Page:The Imperial Gazetteer of India - Volume 10 (2nd edition).pdf/300



288 NEPAL. Sutlej (Satlaj). When their movements first attracted the notice of the British Government, their general was erecting strong forts and stockades at convenient positions, namely Almorá, Srinagar, and Malaun. The frontier towards the Sikhs was also guarded by a strong line of fortified posts; and thus the consolidation of the Gurkha empire proceeded with a slow but sure progress. The extensive tract which lies between Khatmandu and the Sutlej was held in firm subjection by a strong military force; whilst to the east, the Sikkim Rája was deprived of half his territories, and compelled to pay tribute for the remainder. To the north, the progress of conquest was restrained by the Cliinese power, with which the Gúrkha chiess had already found themselves unable to cope, and also by a lofty range of barren mountains. But the fertile plains in the south presented a more alluring prospect, and greater probabilities of success in a contest with a new and untried power. The consequence was a series of encroachments along the whole northern frontier of the British possessions, especially in the Districts of Gorakhpur and Sáran. The Government remonstrated against these proceedings, and an investigation into the respective claims of the two powers was commenced by Commissioners jointly chosen; the result of which being entirely favourable to the British, a detachment of regulars was ordered to take possession of the debateable ground. But these being withdrawn during the rainy season, the chief police station upon the frontier was attacked by large bodies of Nepálcsc, and the officers were compelled to fly, with a loss of 18 killed and 6 wounded. Shortly afterwards, a second attack was made on another police station, and several persons were killed, after which the whole body was withdrawn. In 1814, war was declared. It is only necessary here to state generally, that the invasion of the Guírkha dominions was commenced on the western frontier, beyond the Jumna (Jamuná), and near the Sutlej, the country there being considered as easier of access than the mountainous barrier on the side of Bengal. But the British troops, in attempting to storm the stockades and hill forts, were repeatedly driven back with severe loss. The most desperate resistance of the enemy was perhaps at Kalunga, near Dehra. Here it was that General Gillespie fell, while encouraging his troops to renew the attack. In 1815, Sir David Ochterlony assumed the chief command. By a series of skilful operations he dislodged thc Gúrkha troops from the fortified lieights of Maláun, and ultimately so hcmmed in their renowned commander, Amar Singh, and his son, that they were forced to sign a capitulation, by which they agreed, on being permitted to retrcat with their remaining troops, to abandon the whole territory west of the Káli. In Kumaun, also, the British troops succeeded in driving the cnemy before them; and, in consequence of these successes, a definite treaty of