Greater Nepal VS Akhanda Bharat
A topic that sparks intense emotions and nationalistic fervor in the Himalayan region!
Greater Nepal (Sanskrit: मगध नेपाल, Maha Nepal) is a concept that emerged during the Nepalese monarchy, particularly during the reign of King Mahendra Shah (1955-1972) and King Birendra Shah (1972-2001). It refers to the idea of a larger Nepal that would encompass not only present-day Nepal but also parts of India, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of Uttarakhand.
Akhanda Bharat (Sanskrit: अखंड à¤ारत), on the other hand, is a concept that gained prominence in India during the same period. It means "Undivided India" or "United India" and refers to the idea of a unified Indian subcontinent, encompassing present-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Nepal.
**Historical Context:** The idea of Greater Nepal gained momentum during the 1950s and 1960s, when Nepal was seeking to assert its sovereignty and territorial integrity. King Mahendra Shah, in particular, believed that Nepal's historical ties with India were being eroded by Indian expansionism and wanted to create a buffer zone around Nepal to protect its independence.
**Territorial Claims:** Nepal claimed territories in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of Uttarakhand based on historical records, cultural ties, and geographical contiguity. These claims were rooted in the idea that these regions were once part of the ancient kingdom of Kuru-Panchala, which was mentioned in Hindu scriptures.
**Indian Response:** The Indian government strongly rejected these claims, citing historical evidence to the contrary. India argued that the territories claimed by Nepal were part of British India before partition and had been ceded to India through treaties. The Indian government also saw the claims as a threat to its territorial integrity and national security.
**Consequences:** The dispute over Greater Nepal/Akhanda Bharat led to significant tensions between Nepal and India. The relationship between the two countries became strained, and there were several incidents of border clashes and skirmishes. The dispute also led to a deterioration in bilateral trade relations, with both countries imposing trade restrictions on each other.
**Modern Developments:** Today, the idea of Greater Nepal/Akhanda Bharat has lost significance as both countries have moved away from these concepts. Nepal has adopted a more pragmatic approach to its relations with India, recognizing the importance of good neighborly ties. The two countries have established diplomatic relations and cooperate on various issues like trade, tourism, and infrastructure development.
In conclusion, the concept of Greater Nepal/Akhanda Bharat was a significant aspect of Nepalese-Indian relations during the mid-20th century. While it remains an important part of historical context, it has largely lost relevance today as both countries prioritize cooperation and mutual understanding over territorial disputes.
Let's dive deeper into the concept of Greater Nepal and Akhanda Bharat.
**Greater Nepal:**
The concept of Greater Nepal emerged during the reign of King Mahendra Shah (1955-1972) in Nepal. King Mahendra believed that Nepal's sovereignty and territorial integrity were being threatened by Indian expansionism. He wanted to create a buffer zone around Nepal to protect its independence and cultural identity. The idea of Greater Nepal was based on the following claims:
1. **Historical ties:** King Mahendra believed that Nepal had historical ties with the regions of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of Uttarakhand, dating back to the ancient kingdom of Kuru-Panchala mentioned in Hindu scriptures.
2. **Cultural affinity:** He argued that the people in these regions shared cultural and linguistic ties with the Nepalese people, making them an integral part of the Nepalese nation.
3. **Geographical contiguity:** King Mahendra pointed out that these regions were geographically contiguous with Nepal, making it natural for them to be part of the country.
**Territorial claims:** Based on these claims, Nepal made territorial demands on India, specifically:
1. **Uttar Pradesh:** Nepal claimed parts of Uttar Pradesh, including the districts of Gorakhpur, Deoria, and Kushinagar.
2. **Bihar:** Nepal claimed parts of Bihar, including the districts of Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Samastipur.
3. **Uttarakhand:** Nepal claimed parts of Uttarakhand, including the districts of Champawat, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar.
**Indian Response:**
India rejected these claims outright, citing historical evidence to the contrary. The Indian government argued that:
1. **British colonial era:** The territories claimed by Nepal were part of British India before partition and had been ceded to India through treaties.
2. **Treaties and agreements:** India pointed out that Nepal had signed several treaties with British India, including the 1816 Treaty of Segauli and the 1923 Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship, which recognized the borders between the two countries.
3. **National security:** India saw the Nepalese claims as a threat to its national security and territorial integrity.
**Consequences:**
The dispute over Greater Nepal/Akhanda Bharat led to significant tensions between Nepal and India. The relationship between the two countries became strained, and there were several incidents of border clashes and skirmishes. The dispute also led to a deterioration in bilateral trade relations, with both countries imposing trade restrictions on each other.
**Modern Developments:**
In recent years, the concept of Greater Nepal/Akhanda Bharat has lost significance as both countries have moved away from these concepts. Nepal has adopted a more pragmatic approach to its relations with India, recognizing the importance of good neighborly ties. The two countries have established diplomatic relations and cooperate on various issues like trade, tourism, and infrastructure development.
In conclusion, while the concept of Greater Nepal/Akhanda Bharat remains an important part of historical context, it has largely lost relevance today as both countries prioritize cooperation and mutual understanding over territorial disputes.
