1. Draw a map of Australia and show the physical divisions. 2. What is the relationship between climate and natural vegetation? Explain in terms of Australia. 3. Give geographical reasons for the following statements. a. The seasons of Australia and Asia are just opposite. When one has summer, the other has winter. Why? Give reason. b. Why is the Eastern coastal region of Australia densely populated? c. Why is Christmas celebrated in hot season in Australia and in cold season in Europe? d. Why is the central Australia not suitable for living? Long answer questions: 1. Into how many physical regions can Australia be divided? Describe each of them. 2. Insert the following facts in outline maps of Australia: a. Darwin, Sydney, Pacific Ocean, River Murray Darling, Great Dividing Range, Great Australian Desert, Tasmania b. Area of winter rain, Great Sandy Desert, Great Barrier Reef, Great Australian Bight, Mt. Kosciuszko, Perth, Brisbane c. Queensland, Alice Springs, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Lake Eyre, Savanna Grassland, Tropical Monsoon forest area, Area with Mediterranean Climate. 216 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
15Lesson AUSTRALIA : ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AND SOCIAL LIFE Australia is the smallest continent in the world. It is a thinly populated continent due to the fact that it is also the ‘driest continent’. Despite these facts, Australia is economically a well developed country and a continent. The native dwellers were a dark-skinned people known as Aborigines. These people were living in Australia for over 30,000 years before the British settlers made it their colony. At present Aborigines represent only 1% of the total country’s population. During the 19th century, when gold was discovered in Australia, many European settlers migrated to this continent. Thus, the vast majority of Australians are white settlers who came from Europe, mainly UK and also immigrants from Asia and other parts of the world have been attracted by high-paying jobs in this country. The Aborigines in Australia are poor, backward and lead a nomadic life. They mostly live in areas around temperate grasslands. Their main activities are animal rearing, hunting and food gathering. The later settlers and immigrants, however, preferred to live in areas where the conditions are favourable, such as good climate, Do you know? sufficient rainfall, fertile soil and proper transport and communication facilities. Such conditions are mainly Australia has the largest number found along the coastal region and in Tasmania. These of sheep in the world. regions are most populated. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are some of the most populated cities of Australia located in the coastal region. FORESTS Eucalyptus Forest Only about 6% of the total land of Australia is under forests. It is mainly found in the Eastern Highlands and in the wetter coastal plains. Most of the forested area in Australia has eucalyptus forest except the North-East coast which has tropical rainforests. The eucalyptus tree found in these forests is used for extracting oil used in medicine, paper and furniture. AGRICULTURE Mechanized Farming Only 4% of the total land in Australia is under 217 cultivation. Agriculture is mainly practiced in South- West, South-East and Eastern coastal plains of Australia where there is enough rainfall. Farmers use scientific methods of farming in the limited land for larger output. Wheat is the most common food crops of Australia. New South Wales is the main wheat growing area. Barley, maize and oats are other food Our Earth
crops grown in Australia. Rice is grown in irrigated land areas while sugarcane, tobacco and cotton are grown in Queensland. SHEEP AND CATTLE REARING Sheep Rearing Australia is known for sheep and cattle rearing. It has the largest number of sheep in the world and produces about 30% of the world’s total wool. Some of the breeds of sheep which produce best wool thrive well in temperate parts of Australia. The main sheep-rearing states are New South Wales, Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia. Australia is the largest exporter of sheep in the world. Cattle rearing is also an important occupation in Australia. Large herds of cattle are reared for meat and dairy products. Cattle raised for meat (beef) are reared in the Savanna grasslands of Queensland and Northern Territory and temperate grasslands of New South Wales. Dairy cattle, on the other hand, raised for milk are reared in the regions where temperature is mild and rainfall is moderate, such as, coastal New Cattle Farming South Wales, Southern Queensland and Victoria. The milk produced in the dairy farms in these regions is converted into butter, cheese, dried milk and condensed milk. MINERALS Australia has rich deposits of gold and other minerals like copper, zinc, iron, lead, coal, tin, silver, aluminium and petroleum. Gold is mined in Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie in Northern Territory, coal in New South Wales, Queensland and South-West Australia, iron ore in Western Australia, zinc in Broken Hill in New South Wales, uranium in Northern Territory and South Australia, petroleum in Kalgoorlie Gold Mine Tasmania, New South Wales and Western Australia and natural gas in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia. Iron and steel, motor vehicles and ship building are the major industries of Australia. Murray Darling Basin and Central Lowlands are suitable for commercial wheat farming. 218 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
Australia exports wheat, wool, meat and iron. Around 80% to 85% of the total population lives in the South East of Australia. One of the biggest projects of the world, Snowy Murray Development Project is established in Australia. In this project the water of Snowy River has been taken to Murray Basin for generating hydroelectricity and for irrigation. Murray-1 and Murray-2 hydro-power projects generate 950 mw and 550 mw of electricity respectively. For these projects the water has been taken by making a tunnel through the Great Dividing Range. Australia and New Zealand have utilized most of the available natural resources for their economic growth. Facilities of transport, communication, education and health are well developed in all the settlement areas. People living in the urban areas are very energetic and hardworking. Australians like to enjoy and entertain during the weekends. Tropical Monsoon I Great Barrier Reef CN Index C C I Queensland River Northern Territory C Hill I Ayers Rock Desert II Very Hot and Dry South Australia High Density Western Australia Brisbane I Tropical Forest Iron New South Wals Gold I I Sydney Oil and Gas Adelaide Canberra Perth I C Copper Wheat Victoria Sugarcane Warm summer with rain in winter Sheep Melbourne Tasmania KEY TERMS 219 Aborigines : original habitant of a place Condensed : made denser or more concentrated Dwellers : live in or at a specified place Our Earth
Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Look at the map of Australia in the atlas. Find out the important minerals and their distribution. Note them down in your exercise book. 2. Look at the time line and the facts given below. Here, Christmas Day, Melbourne Day, Right to vote for women have been mentioned. Discuss about them. The Government of Australia wants to provide special protection to the Aborigines. Why? Give reasons. 1893 1974 New Zealand is the first Cyclone Tracy country in the world to give destroys much women the right to vote. of Darwin on Christmas Day. RLigahntds Act 1956 1976 Television was introduced First Aboriginal Land in Australia, in time for Rights Act is Passed Melbourne Olympics. Exercise Short answer questions: 1. Explain the economic activities of Australia. 2. Answer the following questions in short: a. Who are aborigins of Australia? What are their occupations? b. Name four major cities of Australia. c. Mention the areas of Australia where sheep rearing is mostly done. d. What is the main export of Australia? 3. Comment on the population distribution of Australia with its reasons. 4. Describe the condition of agriculture in Australia. 5. Australia is known for sheep and cattle rearing. Why? Give reasons. 6. Write about the mineral found in Australia with their locations. Long answer questions: 1. Insert the following facts in an outline map of Australia: a. Mt. Kosciuszko, Perth, Darwin, Sydney, Great Victory Desert, Gulf of Carpentaria, River Murray b. Tasman Sea, Indian Ocean, Lake Eyre, Brisbane, Tropic of Capricorn, Bass Strait, Nullarbor plain c. One gold mine area, One iron mine, Snowy-Murray Development Project area, Area of thin population, Wheat production area, Fruits production area, Sheep rearing area 2. Draw an outline map of Australia and show its political divisions. 220 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
AUSTRALIA - Physical Our Earth 221
222 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9 Broome Halls Arahem AUSTRALIA Creek Land Political Map Katherinne N Tennant Creek Port Mackay Hedland Tropic of Capricon Great Sandy Desert Rockhampton Gibson Desert Carnarvon AUSTRALIA WESTERN Great Victoria QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA Desert L. Eyre Sunshine Coast (North) Geraldton Gold Coast Kalgootlie Esperance Port Newcastle Albany Lincoln SOUTHERN Geelong OCEAN Launceston
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16Lesson ASIA, EUROPE, AUSTRALIA AND NEPAL Asia and Nepal Asia is the largest continent in the world and is politically divided into many countries. Nepal is one of the countries of Asia. Nepal is a part of the Central Mountain Ranges of Asia. Similarly, the Terai region is a small part of the huge and fertile plains made by Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. Like the South, South-East and East Asia, Nepal too experiences the Tropical Monsoon Climate. Due to this, the natural vegetation, wildlife and economic activities are also similar to most of the countries of Asia. Agriculture is still the most important occupation of most of the countries of Asia and, likewise, Nepal too is an agrarian country. Despite being one among the small countries of Asia, Nepal has been able to maintain good diplomatic, trade and social relationship with the countries of Asia like, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Russia, Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia and UAE, etc. Many people from different parts of Asia visit Nepal as tourists or for business ventures or research. At the same time, many Nepalese travel for work and study in these countries. Besides, Nepal is actively involved with the countries of Asia at various international level activities like education, health, child and women welfare, sports, conservation of natural resources, cultural exchange, etc. Europe and Nepal The continent of Europe is very far from Nepal. Even then, Europe also lies in the Northern hemisphere just like Nepal. So, both Nepal and Europe experience the same seasons. Although they are different in terms of climate, they are similar in terms of Alps mountain system and geographical environment. The climate and natural vegetation of Europe and Nepal are same in the Northern region. Europe is a continent at the North West of Asia and Nepal. Geographically, there are few similarities between Europe and Nepal, like the Alps Mountain System and the Himalayan Mountain Ranges and the climate and natural vegetation of Northern Europe and Northern part of Nepal. But, economically and socially there is vast difference between the two. Nevertheless, Nepal has been able to keep good relationship with the countries of Europe in various sectors. European countries have an advanced economy than Nepal. The countries like Great Britain, Germany, France, Denmark, Norway and Switzerland have been helping Nepal in various developmental activities. We have bilateral-relationship with these countries. Their help is important to Nepal in sectors like education, health, hydro-electricity, conservation and protection of ancient and cultural wealth. Many people from Nepal live in the UK, Russia, Germany, Italy and other countries for attaining education and for employment. Thus, these Nepalese have helped to bring remittance within the country and to promote trade and business. Nepal also exports ready-made garments, carpets, curios and statues to many European countries. Through such activities, 224 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
Nepal is building a good relationship with the European countries. European Union an organization of 27 countries has been helping Nepal in establishing peace in the country. Australia and Nepal Australia is also called the ‘country continent’. Geographically, Nepal and Australia are in two different hemispheres. The climate, the seasons and relief features are different between Nepal and Australia but economic, educational and trade relation is good. Every year many Nepalese students go to Australia to study and work. The Government of Australia has been helping Nepal in different sectors and to conserve forest resources of Nepal. Thus, the number of Australian tourist is increasing day by day in Nepal. Similarities and differences between different continents and Nepal Continents Geographical and Natural Environment Economic Activities and Social Life Asia Similarities Differences Similarities Differences and Nepal • Monsoon • Nepal is divided • Agriculture is • Some countries of Europe climate is found into three physical an important Asia are richer than and Nepal in both Nepal regions but Asia occupation in both Nepal. and South-East is divided into six Asia and Nepal. Australia Asian region. physical regions. • There is difference and Nepal • The people in the lifestyle of • Fold Mountains • South-West Asia belonging different Nepalese and the are found in experiences hot caste, language, people of other rich both Nepal and desert climate but religion, culture and Asian countries. Asia. there no hot desert tradition live in both climate in Nepal. Asia and Nepal. • Both lie in • Most parts of • Most of the people • Most of the Northern Europe experience belong to Aryan Nepalese are Hindu hemisphere Cool Temperate race. but most of the and receive Oceanic Climate but Europeans are more rainfall in this climate is not • Both are rich in Christian. summer than in found in Nepal. ethnic, religious and winter. lingual diversity. • More Nepalese • Peninsulas and are engaged in • Both are divided Islands are found in agriculture but less into three Europe but Nepal Europeans are in physical regions. is a landlocked engaged agriculture country. • Both are divided • Australia is an • Nepal and Australia • More Australians into three Island but Nepal is a both are secular. are Christian but physical regions. landlocked country. • Both are multiethnic, more Nepalese are multilingual, Hindus. • Temperate • There is summer in monsoon Australia when there multi-religious • Indigenous climate is found is winter in Nepal in both places. and there is winter and multicultural nationalities are in Australia when there is summer in countries. more in Nepal but Nepal. they are less in Australia. KEY TERMS 225 Agrarian : relating to cultivated land or the cultivation of land Bilateral : involving two parties Ventures : a business enterprise Our Earth
Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Divide the class into three groups A, B and C. Let group A discuss and prepare a report on Nepal and Asia, group B on Nepal and Europe and group C on Nepal and Australia. Take the help of library and conduct research to prepare the report to be presented in the class. 2. Make a list of countries of Asia, Europe and Australia where Nepalese students go for studies. Why do these students not study in Nepal and rather go to these countries for studies? Exercise Short answer questions: 1. List any four countries of Europe which have been helping Nepal in various development activities. Also mention the sector of their help. 2. Point out the sectors of mutual understanding between Nepal and Australia. 3. What possible advantages can Nepal take from the continents: Australia and Europe? Write your views in four points. 4. Make separate lists of landlocked countries of Asia and Europe. Compare the economic conditions of these countries with that of Nepal. 5. Why do many Nepalese go abroad for employment? Write any two advantages and disadvantages of it. Long answer question: 1. How has Nepal been benefited from the relationship with Asia, Europe and Australia? Project Work Complete the given table by searching the required information from different sources. Continents Countries Population Literacy Per Capita Agriculture as Rate Income occupation (Population %) Asia Nepal India Europe China Australia Japan Korea Britain France Germany Norway New Zealand Australia 226 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
7UNIT OUR PAST Learning achievements Explore, study and preserve the sources of history, Introduce the history of Shakya dynastic and the history of Kapilvastu, Discuss the unification campaign of Nepal and its effects, Explain the contribution made by Nepali brave warriors in the Anglo-Nepal war, Identify the causes of rise and downfall of Rana Regime in Nepal, Introduce industrial revolution and its impacts in human life, Explore the important aspects of own ancestry and prepare genealogy/family tree, and Identify traditional lifestyle and respect ancestral good deeds. Our Past 227
1Lesson EXPLORATION OF SOURCES OF HISTORY, THEIR STUDY AND PRESERVATION This is a sample of report writing prepared by the students studying in grade IX of Shree Pragati Siksha Sadan Secondary School, Kopundole, Lalitpur based on the exploration of sources of history, their study and preservation under the project work assigned by the Social Studies teacher. A Report of Project Work Exploration of Sources of History, their Study and Preservation 1. Introduction The world “History” is derived from the Greek word “Historia” which means inquiry or knowledge acquired by investigation. Description of human activities, civilization and the various events that took place in the past with fact and reliable date is called the history. Scholars who document the history are called historians. The art of writing history is called historiography. Documenting history was started from the 5th century BC. Herodotus, a Greek scholar was the one who started documenting history for the first time. So, he is called the “Father of history”. The works which are done in the past become the guidelines for Herodotus the future. It is important to lead the society and the nation to the right direction by learning different historical events. For documenting history and identifying the reality, it is necessary to collect the materials, make a comparative study and evaluate them. The history based only on one source and material cannot reach nearer to the truth. It is necessary to study the various sources to know the real history. On the basis of origin, the sources of history are categorized into two as: a. Primary source of history: The description of events of the past documented on the basis of eye witness is called primary sources. For example, Princep and Vensitart, the British nationals had participated in Anglo-Nepal war and later on they wrote a book on the basis of events they saw in the war. b. Secondary source of history: The history, Changunarayan Temple documented on the basis of other sources except eye witness such as chronicles, coins, legends, SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9 arts, paintings, etc are called secondary source. For example: there is no one who saw the rule of Mandev, the Lichchhavi King but we can know about him through the inscription of Changunarayan Temple. 228
The source of history is an identity of the nation. Thus, it is necessary to preserve the sources of history. 2. Objectives of the study The following were the objectives of our study: a. To search various sources of history and describe them in brief. b. To suggest the ways to preserve the sources of history. 3. Methods of the study We applied both primary and secondary methods to study about the exploration of the sources of history, their study and preservation. a. Primary source: Under the primary source, we interviewed teachers, intellectuals and historians by making questionnaire. We visited museums too. b. Secondary source: We studied various books of history, articles, manuscript, etc. We collected necessary information by searching in the internet as well. 4. Findings After the study of different sources of information, we have gathered the following facts. They have been analyzed and presented in synthetic form below: Sources of history on the basis of nature a. Written sources: Genealogy, Biography, Book, Coin, Medal, Documents, Voucher, Bhojpatra, Tadpatra, Manuscript, Swarnapartra, Tamrapatra, Travelogue of foreigner, Thyasapu (handwritten documents of the events of Malla period), Court’s records, Maps, etc. b. Oral sources: Birgatha, folk songs, stories/legend, Aakhyan, interviews, myth, saying, teaching (arti/upadesh), etc. c. Arts and Artifacts: Statues, paintings, palaces, temples, ponds, forts, Gaunda, weapons, dress, utensils, art and architecture, ornaments, make-up items, ruins, Masanghat, fossils, cultivated land, etc. Historiography of Nepal Nepalese history is prepared by collecting and analyzing various records of the pasts. The first book written about Nepalese history was “An Account of the Kingdom of Nepal.” It was written by an Englishman named William Kirkpatrick in 1793 AD. Besides him, Hemilton, Bhagwan Lal Indraji, Cicil Bendal, Silvan Levi, Roni Iro Noli, etc are some of the foreign historians who contributed to research on Nepalese history. Ambika Satya Mohan Joshi Prasad Upadhyaya wrote the first history book in Nepali in 1929 BS. Similarly, Baburam Acharya (Itihas Shiromani), Hem Raj Pandey, Rudra Raj Pandey, Nayan Raj Panta, Satya Mohan Joshi, Yogi Nahararinath, Dilli Raman Our Past 229
Regmi, Surya Bikram Gyawali, Dhanabajra Bajracharya, Lain Singh Wangdel, etc have contributed a lot to find out facts about the different periods of Nepalese history. The history of Nepal is prepared on the basis of following sources: a. Records: Various historical facts have been found from the records written on stone, wood, metals (gold, bronze, copper, etc.), paper and inscriptions. b. Coins: Name of the rulers, dynasties, ruling period, socio- economic condition, dates, etc can be found out from the coins. Different kinds of coins are found introduced in different periods such as the coins made up of mud, hide, copper, silver, gold, etc. c. Art and Artifacts: The facts available and written in the Inscription temples, buildings, forts, stupas, bihars, monuments, statues, etc are the sources of history. These are sources of history which can be seen directly. d. Religious scriptures: The religious scriptures are the major sources to prepare ancient history. They provide the knowledge about the provision of justice, beginning of traditions, systems, etc. Hindu religious scriptures, Bouddha religious scriptures are its major examples. e. Chronicles: It is an account of events presented in order of Coin time. It is also a source of history since the name of rulers, dynasties, dates, festivals, reforms, religious and social activities, etc are mentioned on it. f. Government documents, publications and speeches: Muluki Ain of 1910 BS, the proclamations of 2007 BS, 2017 BS, 2036 BS, 2046 BS, 2063 BS, speeches, newspapers, declarations, documentaries, books, autobiographies, etc are the reliable sources of Nepalese history. Similarly, letters, orders, verdicts, agreements, treaties, receipts, gazettes, debenture (Tamasuk), etc are also the sources of history. g. Thyasaphu: It is a Newari word which means a personal diary in which daily events are mentioned. Such handwritten documents of medieval age are the source of history. h. Folk Song, Myth, Story, Saying, etc: There is a tradition of singing songs, telling myths, stories, Birgatha, Khando (reciting the ancestral glory in a matrimonial ceremony), depicting the pain and sorrows of Nepalese farmer, artist, slave, Nepalese traders in Tibet and Lahures, from one generation to another. This traditions help to know about the past. Similarly, the stories and Gandharva songs about the unification campaign, events of Anglo-Nepal war, World Wars, Falkland War, etc are also the important sources of our history. 230 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
i. Travelogue of Foreigners: Foreign travelers, missionaries, historians, traders, and anthropologists have written their experiences, memories and information about Nepal. Economics of Kautilya and inscription of Samudra Gupta located at Allahabad has mentioned about Nepal, the writings of Chinese traveler Yuan Chang and European missionaries such as Father Decideri, Father Dorvil, Father Grover, Hemilton, Kirkpatrik are the valuable sources of Nepal’s history. The following measures are suggested for the preservation of sources of history. Available sources of history should be documented. Proper security system should be assured to prevent the important historical items from being lost and stolen. Researches should be done on the available sources of history. Collected and available sources of history should be recorded and stored in the electronic devices like computer. Collected and documented sources of history should be preserved in library and museum. Sources of history found in the various places should be collected. They should be nationalized and preserved safely. 5. Conclusion It is a challenging task to explore and study the history. Various sources of history should be consulted to find out an authentic historical fact. Biased and exaggerated history may create confusion in the future generation. Thus, while studying the history, reliable and authentic sources should be referred. However, the searching and study of history is a creative work. History makes an individual energetic and prevents inactiveness. It provides the guidelines for the future. The sources of history are the pride and identity of the nation. It is the prime duty of present generation to preserve the real history and handover to the future generation. KEY TERMS 231 Authentic : genuine and original Exaggerate : overstate something Inscription : a sequence of words or letters written, printed, or engraved on a surface Investigation : a formal inquiry or systematic study Our Past
Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Collect some sources of history found in your community and discuss in the class. 2. Discuss Birgatha that you have heard in your community. Exercise Very short answer questions: 1. What is history? 2. Who is called the ‘Father of history’? 3. Which is the first book written on Nepalese history? Who wrote it? 4. What is historiography? 5. Name any four historians who have contributed in the research of Nepalese history. 6. What is meant by Khando? How does it tell the history? 7. What is Thyasaphu? Why is it taken as one of the sources of history? Short answer questions: 1. Differentiate between the primary source and secondary source of history with examples. 2. Draft a model of questionnaire to ask to a famous historian of Nepal. 3. Do you think that it is necessary to explore, study, and preserve the sources of history? Justify your answer. 4. Why is it important to study the history? Write your answer in four points. Long answer questions: 1. The history of Nepal has been prepared on the basis of various sources. List any seven such sources and describe them briefly. 2. The history is prepared by the study and exploration of various sources. Such sources are greatly valuable and they must be preserved. In this context, suggest the appropriate measures for the preservation of the sources of history. Community Work Collect the coins and paper notes of different periods. Note down the information that you get from them and show in the class. 232 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
2Lesson BIRTHPLACE OF BUDDHA AND SHAKYA DYNASTIC HISTORY OF KAPILVASTU Kapilvastu was the capital city of Shakya Kingdom. Prince Siddhartha Gautam along with his parents King Suddhodhan and Queen Mahamaya Devi lived at Kapilvastu until he left the palace at the age of 29 years. According to Buddhist sources Kapilvastu was named after Vedic sage Kapila. When Queen Mahamaya Devi was going to her parent’s home at Devdaha for delivery of child as per their family tradition, she gave birth to Siddhartha Gautam at Lumbini in 563 BC. So, Lumbini is famous all over the world as the birth place of Lord Buddha which lies in Rupandehi District of Province 5, Nepal. Origin of Shakya Dynasty According to the Pali literature, the word “Shakya” is derived Gautam Buddha from “Shakka” which means capable or powerful. There was a King named Okkaka ruling over Saket, a state of Northern India before 8th century BC. King Okkaka is believed to be the ancestor of Shakyas. The King Okkaka had five queens. The eldest queen Bhatra gave birth to four princes and five princesses. After some time, the King Okkaka fell in love with another lady and later married her as sixth queen. From the youngest queen, a prince named Jantu was born. Because of conspiracy and trickery of youngest queen, the King decided to exile other princes and make her son the successor of King. The princes also left the Kingdom as per the decision of King and went to Banaras. Five princesses also went along with them. The banished princes and princesses reached to a place where Kapila, a great sage used to live. The sage suggested them to live there by establishing a city. Then, they cleared the Sal forest and founded a state named Kapilvastu combining the two words, i.e. ‘Kapila’ is the name of the King and ‘Vastu’ means place of dwelling in Sanskrit language. After few years, King Okkaka sent his ministers to find out about his princes and princesses. The ministers later on reported the King that they were living in a Sal jungle called ‘Shaka’, and the ministers too started living there. Princes and princesses wanted to continue their nobility and protect their traditional culture. So, the eldest princess Priya was made ‘Rajmata’ of their family and the remaining princes and princesses got married with each other in order to grow their clan. When it was heard by the King, he dejectedly said to princes, “You are Shakya”. According to the Buddhist scriptures Tripitaka, Didhanikaya and Ambastak story, after that, the Shakya clan and Kapilvastu state were originated. In this way, King Okkaka was the ancestor of Shakya clan. The eldest son of King Okkaka named Okkamukh became the founder King of Kapilvastu. Thus, Kapilvastu state was ruled by the Shakya clan before the birth of Gautam Buddha and after his salvation. Suddhodhan was the eldest son of King Singhanu and Queen Kanchana. He became the King of Kapilvastu, an autonomous state in the Terai region of Nepal and ruled there about 2,600 years ago. He was very popular among the people. Lord Buddha was born as the Our Past 233
elder son from his elder queen Mahamaya Devi. After the birth of Siddhartha Gautam, the royal fortune-teller predicted that he would attain intelligence and provide a new thought to the world. Shakyas of Kapilvastu and Koliya Shakyas of Devdaha had a marital relationship. Siddhartha Gautam married Yashodhara, the daughter of Shaprabuddha who was the son of Koliya King Anjan. The Asoka Pillar The Asoka Pillar was erected here in Lumbini by the Emperor Asoka in 249 BC to commemorate his visit to Lumbini. It consists of the inscriptions marking the location as the birthplace of Sakyamuni Buddha. The pillar is made up of sandstone and sedimentary rock. The Asoka Pillar bears the first epigraphic evidence with reference to the birthplace of Sakyamuni Buddha. The inscription is written in Brahmi script and Pali language. In 1312 AD, Ripu Malla, the King of the Western Nepal paid homeage to Lumbini and engraved the following words: Om Mani Padme Hum Ripu Malla Chiran Jayatu on the Eastern side pillar’s upper part. Erection of this pillar in Lumbini by Emperor Asoka was also described by early Chinese Travelers including Hsuan Tsang (636 AD). The pillar which was lost in the bush land after the visit of Ripu Malla was Ashoka Pillar rediscovered by Dr. A. A. Fuhrer and General Khadga Shumsher JBR in the excavation on 1st December 1896. The excavation work carried out by the Indian Archaeologist Mrs. Debala Mitra confirmed that the pillar had a Mauryan polish typical of finished stone from a quarry in the neighborhood of Chunar (near Varanasi, U.P. India). The pillar when first erected was about 40 feet long and originally had three parts (i) The monolithic pillar, (ii) A Lotus barcket, and (iii) A Crowning figure, which was possibly a horse. The present monolithic pillar is 30 feet and 10.5 inches (9.41 m) long. An English translation of the inscription: The image of King Piyadasi (Asoka) the beloved of the Gods, in the twentieth year of his reign, inscription written himself made a royal visit. in Brahmi Script and Sakyamuni Buddha was born here, therefore the (birth spot) marker stone was Pali Language worshipped and a stone pillar was erected. The lord having been born here, the tax of the Lumbini village reduced to the eight parts (only). Genealogy or Family Tree of the Kings of Kapilvastu Okkaka Okkamukh Nipun Chandamukh Singhawahanu Singhswar Jayasen Singhanu Shuddhodan Shuklodan Shakyodan Dhotodan Abhitodan Siddhartha Nanda Kumar Nanda Kumari Rahul SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9 234
KEY TERMS Autonomous : politically independent and self-governing Exile : banishment Legendary : very famous in contemporary society Nobility : high ideals and excellent moral character Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Prepare a genealogy of your family with the help of your guardian. Write the name of your ancestors and also mention their important works. 2. Read the following Sharans (Refuges) and Sheels (Precepts) of Buddha and write the positive impacts of them in the students and society. Pancha Sheels (Five Precepts) Three Sharans (Three Refuge) Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami Buddham saranam gacchami I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living I go to the Buddha for refuge. creatures. Dhammam saranam gacchami Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami I go to the Dhamma for refuge. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which Sangham saranam gacchami is not given. I go to the Sangha for refuge. Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness. Exercise Very short answer questions: 1. Who was Okkaka? 2. How was the name of Kapilvastu derived? 3. Who installed the Ashoka Pillar of Lumbini? Short answer questions: 1. How was the Shakya dynasty originated in Nepal? 2. Why is the Shakya dynasty’s history important in the Nepalese history? Long answer question: 1. Discuss the roles of Lumbini to popularize Nepal in the world. Community Work Visit some Vihars or Stupas, study the books available there or read the articles published in different newspaper, then write about the relationship of the following places with the biography of Lord Buddha. a. Lumbini, Nepal b. Devdaha, Nepal c. Bodhibriksha, Gaya, India d. Sarnath, India e. Kushinagar, India Our Past 235
3Lesson PRITHVI NARAYAN SHAH AND UNIFICATION CAMPAIGN A Short Biography of Prithvi Narayan Shah Narbhupal Shah: The King of Gorkha Chandraprabhawati Kaushalyawati Buddhimati Subhadrawati (Princess of Parvat) (Princess of Khanchi) (Princess of Palpa) (Princess of Parvat) 1. Kritimahoddam Shah Childless 1. Prithvi Narayan Shah 1. Brindakeshar Shah 2. Dalijit Shah 2. Dalmardan Shah 2. Shurpratap Shah 3. Prithvipati Shah Prithvi Narayan Shah was the eldest son and successor of Narbhupal Shah, the King of Gorkha. He was born on 27th Poush, 1779 BS. His elder mother Chandraprabhawati was given the responsibility for his education. She gave him lessons on Mahabharat, Ramayan, diplomacy, politics, horse riding, archery and swordsmanship. At the age of 14 years, he married Indra Kumari, the daughter of Hemkarna Sen, the King of Makwanpur in 1793 BS but could not succeed. His second wife was Narendra Laxmi, daughter of Ahiman Singh, a Rajput chief of Benaras in 1797 BS. He had friendship (Miteri) relation with Birnarsingh Malla, the son of the King of Bhaktapur, Ranjit Malla. Prithvi Narayan Shah ascended the Prithvi Narayan Shah throne of Gorkha at the age of 20 after his father’s demise on 25th Chaitra, 1799 BS. The first phase of unification was completed during his life time by his tireless efforts. After extending the boundary of Nepal upto Mechi River in the East, King Prithvi Narayan Shah passed way at the age of 52 years, at Devighat of Trishuli River in Nuwakot on 1st Magh 1831 BS. He is known as the founder of modern Nepal. Nepal, before the unification was divided into many small Kingdoms. There were 22 states in the Karnali Region and 24 states in Gandaki Region known as Baise Rajya and Chaubise Rajya respectively. Similarly, there were 3 Malla Kingdoms in Kathmandu Valley called Kantipur, Patan and Bhadgaun. In the East of the Kathmandu Valley, there were Sen Kingdoms in Koshi Region. The small Kingdoms did not have the good relationship with each other. They were getting weaker due to internal rivalry and frequent battles. The Kings were arrogant and involved in wars. At the same time, the British East India Company was conquering India and planning to occupy Nepal and extend their trade with Tibet. The existence of Nepal was in danger. So, Prithvi Narayan Shah started the unification campaign of Nepal. 236 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
Unification Campaign • Unsuccessful Invasion of Nuwakot: 1800 BS After Prithvi Narayan Shah became the King of Gorkha, he planned to begin unification campaign by first attacking Nuwakot. He sent Gorkhali troops under Kaji Biraj Thapa to attack Nuwakot. Biraj Thapa waited at Khinchet by the side of Trisuli River for an appropriate time to launch the attack. Prithvi Narayan Shah didn’t like the strategy of Nuwakot Palace Biraj Thapa and even didn’t trust him because of the fault reporting of Maheswor Panta. So, he sent another Gorkhali troops again under Maheshwor Panta to attack Nuwakot. The troops under Maheshwor Panta were defeated. • Conquest of Nuwakot: 15th Aswin, 1801 BS From the defeat of Nuwakot, Prithvi Narayan Shah realized the need of increasing trained soldiers, supply of provisions, weapons, cooperation of people and unity of command. He went to Banaras and collected some arms and ammunition there. Indian weapon experts named Shekh Jabar, Muhammad Taqi and Bekhsingh were brought to Gorkha to give the special training to army. He appointed Kalu Pandey as the Kazi of Gorkha respecting the P. N. Shah showing Nuwakot people’s favour. He reformed his army by opening weapons manufacturing workshops and making the provision of Marwat. He provided Jagir lands to his army as their salary. He reformed his economic status by collecting loans and donations in the form of goods and cash from 12,000 houses. He kept good relationship with other states. After making extensive preparation, Prithvi Narayan Shah commanded the Gorkha army consisting of about 1,000 soldiers and attacked upon the fort of Nuwakot from three sides. Shankhamani Rana, the chief of army of Nuwakot was killed by 12 years old Dalmardan Shah. The army of Nuwakot fled to Belkot. The Gorkhalis captured Belkot also and Jayanta Rana, the father of Shankhamani Rana was arrested and killed mercilessly. In this way Nuwakot was conquered by the Gorkhalis. • Conquest of Dahachowk, Naladum and Mahadev Pokhari: Shrawan, 1811 BS After the victory over Nuwakot, Prithvi Narayan Shah continued his attempt to surround the Kathmandu valley. The Gorkhali troops sent under the command of Tularam Pandey captured Dahachowk, a place about 2 km far from Kathmandu. The troops under the command of Kalu Pandey also captured Naladum and Mahadev Pokhari. • First unsuccessful invasion of Kirtipur: 9th Bhadra, 1814 BS Prithvi Narayan Shah was very excited with his victory over Nuwakot. Though, it was against the wish of Army chief Kalu Pande, the Gorkhali troops including Prithvi Narayan Our Past 237
Shah attacked Kirtipur on 9th Bhadra 1814 BS but could not face the joint force consisting of 4,000 soldiers of three states of Kathmandu valley. Kalu Pandey was killed. Prithvi Narayan Shah fled to Nuwakot at night. Total of 400 Gorkhali troops were killed in this battle. • Conquest of Makwanpur: 9th Bhadra, 1819 BS After the death of Hemkarna Sen, his son Digbandhan Sen was ruling Makwanpur. Prithvi Narayan Shah Bagh Bhairab Temple, Kirtipur didn’t have good relation with Digbandhan Sen. The relation between Makwanpur and Kantipur was also growing. So, Prithvi Narayan Shah planned to capture Makwanpur to make economic blockade imposed over Kathmandu valley more effective. On 9th Bhadra, 1819 BS Gorkhali troops attacked over Makwanpur under the command of Bansha Raj Pandey and Keharsingh Basnet. After the continuous battle of 10 hours, Gorkhali troops captured Makwanpur. About 1,000 Makwani soldiers were killed in this battle. King Digbadhan and Minister Kanaksingh Baniya of Makwanpur fled to Hariharpur. In the same year, on 22nd Aswin, Gorkhali troops attacked Hariharpur and captured it. Digbandhan Sen fled to India. The Gorkhalis got about 700 guns and ammunition from Makwanpur after the end of that battle. • Battle with Bengali troops: 27th Poush, 1819 BS When Digbandhan Sen fled to India, he asked Mir Kasim, the Nawab of Bengal for help to regain Makwanpur. Mir Kasim sent his hundreds of Muslim troops under the command of Gurgin Khan to attack Gorkhalis. They were also defeated by the Gorkhali troops. After the success in this battle, Gorkhali troops captured some places nearer to Kathmandu valley such as Banepa, Bishankhu, Pharping, Nala, Sanga, etc and tighten the economic blockade over Kathmandu valley. • Second unsuccessful invasion of Kirtipur: 30th Bhadra, 1821 BS Prithvi Narayan Shah sent his troops to attack on Kirtipur for the second time on 30th Bhadra, 1821 BS. The troops were under the command of his brother Shurpratap Shah, Daljit Shah and Kazi Shriharsha Panta. Patan and Bhaktapur did not support Kirtipur in this battle due to their growing enmity. The troops of Kirtipur closed the entrance gate of the fort. As, Shurpratap Shah was ascending upon the wall with the help of bamboo ladder, an arrow struck his eye. He lost his left eye and tumbled down. Another commander Daljit Shah was also injured. The Gorkhalis scattered and suffered a heavy loss in this war. • Conquest of Kirtipur: 3rd Chaitra 1822 BS Kazi Bansha Raj Pandey was the leader of the Gorkhali troops for this battle. Gorkhali troops had started surrounding upon Kirtipur from the month of Magh. On 3rd Chaitra, 1822 BS the Gorkhali troops surrounded Kirtipur from all sides. It created a panic situation in Kirtipur. Thus, Prithvi Narayan Shah sent a message to the Sinkhwal Pradhan, 238 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
the protector of Kirtipur threatening to surrender so that huge loss of lives and properties could be prevented. Kirtipur was compelled to surrender and it was annexed to Gorkha Kingdom. • Battle with the troops of Captain Kinloch: 1824 BS Gorkhalis defeated the English troops consisting of 2,500 soldiers under the command of Captain Kinloch at Sindhuli in 1824 BS. They had come to help Jaya Prakash Malla. When the British troops arrived on the slope of Sindhuligadhi, the Gorkhalis suddenly attacked them at Pauwagadhi and defeated them. The Gorkhalis captured about 500 guns of the English force. • Conquest of Kantipur: 13th Ashwin, 1825 BS After the failure of Captain Kinloch’s mission, Jaya Prakash Malla, the King of Kantipur remained helpless and the Gorkhali troops were encouraged after this incident. On 13th Ashwin, 1825 BS on the day of Indrajatra, Gorkhali troops attacked Kantipur from three sides and conquered it. King Jaya Prakash Malla fled to Patan with his trusted soldiers and took asylum there. Prithvi Narayan Shah ascended the throne of Kantipur on the same day. • Conquest of Lalitpur: 24th Ashwin, 1825 BS After 10 days of the victory over Kantipur, Prithvi Narayan Shah sent a message to six Pradhans or Kazis of Lalitpur asking them to surrender and prevent the lives and properties from being lost. Six Pradhans agreed to surrender according to the advice of Prithvi Narayan Shah. Jaya Prakash Malla and Tejnarsingh Malla, the King of Lalitpur fled to Bhaktapur. In this way, Lalitpur was annexed to Gorkha Kingdom. • Conquest of Bhaktapur: 1st Mangsir, 1826 BS Ranjit Malla was the King of Bhaktapur. Prithvi Narayan Shah requested him to hand over Jaya Prakash Malla and Tejnarsingh Malla who were taking asylum there. But he refused it. On 28th Kartik, 1826 BS, Bhatkapur was attacked by Gorkhalis. A fierce battle was fought for three days between the troops of Gorkha and Bhaktapur. Jaya Prakash Malla got injured seriously by a bullet struck at his Bhaktapur Durbar Square knee. On 1st Mangsir, 1826 BS Ranjit Malla, the King of Bhaktapur surrendered showing a white turban through a window of his room. Prithvi Narayan Shah went to visit all the three defeated Kings. According to their last wish, Jaya Prakash Mall was sent to Pashupati to spend there rest of his life. Ranjit Malla, as he was father of his friend, was sent to Kashi. Tejnarsingh Malla was kept in detention for his whole life. After the occupation of Bhaktapur, Prithvi Nayaran Shah made Kathmandu the capital of Nepal. Our Past 239
• Conquest of the East: 1830 BS and 1831 BS After the conquest of Kathmandu valley, Prithvi Narayan Shah attempted to move towards the West. But when the Gorkhali troops were sent to win Western side in the leadership of Keharsingh and Bansraj Pandey, they were badly defeated. The Western campaign was temporarily postponed and Eastern movement started. As a result, Chaudandi was occupied by Gorkhali troops in 1830 BS. The King of Chaudandi, Karna Sen fled to Bijayapur. Bijayapur was also occupied by Gorkhali army in 1831 BS. Karna Sen and Buddhikarna Rai, the Minister of Bijayapur fled to Sikkim. Abhiman Singh Basnet, the commander of Nepalese Army requested the King of Sikkim to return Karna Sen and Buddhikarna Rai. But by that time, they again fled away from Sikkim too. Instead of it, the King of Sikkim returned the part of Ilam to Nepal. In this way, Nepal’s Eastern boundary extended up to Mechi River. A timeline showing some events of Unification Campaign of Nepal Conquest of Nuwakot First unsuccessful Conquest of Conquest of invasion of Kirtipur Makwanpur Kantipur 1800 BS 1805 BS 1810 BS 1815 BS 1820 BS 1825 BS Scale : 1 Inch = 5 years KEY TERMS Annex : take over territory Blockade : to obstruct access to a place Conquer : seize area by military force Successor : next occupant of position Surrender : give up possession of something Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Make a plan to speed up the development of our country maintaining its unity in diversity. 2. How have you maintained the good relationship with your neighbours? What are your plans for improving the relationship further? Write. 3. Collect some pictures and articles of Gorkha palace and Nuwakot palace. Present in the class and discuss about its present condition. 240 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
Exercise Very short answer questions: 1. Who took the responsibility of training and educating Prithvi Narayan Shah? 2. When did Prithvi Narayan Shah ascend the throne of Gorkha? 3. What were Baise and Chaubise Rajya? 4. Name the three Malla Kingdoms of Kathmandu Valley existed before the unification of Nepal. 5. What was Marwat? 6. Why did Prithvi Narayan Shah appoint Kalu Pande as the Kazi of Gorkha? 7. What is economic blockade? Short answer questions: 1. What lesson did Gorkhalis get from the defeat with Nuwakot? How did they conquer it finally? 2. Why was it necessary to conquer Nuwakot and Makwanpur in the unification campaign of Prithvi Narayan Shah? 3. Why did the unification campaign of Prithvi Narayan Shah proceed towards the East after Kathmandu valley? Clarify the reasons. 4. Prithvi Narayan Shah made Kathmandu the capital of unified Nepal. Why? Present your logics in four points. 5. What strategies did Prithvi Narayan Shah implement for strengthening his army force? 6. Prepare a timeline showing any four important events of unification campaign of Prithvi Narayan Shah. Long answer questions: 1. “We can achieve our aim if we work with proper plan, patience and courage.” Justify the statement citing the example of the conquest of Kirtipur. 2. The unification campaign of Prithvi Narayan Shah proved that the success can be gained by the diplomatic finesse not only by the physical strength. Do you agree? Write an article presenting your logics. 3. Prithvi Narayan Shah had to face various obstacles during his unification campaign. What were they and how did he solve them? Community Work Consult with a local social worker or secretary of your local level and find the progress that took place within the last 10 years in your community in the field of transportation, budget, health, communication and drinking water. Our Past 241
4Lesson EFFECTS OF THE UNIFICATION CAMPAIGN OF NEPAL After the death of Prithvi Narayan Shah, his eldest son Pratap Singh Shah annexed Chitwan. But he died soon and Rana Bahadur Shah, who was a minor, ascended the throne. Acting on his behalf, Queen Mother Rajendra Laxmi took the state power in her hand and continued the unification campaign. During 1834 BS to 1842 BS, she annexed Lamjung, Tanahun and Kaski belonging to Chubise Rajya (24 Principalities). After her death, Bahadur Shah, the youngest son of Prithvi Narayan Shah, again acting on behalf of Rana Bahadur Shah, continued the campaign and won three-fourth part of Sikkim and extended the Eastern border to Tista River. Bahadur Shah then set for the West. By 1844 BS, he won the Chaubise Rajya. He attacked the Baise Rajya and won Karnali region conquering Jumla. In 1847 BS, he won Doti state and extended the border in the West to Mahakali River. In the same year he attacked Almoda, capital of Kumaun and won it. The following year he attacked Shrinagar, the capital of Gadhwal and made it a subordinate state. But due to war with Tibet, the unification campaign had to be stopped. Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa and • cfkmg\\ f b;] sf] lhgL;\\ hl/al' 6 b;] n}hfg' / gub if}rg' . Commander Amarsingh Thapa led • lg`flg;fk laufGof{ eGofsf] 3;' \\ lbGof / 3;' \\ iffGof xg' \\ . the campaign that had been disrupted • iffgL eofsf 7fpdf ufp eof klg ufp c? hUufdf by the death of Bahadur Shah. In 1861 BS, Shrinagar was attacked ;fl/sg klg ifflg rgfpg' . again and Gadhwal was fully annexed into Nepal. Thus, the border in the • ux|f] aGof hUufdf 3/ eof klg 3/ c? hUufdf ;fl/ West extended to Jamuna River. sn' f] sfl6 ift] agfO{ cfjfb ug{' . lbJof]kb]z After that, Immediately, Nepali army crossed the river and annexed many small states lying between Jamuna and Sutluj River. In 1863 BS, Amarsingh Thapa crossed Sutluj River winning various places and attacked Kangada. Nepali army kept Sansar Chand, the King of Kangada under seize in Kangada fort but could not penetrate it for four years. Finally, the King of Panjab Ranjit Singh came to his rescue and war ensued. Consequently, Jwalamukhi treaty was signed and Nepali army was compelled to retreat to Sutluj River. If Nepalese had won this fort, the Western border of Nepal could have been extended to Kashmir. The unification campaign initiated in 1799 BS by Prithvi Narayan Shah had resulted in a Greater Nepal extending from Tista in the East and Sutluj in the West by 1863 BS. A greater Nepal originated from a small state Gorkha like Germany originated from Prussia, Italy from Sardinia and Britain from Wessex. 242 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
Effects of Nepal’s Unification The unification campaign of Prithvi Narayan Shah improved the nation and nationality. It controlled the foreign interference and internal conflicts among the small states. The divine instructions of Prithvi Narayan Shah became a milestone for good governance and social reform. Treaty of Trade and Commerce signed in 1832 BS between Nepal and Tibet had promoted the economic progress of the nation. As, Kathmandu was declared the capital of Nepal, it reduced the administrative expenses. It increased the participation and access of people in governance system. Nepali people became sovereign citizens of a Great Nepal. A feeling of cooperation, collaboration and coordination developed in people. KEY TERMS Ascend : take up position Retreat : move back Subordinate : of lesser rank Throne : chair of monarch Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Discuss the conditions of international relation and economic condition of Nepal after the end of Nepal’s unification. 2. Collect the divine instruction (Divyopadesh) of Prithvi Narayan Shah. Several of them are relevant even today. Why? Clarify it. Exercise Very short answer questions: 1. Who was Bahadur Shah? 2. Why did Queen Mother Rajendra Laxmi take the state power in her hand? 3. What were the Eastern and Western borders of greater Nepal? Our Past 243
Short answer questions: 1. Mention the contribution of Bahadur Shah in the continuation of unification of Nepal. 2. Make a list of the personalities who played significant roles in making Greater Nepal. 3. Complete the following table. States Year of unification Kaski Parvat Jumla and Doti Gadhwal Long answer questions: 1. Elaborate the effects of unification campaign of Nepal. 2. What effects did the unification of Nepal cause in the contemporary social condition of the country? 3. “Feeling of cooperation, collaboration and coordination developed in Nepalese people due to the unification campaign of Nepal.” Justify this statement. Community Work Consult some people in your community who are learned about the history of Nepal. Ask them about the problems faced during the unification campaign of Nepal and how they were solved. Note down their answer and present it in the class. 244 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
5Lesson ANGLO-NEPAL WAR: CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES The war which broke out between Nepal and British East India Company in 1814 AD is called the Anglo-Nepal war. Nepalese warriors fought bravely for two years in this war. The major causes of this war are described below: Political Cause: 1. After the unification of Nepal, the defeated kings of Baise and Chaubise states had gone to India to take asylum. They instigated the Britishers in India against Nepal. They wanted the Britishers wage in war with Nepal so that they could get their Kingdoms back. 2. During the Anglo-Nepal war, Bhimsen Thapa was the Bhimsen Thapa Prime Minister of Nepal. He was a great nationalist and was against imperialism. He thought that if the Britishers entered into Nepal they would interfere in the internal affairs and politics of Nepal. Bhimsen Thapa wanted to overthrow them not only from India but also from Asia. So, he was trying to establish an organization of Asian countries against the British. For this, he negotiated with the Indian states like Punjab, Gwaliar and Maratha. The British were very alert and scared with this plan of Bhimsen Thapa. Before his plan was materialised, the British wanted to crush Nepal. His plan was very appropriate from the nationalistic point of view. His view is right even today because nationality and self- respect is important for all the Nepalese. Economic Cause: 1. Before Anglo-Nepal war, Nepal had a sound economic condition. Its trade with India and Tibet was very good and favourable for Nepal. It had a huge national income from the foreign trade. 2. Nepal spent most of the income to collect weapons for its troops. It was not liked by the British. 3. British wanted to sell their goods in Nepal as well as extend their trade to Tibet through Nepal. 4. They were interested in the herbs, timber and fertile land of the Terai. Natural Cause: They wanted to enter and reside in Nepal because it was difficult for them to rule in India which has a very hot climate and they were looking for a cooler place like Nepal Our Past 245
to run their administration in India but the Government of Nepal prohibited the entry of foreigners in Nepal. Nepal’s Growing Strength After the unification, Nepali border was extended from Tista in the East to Kangada in the West. So the Britishers were scared by seeing the growing strength of Nepal. Immediate Cause: The issue of Butwal and Syuraj was the immediate cause of Anglo-Nepal war. Butwal and Syuraj were ruled by the King of Palpa. When Palpa was unified to Nepal, those territories too came under the rule of Nepal. But, the British claimed those parts as their territory. In the mean time, the British Governor-General Marquis of Hastings sent a threatening letter to Nepal for immediate evacuation of those territories. But Nepal denied leaving those places. Therefore, Hastings declared a war against Nepal on 16th Kartik 1871 BS (1st November, 1814 AD). The war continued for two years. The Nepalese warriors fought bravely with the powerful British force. Bhimsen Marquis of Hastings Thapa was hoping to get help from the Indian states like Punjab, Gwaliar and Maratha against the Do you know? British but it was in vain. At last, Nepal was compelled to sign the Treaty of Sugauli on Girvana Yuddha Bikram Shah was the 2nd December, 1815 AD. king of Nepal during Anglo-Nepal War. Consequences of Anglo-Nepal war: 1. Nepal had to sign Sugauli treaty in humiliating condition. 2. Nepal had to lose cold and worth visiting places like Kumau, Gadhwal, Naini Tal, Darjeeling, etc. 3. The British ambassador interfered in the internal affairs of Nepal in spite of objection made by Nepal time and again. 4. Beginning of conspiracy within the palace and end of Nepal’s expansion. 5. The recruitment of Nepalese youths into the British army. 6. Nepal had to give one-third parts of its territory to the British and disappointment increased among the Nepalese people. 7. Loss of lives and properties. 8. A provision was made that without the permission of British, Nepal could not have any American or European in the service. 246 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
N Map of Nepal during Anglo-Nepal War Sugauli Treaty The Anglo-Nepal war concluded with a Peace and Friendship Treaty signed at Sugauli, a place in Motihari District of India on 20th Falgun, 1872 BS (4th March, 1816 AD). This treaty is known as Sugauli Treaty. After the Anglo-Nepalese War, a peace treaty was signed between the government of Nepal and the East India Company. It was agreed upon on 2nd December 1815 by Raj Guru Gajaraj Mishra aided by Chandra Sekher Upadhyaya on behalf of the government of Nepal and Lt. Col. Paris Bradshaw on behalf of the Company. The signed copies of the treaty were exchanged on 4th March, 1816 AD at Makwanpur by Chandra Sekhar Upadhayay and General David Ochterlony. The terms of the treaty were as follows: 1. There shall be perpetual peace and friendship between the East India Company and the King of Nepal. 2. The King of Nepal will renounce all claims to the lands which were the subject of discussion between the two States before the war; and will acknowledge the right of the Company to the sovereignty of those lands. 3. The King of Nepal will cede to the East India company in perpetuity all the under mentioned territories: (i) The whole of low lands between the rivers Kali and Rapti. (ii) The whole of low lands between Rapti and Gandaki, except Butwal. (iii) The whole of low lands between Gandaki and Koshi in which the authority of the East India Company has been established. (iv) The whole of low lands between the rivers Mechi and Tista. Our Past 247
(v) The whole of territories within the hills Eastward of the Mechi River. The aforesaid territory shall be evacuated by the Gorkha troops within forty days from this date. 4. With a view to indemnify the chiefs and Bhardars of Nepal, whose interest will suffer by the alienation of the lands ceded by the foregoing Article (No. 3 above), the East India Company agrees to settle pensions to the aggregate amount of two lakhs rupees per annum for such chiefs as may be decided by the King of Nepal. 5. The King of Nepal renounces for himself, his heirs, and successors, all claim to the countries lying to the West of the River Kali, and engaged never to have any concern with those countries or the inhabitants thereof. 6. The King of Nepal engages never to molest or disturb the King of Sikkim in the possession of his territories. If any difference shall arise between Nepal and Sikkim, it shall be referred to the arbitration of the East India Company. 7. The King of Nepal hereby engages never to take or retain in his service any British subject, nor the subject of any European or American State, without the consent of the British Government. 8. In order to secure and improve the relations of amity and peace hereby established between Nepal and Britain (East India company), it is agreed that accredited Ministers from each shall reside at the court of the other. 9. This treaty shall be ratified by the King of Nepal within 15 days from this date, and the ratification shall be delivered to Lt. Col. Bradshaw, who engages to obtain and deliver to the King the ratification of the Governor-General within 20 days, or sooner, if practicable. KEY TERMS Asylum : the protection granted by a state to someone who has left his/her native country as a political refugee Conspiracy : a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful Evacuation : the action of emptying a place or a region Humiliating : making someone feel ashamed and foolish by injuring their dignity and pride Instigate : bring about or initiate an action or event Overthrow : remove forcibly from power Recruitment : the action of finding new people to join an organization or support a cause 248 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
Evaluation Exercises Activities 1. Write an editorial for a national daily newspaper including the causes of Anglo- Nepal War. 2. Discuss in the class about Sugauli Treaty. Exercise Very short answer questions: 1. What was Anglo-Nepal War? 2. Write the immediate cause of Anglo-Nepal War. 3. What was Sugauli Treaty? When was it signed? Short answer questions: 1. How were Butwal and Syuraj annexed to Nepal? Why was the issue of Butwal and Syuraj regarded as the immediate cause of Anglo-Nepal War? 2. “Bhimsen Thapa was not scared of the threat given by the British. He was brave and courageous.” Justify the statement. 3. What were the objectives of Britishers wishing to keep Nepal under control of them? Prepare a model of editorial including your answer. Long answer questions: 1. When did Anglo-Nepal War break out? What were the natural, economic and political causes of Anglo-Nepal War? 2. What were the consequences of Anglo-Nepal War? Community Work You may have seen or heard any case of dispute in your community over a piece of land. In such a case, how the disputes were solved? Ask some seniors of your community and prepare a report on it. Our Past 249
6Lesson ANGLO-NEPAL WAR AND NEPALESE BRAVERY Balabhadra Kunwar in the war of Khalanga Nalapani About four miles North East of the present city of Dehradun in India and on the way to Mussoorie, there is a place called Nalapani. Balabhadra Kunwar had built a fort here at an altitude of 500-600 feet, which was called the Fort of Khalanga. During the Anglo-Nepal war Major-General Balabhadra Kunwar Gillespie and Colonel Maubi along with 3,500 strong troops with 11 cannons attacked the fort at Khalanga from 4 sides whereas there were only 600 Gorkhalis including youths, women, children and aged people. On the night before attacking the fort of Khalanga, Major General Sir Robert Rolls Gillespie sent a letter to Balabhadra Kunwar asking him to surrender, to which Balabhadra Kunwar replied, “I am not in the habit of reading letters at midnight. I will meet Gillespie soon.” Saying this he had torn up the letter. The very Khalanga fort next day, the English troops attacked and fired cannon balls at the fort. In reply Nepalese men as well as women inside the fort counter attacked with bullets, arrows and rocks. Lieutenant Ellis who was leading the British troops, was hit by a bullet fired from the Nepalese side and was killed. The British soldiers were depressed by the Nepalese attack. This led Major- General Gillespie himself to advance towards the fort with his helmet on one hand and a sword on the other. He too was killed in the battle-field by a bullet fired by the Nepalese soldiers. A total of 266 people were killed and injured on the British side. MAJOR-GENERAL ROBERT ROLLS GILLESPIE. The English troops could no longer face the Nepalese troops and After a portrait by Chinnery. Sir Robert Rolls Gillespie fled to Dehradun. After being defeated the English, Balabhadra sent a letter to Kathmandu requesting for help. But, the troops from Nahan which had come for help were blocked on the way by the English troops. 250 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 9
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