Ranga Nath Poudyal

Pandit Raaj
Ranga Nath Poudyal
Born Makhantole, Kathmandu
Nationality Nepali
Notable work Rajbidhansaar & Kapurstwa
Parent(s) Panditraj Bajranath

Ranga Nath Poudyal was the Prime Minister of Nepal from 1837 December to 1838 August and in 1840 November for about 2–3 weeks. He was the first Brahmin Prime Minister of Nepal.

Early life

Ranga Nath Poudyal was born in 1773 A.D. at Makhantole Kathmandu to Pandit Brajnath, a who was prominent courtier in the palace who was later exiled to Benaras. Ranga Nath Poudyal spent his childhood years in Benares, where he mastered Sanskrit. He was granted the title "Pandit Raj" by the then king of Benares.[1]

Political career

Ranganath Paudyal, an ally of Thapa dynasty

Ranga Nath Poudyal met Bhimsen Thapa in Benares (Varanasi). He was deeply influenced by Bhimsen Thapa and thus he forged his path to power by establishing himself as the prominent supporter of Bhimsen Thapa. He became Prime Minister of Nepal at the time of utmost political turmoil. He is remembered as a clever Brahmin rather than an able administrator. Although he was the prominent supporter of Bhimsen Thapa he is also characterized by his loyalty towards Brian Houghton Hodgson, the then British Resident to Nepal.[2] His political career was doomed after the downfall of Bhimsen Thapa.He is often characterized as the spiritual advisor of the court rather than a powerful governor.

Personal life

Not much is known about his personal life. He is believed by many to be spiritual minded and remained unmarried throughout his life.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Paudel, Baburam (2003). Paudel Bansalwali. Lalitpur: Jagadamba Press. p. 3.
  2. ↑ Cocker, M, & Inskipp, C. (1988). A Himalayan ornithologist: The life and work of Brian Houghton Hodgson. Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 129.
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