Shah was a member of the Shah dynasty, a Kshatriya caste, and his father was Narabhupal Shah, the king of Gorkha. He received a traditional education and military training, and he became a skilled warrior and leader.
In 1743, Shah ascended to the throne of Gorkha after his father's death, and he began to expand his territory. He launched a series of military campaigns, and by 1769, he had conquered the Kathmandu Valley and united the various principalities of Nepal under his rule.
Shah established the Kingdom of Nepal, with its capital in Kathmandu, and he introduced several administrative and social reforms. He divided Nepal into four provinces, each with its own governor, and he established a centralized government system. He also introduced a new legal code based on the Hindu law of Manu.
Shah was a devout Hindu and considered himself to be an incarnation of Vishnu, the preserver god of the Hindu trinity. He encouraged the worship of Vishnu and built several temples in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal.
Shah also promoted the use of the Nepali language and culture. He made Nepali the official language of Nepal and encouraged the development of Nepali literature and art.
Shah was a strong and charismatic leader, and he is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Nepal. He is remembered as a great warrior and a wise king who laid the foundation of a unified and independent Nepal.
Here are some additional facts about Prithivi Narayan Shah:
- He is considered as one of the greatest military generals of all time. He won many battles against numerically superior forces.
- He was also a great administrator and introduced many reforms in the government and society of Nepal.
- He was a great patron of art, culture and literature. He built many temples, palaces and other public buildings. He also encouraged the development of Nepali literature and art.