History of the Most Selfish Harsh Dev in Shrinagar in Gorkha period of Kumaon

History of Garhwal including Haridwar (1223- 1804 AD) –part -183     

   History of Uttarakhand (Garhwal, Kumaon and Haridwar) -431 

                       By: Bhishma Kukreti (A History Research Student)

                          Harsh Dev Joshi Escaping

             The most Selfish personality of Uttarakhand History, Harsh Dev Joshi not only brought foreign rule in Kumaon but also paved the way for foreign rule in Garhwal too.

              When, Nepal King called major force from Kumaon and Garhwal to Nepal, the Nepal King wanted one to one dialogue with Harsh Dev Joshi. Nepalis handed over Kumaon to Joshi. Gorkha/Nepali commanders took Harsh Dev Joshi with them for Nepal. Harsh Dev was conscious about bad days in Nepal.  Harsh Dev escaped from Nepali force and ran towards Johar. Within shortest time, there was treaty between China and Nepal and Gorkha force retuned to Kumaon.  It was not possible for Joshi to collect his supporters in Almora in the presence of Gorkhas there.

     In Johar, Johariyas (now with Fartyal group) captured Harsh Dev Joshi and informed his enemies Lal Singh, Mahendra Chand (ex Kumaon King) those were staying in Tarai region. Mahendra Chand sent his community brother Padma Singh to bring Harsh Dev to him.

                Padma Singh went to Johar to bring Harsh Dev. The wisest diplomat of Uttarakhand in its whole history, Harsh Dev Joshi lured Padma Singh to become Kumaon King. Harsh Dev Joshi trapped Padma Singh very well. Harsh Dev Joshi took Padma Singh to Shrinagar. Harsh Dev Joshi asked help of Garhwal King Pradyuman Shah for eradicating of Gorkhas from Kumaon.  Pradyuman Shah had already taken vow not to involve himself in Kumaon politics. Pradyuman Shah refused to help them for attacking on Gorkhas in Kumaon.

              Padma Singh returned to Tarai with his soldiers. Harsh Dev was in Shrinagar for some time. Atkinson stated that Harsh Dev tried to convince Pradyuman Shah to attack on Gorkhas. However, Pradyuman and Parakram refused to do so.

                              Harsh Dev in Almora

                  Harsh Dev sent messages to Gorkhas in Almora and convinced them that he was pro-Gorkhas. Harsh Dev Joshi went to Almora.

 Mahendra Chand tried to defeate Gorkhas twice and both the times, Gorkhas failed his efforts getting back Kumaon Kingdom. Harsh dev Joshi and his group Mahar group also supported Gorkhas.

Copyright@ Bhishma Kukreti Mumbai, India, bckukreti@gmail.com15/9/2014

History of Garhwal – Kumaon-Haridwar (Uttarakhand, India) to be continued… Part -432

(The History of Garhwal, Kumaon, Haridwar write up is aimed for general readers)

History of Garhwal from 1223-1804 to be continued in next chapter ….

XX                     

Notes on South Asian Modern Period  History of Garhwal;  South Asian Modern Period   History of Pauri Garhwal; South Asian  Modern Period  History of Chamoli Garhwal;  South Asian Modern Period   History of Rudraprayag Garhwal;  South Asian Modern  History of Tehri Garhwal; Modern  History of Uttarkashi Garhwal;  South Asian Modern Period  History of Dehradun, Garhwal;  Modern  History of Haridwar ;  South Asian Modern Period   History of Manglaur, Haridwar;  South Asian Modern Period   History of Rurkee Haridwar ;  South Asian Modern Period   History of Bahadarpur Haridwar ; South Asian Modern Period  History of Haridwar district to be continued