Makwanpur Gadhi: Living History of the Sen Dynasty

Makwanpur Gadhi is a place with a living history of the Sen dynasty, which successfully ruled the Gandaki region before the establishment of modern Nepal. A replica of traditional yet advanced architecture, Makwanpur Gadhi reflects the strategic importance and protective foresight of that era. Recently, homestays have started in the area, including Nachangan, which showcases the local Tamang and Magar culture.

Makwanpur Gadhi served as the capital of the Sen kings for 197 years and is believed to have been built by Luwang Sen in 1622. Historically, archaeologically, and strategically important, this fort is located about 17 kilometers northeast of today's Makwanpur district headquarters, Hetauda. Its historical significance should have been widely discussed, but it has not received enough attention.

After the conquest of Nuwakot, Prithvinarayan Shah attacked Makwanpur. Following his strategy of weakening the Malla kings of Kathmandu, Makwanpur was his target. This demonstrates the fort’s significance in the unification of Nepal.

On January 10, 1819, Digbandhan Sen, with the help of Mirkasim, attacked Makwanpur Gadhi, which was under Gorkha control. With 2,000 and 3,000 troops, including 1,000 contingents, they ascended the fort at Shikharkateri. In a battle that lasted 10 hours, the Nawab's army was defeated. A small number of Gorkhali troops led by Ram Krishna Kunwar participated, assisted by locals using homemade weapons. According to historians, 1,700 soldiers from Mirkasim were killed in the battle, and the rest fled, leaving the Nawab defeated.

Digbandhan Sen attacked Makwanpur Gadhi for three reasons:

1. He wanted to regain his lost kingdom.
2. The British were also interested in Makwanpur Gadhi. Prithvinarayan Shah's conquest had severed British ties with the Malla kings of the valley during their attempt to stop the Gorkha military campaigns.
3. The Malla kings of the valley wanted the Gorkhalis removed from Makwanpur. Therefore, the British and Malla kings sent Digbandhan Sen to attack Makwanpur.

Preserving such a historic fort provides new generations an opportunity to learn about the past and also supports tourism. Countries like China and India have achieved great tourism success by conserving historical sites. Unfortunately, today the Government of Nepal has neglected Makwanpur Gadhi. Guns and cannons taken by the Gorkhalis from the Bengali army remained in the fort until 2036 BS. These were reportedly moved to the Royal Army's Supertar Barracks in Hetauda in 2036 BS.

Nepal has about 200 forts, big and small, each with its own significance. Makwanpur Gadhi stands out in this context. The stones used in the fort were impressively hard, and the fort's stone, brick, and other materials resemble the grandeur of China's Great Wall.

Some local-level efforts have been made to preserve this important fort. The Makwanpur Gadhi Tourism Development Coordinating Committee, formed seven years ago under the leadership of local civil society, organizes programs in Makwanpur Gadhi and Shikharkateri every year. With active participation from the committee, a park has been constructed in Shikharkateri. However, these local-level preservation efforts are only indicative. The government should actively protect the fort. This does not require unbearable expenditure and is a matter of national pride, not investment.