MATABAR SINGH, a Gurkha general who in 1838 was deputed by the court of Nepal to Lahore to seek an alliance against the British. When Matabar Singh reached Ludhiana, he was detained by the British agent. However, on a representation made by the Maharaja`s government he was permitted to proceed to Lahore. The mission appears to have failed and the Raja of Nepal confiscated Matabar Singh`s property worth several lakhs. The Raja made up his differences with the British government, and Matabar Singh returned to Nepal in January 1843 and was appointed prime minister. In May 1845, he fell in an attack by an assassin.
References :
1. Sohan Lal, `Utmdat ut-Twarikh. Lahore, 1885-89
2. Hasrat, Bikramajit, History of Nepal. Hushiaipur, 1870
3. Chopra, B.R., Kingdom of the Punjab (1839-15). Hoshiarpur, 1969
4. Gupta, H.R., Punjab on the Eve of First Sikh War. Chandigarh, 1956
Matabar Singh was a nephew of Nepal’s Prime Minister Bhim Sen who had been dismissed from office in 1837. He was allowed by the ruler to leave on payment of a sum of seven lakhs of rupees. He wanted to visit Lahore but was detained at Ludhiana. By this time Nepalese Prime Minister had become very powerful and the office was hereditary. Matabar Singh was a former high military official and nephew of the Prime Minister so British had every reason to suspect.
The Maharaja wrote to Wade to issue him a passport. Wade referred the matter to the Governor-General Lord Auckland refused permission and on 20th September, 1838, enquired from Wade: “What expedition was being planned by the Sarkar for which his services were required”?!
The Nepalese ruler wrote to the Governor-General in support “Matabar Singh has left according to our wish for a pilgrimage to Sri Jawalaji and the Durbar Sahib at Amritsar and to attend upon the Maharaja to strengthen the relations of friendship and unity between the three Governments. He may be granted a passport in writing so that he might secure a happy interview with the Khalsaji, and might return afterwards unmolested.”
Eventually British relented but Matabar Singh was allowed to cross to Khalsa Sakar territory only with an employee of British Agency who watched his activities. He presented himself before Maharaja in April 1838 but he had to leave Lahore in March 1839 due to British opposition. By this time Maharaja was very ill and 3 months later he passed away but this did not stop the desire of the both governments to have an alliance.
Introduction
Matabar Singh was a Gurkha general commissioned by the court of Nepal in 1838 to serve as an emissary to Lahore. His mission was designed to forge an alliance with the Sikh Empire against the expanding influence of the British. This episode, though ultimately unsuccessful, captures a dynamic moment when regional powers sought to counter colonial ascendancy through strategic coalitions.
Background and Diplomatic Mission
In the turbulent climate of the early 19th century, with British influence growing steadily over the Indian subcontinent, Nepal’s court recognized the need for a united front. In 1838, they deputed Matabar Singh to Lahore to negotiate an alliance with the Sikh government. As a respected Gurkha general, he carried the martial legacy and diplomatic aspirations of Nepal, representing a hope that coordination with the Sikh state might disrupt British advancement.
The Journey and Detainment
Matabar Singh’s passage to Lahore was not without its challenges. On reaching Ludhiana, he was detained by the British agent—a clear demonstration of the colonial administration’s growing vigilance over any initiatives that might consolidate indigenous military power against them. However, following representations made by the Maharaja’s government, he was eventually permitted to continue his journey to Lahore, reflecting the cautious interplay between the regional authorities and the British.
The Alliance Attempt and Its Aftermath
Despite initial permissions, the alliance attempt did not materialize as planned. The mission, intended to unite Nepalese and Sikh interests against a common colonial foe, faltered in its execution. The Raja of Nepal, displeased with the outcome, confiscated Matabar Singh’s property—valued at several lakhs—thereby marking a serious personal and political setback for him. Soon after, the Raja reconciled with the British government, and Matabar Singh returned to Nepal in January 1843. His political career continued, and he was later appointed prime minister; however, his public life came to an abrupt end in May 1845 when he fell victim to an assassination.
