265th Death Anniversary of Legendary Warrior of Nepal – Kaji Kalu Pande
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Bansidhar Pande popularly known as Kalu Pande was a Nepalese warrior and military general who was appointed as Kaji of The Gorkha Kingdom. He was born in 1770 BS/ 1713 A.D in Gorkha. He was the commander of the Gorkhali forces during the Expansion Campaign of Nepal. Along with being a warrior, he was also a great tactician. He is credited for mediating a friendship treaty between King Prithivi Narayan Shah of Gorkha and King Ripumardan Shah of Lamjung diminishing a century-long rivalry between the two states.
Kalu Pandey was the right hand to King Prithivi Narayan Shah and the most trusted adviser. He was against King Prithivi Narayan Shah’s decision to attack Kirtipur at the crucial moment when Gorkhali forces lacked preparations for war. Kirtipur was located in a very strategic location and Kalu Pandey knew it was difficult to invade it without proper plans and preparations. Gorkhali forces were badly defeated in the First Battle of Kirtipur. Kalu Pandey aged 44 died in war at Tyanglaphat, Kritipur in 19th Jestha 1814 B.S. King Prithivi Narayan Shah also had a narrow escape from death as he ran away disguised as a saint. Kaji Kalu Pandey’s weapons used in this war can still be seen hanging on the roof of the Bagh Bhairab Temple in Kirtipur. Kalu Pandey’s body was cremated in Dahachowk. King Prithivi Narayan Shah was depressed after the death of his loyal adviser and regretted not following his advice regarding this war.
Kaji Kalu Pandey valiantly fought in wars and succeeded in annexing Nuwakot, Belkot, Naldhum, Tadhi and Sirhanchowk to the Gorkha Empire. He served as the prime minister of Gorkha for 14 years until his death. He is also the first Commander in Chief of the Nepalese forces. He has a great contribution towards building this nation. But his contribution along with the contribution of other brave warriors has been forgotten by the people of modern Nepal.
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