Who was the British Governor General during the British Gorkha War in 1814?

The correct answer is Lord Hastings.

Key Points

• The British Gorkha War (1814–1816), also known as the Anglo-Nepalese War, occurred during the tenure of Lord Hastings as the British Governor-General.
• Lord Hastings, also known as Francis Edward Rawdon-Hastings, served as Governor-General of India from 1813 to 1823.
• The war was triggered by territorial disputes and the aggressive expansion policies of both the British East India Company and the Gorkha Kingdom.
• The war concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816, which marked the boundary demarcation between British India and Nepal and significantly reduced Nepal's territorial extent.
• Lord Hastings' tenure is often remembered for his military campaigns and administrative reforms, which strengthened British control in India.

Additional Information

• Anglo-Nepalese War:
  • The war lasted from 1814 to 1816 and was fought between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Nepal (Gorkhas).
  • The conflict arose due to disputes over territorial control in the Terai region and Nepal's ambitions to expand its borders.
• Treaty of Sugauli:
  • Signed in 1816, the treaty resulted in Nepal ceding significant territories like Sikkim and Kumaon to the British East India Company.
  • The treaty also established the current border between India and Nepal, with Nepal losing a substantial portion of its territory.
• Lord Hastings’ Reforms:
  • Lord Hastings implemented several administrative reforms that bolstered British governance in India.
  • He supported the establishment of a free press and introduced the Ryotwari system in parts of southern India.
• Legacy of the British Gorkha War:
  • The war demonstrated the military prowess of the Gorkhas, leading to their recruitment into the British Army.
  • The Gorkha regiments remain an integral part of the Indian and British armies to this day.