Nepal's first king was Prithvi Narayan Shah, who was born in Gorkha in 1723. He was the ninth generation descendant of Dravya Shah, the founder of the Gorkha dynasty. Prithvi Narayan Shah is known as the father of modern Nepal for his contributions to the unification of Nepal.
Prithvi Narayan Shah became the king of Gorkha at the age of 20, after his father's death. He was a brilliant strategist and military leader, and he began expanding his kingdom by conquering neighboring territories. He knew that to unite Nepal, he needed to conquer the Kathmandu Valley, which was a hub of culture and commerce in the region.
In 1768, Prithvi Narayan Shah launched an attack on the Kathmandu Valley and was successful in conquering it. He then went on to conquer other territories, including the kingdoms of Patan and Bhaktapur, which were also located in the Kathmandu Valley. This marked the beginning of a unified Nepal.
Prithvi Narayan Shah is also known for his contributions to the culture and language of Nepal. He encouraged the use of Nepali as the national language, and he helped to develop a written script for the language. He also established the capital of Nepal in Kathmandu and built several monuments and temples in the city.
Prithvi Narayan Shah died in 1775 at the age of 52, leaving behind a unified Nepal and a legacy that is still celebrated today. His contributions to the unification of Nepal and the development of Nepali culture and language have made him a national hero in Nepal. He is remembered for his bravery, leadership, and vision for a united Nepal.
In conclusion, Prithvi Narayan Shah was an important figure in Nepali history, and his contributions to the unification of Nepal have had a lasting impact on the country. His legacy is celebrated through monuments, museums, and festivals throughout Nepal, and his vision for a united Nepal continues to inspire generations.