Kathmandu, Jan 11: The 303rd birth anniversary of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who initiated the campaign for national unification, is being commemorated throughout the country today by organizing various programmes.

Prithvi Narayan Shah was born on 7 January 1723 as the first child of Nara Bhupal Shah and Kaushalyawati in the Gorkha Palace. He ascended to the throne of Gorkha Kingdom on April 3, 1743 and started the unification of Nepal. He is also credited for moving the royal seat of power from Gorkha to Kathmandu.

Before the unification, Nepal was divided into 52 principalities. King Prithvi Narayan Shah became successful in expanding Nepal’s borders to the Tista River in the east to the Chepe river in the west. After his death, his successors further expanded Nepal’s western borders to Kangada. 

Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered Nuwakot in 1744 and the Kathmandu Valley 25 years later in 1769. After conquering the Nepal Valley as the Kathmandu Valley was called at that time, Prithvi Narayan Shah gradually annexed Chaudandu Bijayapur and other principalities towards the east. He died in January 1775.

Prithvi Narayan Shah is credited for initiating the unification of Nepal with the support of all castes and communities. On the occasion of the 303rd birth anniversary of King Prithvi Narayan Shah today, special programme is taking place at the spot where the late king’s statue stands in front of the West Gate to Singha Durbar in the federal capital.

A special programme is organized at this place every year commemorating and paying tribute to the late king who initiated the national unification campaign. (RSS)