This research investigates the essential role of diplomatic strategies in the growth of the Gorkha kingdom and the eventual consolidation of Nepal under the leadership of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. The study analyzes Prithvi Narayan Shah's diplomatic approaches, including their objectives, methods, and outcomes. The findings underscore the crucial impact of diplomacy in uniting a historically fragmented region comprising over 50 small states during the medieval period, enabling Gorkha's leadership in the Nepal unification initiative. Prithvi Narayan Shah implemented various diplomatic strategies to achieve his objectives. Recognizing the economic significance of the Kathmandu Valley, he initiated an economic blockade to undermine its stability, increasing discontent among its inhabitants and prompting them to consider aligning with the Gorkhas. The Gorkha state employed a network of spies to manipulate conflicts among the Malla kings of the valley, fostering mistrust and discord, ultimately destabilizing the region, and facilitating unification. Additionally, he maintained ambiguity about his intentions, neither presenting himself as an enemy nor a friend to the British government. This article underscores how these diplomatic endeavors, coupled with strategic military actions, significantly contributed to the expansion of the Gorkha kingdom and the eventual unification of Nepal.

Gorkha, Economics Blockade, Policy, Unification

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