Greater Nepal

Greater Nepal” evokes the historical vision of a unified Nepal that included vast regions beyond its current borders, dating back to the period between 1791 and 1816. During this era, under the leadership of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, Nepal expanded its territory to encompass significant portions of what are now the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and parts of Bangladesh. This ambitious unification campaign ultimately concluded with the Anglo-Nepalese War, culminating in the signing of the Sugauli Treaty with the East India Company on March 4, 1816.

Background

By Justus Perthes, Gotha./Charles Joppen – Joppen, Charles SJ.

Nepal’s territorial expansion, initiated by Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1743, extended from the Sutlej to the Teesta River. However, Gorkha rule over this vast region was relatively short-lived, lasting only until 1815. Specifically, the Gorkhali controlled Garhwal for 12 years, Kumaon for 24 years, and Sikkim for 33 years. The Gorkha expansion came to an end following the 1814-1815 war with the East India Company. This conflict concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Sugauli, which redefined Nepal’s borders to their current limits in both the east and west. Advocates of “Greater Nepal” argue that this treaty resulted in the loss of 176,000 km² of Nepalese territory.

The Greater Nepal Nationalist Front (GNNF), formerly known as the “Unified Nepal National Front,” is a prominent Nepali non-governmental organization (NGO) led by Phanindra Nepal. The GNNF is dedicated to advocating for the restoration of Greater Nepal, a historical concept that envisions Nepal reclaiming its former territories as they existed prior to the Sugauli Treaty of 1815 and the Treaty of Peace and Friendship with India of 1950. The organization vehemently disowns these treaties, viewing them as unjust agreements that significantly reduced Nepal’s territorial expanse.

The GNNF’s primary demand is the return of land that was part of Nepal before the Sugauli Treaty was signed. This includes regions extending to the Sutlej River in the west, the Teesta River in the east, and reaching as far south as Varanasi. In the organization’s terminology, this expansive area is described as stretching “from Shimla to Darjeeling.” By advocating for the restoration of these historical boundaries, the GNNF aims to reclaim a significant portion of land that it believes rightfully belongs to Nepal.

Scholars such as Mishra and Haque have observed that the GNNF employs a highly effective rhetorical strategy to promote its cause. The organization’s depiction of a map of Greater Nepal serves as a powerful tool, invoking a sense of historical nostalgia and nationalistic longing among its supporters. This imagery not only reinforces the organization’s goals but also galvanizes public sentiment towards the idea of a restored Greater Nepal. The movement’s influence is further amplified through its online presence, which includes a website in the Nepali language, a Facebook page, and various blog sites, all dedicated to spreading its message and rallying support.

Beyond the primary goals of the GNNF, there are even more ambitious movements within the same ideological sphere. These grandiose visions propose the formation of the “Unified Gorkha-States of the Indian Sub-Continent,” a radical restructuring of the region into five autonomous states. Among these proposed states, the largest is envisioned as the “Arya Autonomous State,” which would encompass a vast territory. This concept pushes the boundaries of nationalist aspirations, suggesting a significant reconfiguration of political and territorial divisions in the Indian subcontinent.

The GNNF’s activities and goals highlight the enduring legacy of historical grievances and the powerful role of nationalistic movements in shaping contemporary political discourse. While the organization’s demands and visions are ambitious, they reflect a deep-rooted desire to reclaim a perceived historical identity and territorial integrity. By tapping into collective memories and aspirations, the GNNF continues to play a significant role in the nationalistic narrative of Nepal, seeking to influence both public opinion and political outcomes.

Nepali Maoists

A Maoist movement in Nepal has produced a detailed 260-page book titled “Nepal: Teesta Dekhi Satlej Samma” (“Nepal: From Teesta to the Sutlej”). This publication echoes the demands of the Greater Nepal Nationalist Front (GNNF), while providing numerous references to purported historical facts. Among its claims is that Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru once supported the idea of a “Greater Nepal”. The book’s map of Greater Nepal even includes Indian towns such as Varanasi, Ballia, Bahraich, Pilibhit, and Jaunpur. Despite these assertions, Maoist leader Prachanda dismissed the book’s claims in an interview with the Times of India, describing them as a “media-created stunt”. However, reports from the Times of India indicated that the book was widely available in and around Maoist camps near the Indo-Nepal border in 2005. Additionally, the Maoist-affiliated Indian Nepalis advocacy group, Akhil Bharat Nepali Ekta Samaj, is also reported to support the idea of Greater Nepal.

Nepali Scholars

Several Nepali scholars and retired officials, such as Buddhi Narayan Shrestha (former Director of the Survey Department) and Dwarika Nath Dhungel (former Secretary of Water Resources), have written scholarly articles featuring maps labeled “Greater Nepal”. Shrestha, in particular, has actively participated in Greater Nepal gatherings and has made public comments supporting the movement. He has stated, “The land we lost to the East India Company should not belong to India. It is ours.” Shrestha narrates that, prior to the Sugauli Treaty, Nepal extended south to the confluence of the Gandak and Ganges Rivers, and north to Shigatse and Tashilhunpo. He asserts that this expanse was known as “Greater Nepal,” although he does not specify who used this term. According to Shrestha, British India dismembered Greater Nepal because they saw it as an obstacle to their trade ambitions with Tibet.

Official Positions

The concept of “Greater Nepal” has never been officially discussed or endorsed by any king of Nepal. Following the 2008 Nepali Constituent Assembly election, the leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), and then-Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (commonly known as “Prachanda”), declared that the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship would be “scrapped.” However, this issue was not pursued further, and Prachanda resigned nine months later for unrelated reasons. The late Nepali Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala dismissed the idea of Greater Nepal as “a product of unstable minds.” Journalist Kanak Mani Dixit observed that, as of 1993, the mainstream Left in Nepal appeared ambivalent about the concept: they liked the idea but were unwilling to take any concrete action.

In 2023, a mural of the Mauryan Empire in India’s new Parliament building, which some Indian politicians of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) branded as an Akhand Bharat map, caused concern in Nepal. This mural included Nepali towns such as Lumbini and Kapilavastu. In response, the mayor of Kathmandu, Balen Shah, displayed a map of Greater Nepal in his office as a form of protest.
This incident reignited discussions and sentiments surrounding the concept of Greater Nepal among Nepali nationalists and politicians. The map displayed by the Kathmandu mayor served as a symbolic assertion of Nepal’s historical claims and as a statement against perceived encroachments by India. The reactions to the mural in India and the subsequent protest in Nepal underscored the sensitivity and complexity of territorial issues in South Asia.

Contemporary Relevance

The idea of Greater Nepal continues to resonate with certain segments of the Nepali population, particularly among nationalist groups and those with historical grievances against past treaties. The GNNF and other proponents of Greater Nepal use historical narratives to build a sense of identity and continuity, appealing to emotions tied to national pride and historical justice. The digital age has also amplified these efforts, with social media platforms and websites helping to disseminate their messages widely and rally support.

In modern times, the notion of Greater Nepal extends beyond mere historical claims; it touches on broader themes of sovereignty, national integrity, and regional politics. The territorial reconfigurations suggested by these movements, although unlikely to be realized in practical terms, serve as potent symbols in the discourse around Nepal’s national identity and its historical experiences with colonial and regional powers.

Political and Diplomatic Implications

While the GNNF and similar groups maintain their advocacy, the official stance of the Nepali government remains cautious. Successive Nepali administrations have focused on maintaining diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, particularly India, which is a crucial partner in trade, economy, and regional security. The revival of territorial claims has the potential to strain these diplomatic ties, which both nations seek to avoid.

However, periodic flare-ups of nationalist rhetoric, such as the one triggered by the 2023 mural controversy, highlight the underlying tensions that persist. These incidents necessitate careful handling by both Nepali and Indian authorities to prevent escalation and ensure that historical grievances do not undermine contemporary bilateral relations.

Conclusion

The concept of Greater Nepal, championed by the GNNF and echoed by various nationalist groups and scholars, remains a powerful yet contentious part of Nepal’s national narrative. It serves as a reminder of the country’s historical expanse and the territorial losses that have shaped its modern borders. While these historical claims are unlikely to translate into actual territorial changes, they continue to influence nationalist sentiments and political discourse in Nepal. As the region navigates its complex history and current geopolitical realities, the idea of Greater Nepal will likely remain a symbol of historical pride and a point of contention in Nepal’s national identity and regional relations.

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