Bhakti Thapa ( One of the gallant warriors during Anglo-Nepal War)

Sardar Bhakti Thapa was in the troops of Keharinarayan Shah, the King of Lumjung. Later, he was admitted to the Gorkha troops. During the Anglo-Nepal War, Amarsingh Thapa was in charge of the western fronts. He defended the fort Malau. Bhakti Thapa was 70 years old during the war. He guarded the fort of Surajgarh. The western part of Nepal became insecure when the British force captured Deuthal which was 1000 yards away from Malau. On 16th March 1815, Bhakti Thapa led teh 2000 Nepali soldiers to the battlefield. Nepalese troops were armed with scimitars, khukuris and swords. They faced the British troops without caring about bullets and cannons. A fierce battle took place. Bhakti Thapa attained martyrdom on the battlefield after he was shot in the chest with cannon ball. About 700 Nepalese soldiers were killed. British troops too had heavy casualties. All the officers in the artillery were killed except one on the British side who was using the arsenal. Major-General Sir David Ochtorloney wrapped the dead body of Bhakti Thapa with a yellow shawl and handed it over to Nepal with due honour to the gallant adversary. His last rites were performed the next day with state honour. His two wives went 'sati' on the funeral pyre of Bhakti Thapa. He left his son in the care of Amarsingh Thapa. The results of Anglo-Nepal War went against the Nepalese soldiers and Nepal. The invading British forces kept on celebrating their victory. The brave, patriotic and herioc contribution of 70-year-old Bhakti Thapa will remain high source of inspiration to all the Nepalese. His valiant efforts to safeguard the identity and sovereignty of Nepal and the Nepalese people will always be remembered.