Inspired frm @schandillia's succint thread on American Independence, here is another version of the butterfly effect: how events causing loss of the British empire in one continent led to the firm establishment of another 10000 km away & current Indo-Nepal border dispute
Its a tale of an astounding man who lived a singularly remarkable life,and was as much an Indian as a British... so here is a whirlwind ride of ~50 tweets. @Schandillia this is partly thx to u that I managed to convert my blog post into a twitter thread. Hoping ppl wud like it!
1/48
In the American theatre of the War of the Austrian Succession, there was a British regiment known as 16th Foot; which took part in War of Jenkins' ear and was posted Florida from around 1767, with a brief interlude in New York
In the American theatre of the War of the Austrian Succession, there was a British regiment known as 16th Foot; which took part in War of Jenkins' ear and was posted Florida from around 1767, with a brief interlude in New York
2/48
While in New York, the unit had a major by the name of Valentine Gardner, who was the elder brother of Admiral Alan Gardner I, considered by some as the most dashing naval captain in Georgian era, who ended up an MP of Plymouth and Baron of Uttoxeter.
While in New York, the unit had a major by the name of Valentine Gardner, who was the elder brother of Admiral Alan Gardner I, considered by some as the most dashing naval captain in Georgian era, who ended up an MP of Plymouth and Baron of Uttoxeter.
3/48
Valentine, having wed a Dutch aristocrat's daughter- Alida Livingston, had narrowly escaped being party to the Boston massacre in 1770 due to the birth of his son & was living a plush life in Livingston Manor by the Hudson river in New York, when the revolution broke out.
Valentine, having wed a Dutch aristocrat's daughter- Alida Livingston, had narrowly escaped being party to the Boston massacre in 1770 due to the birth of his son & was living a plush life in Livingston Manor by the Hudson river in New York, when the revolution broke out.
4/48
Despite being a “Loyalist”, Gardner decided that his son William Gardener was to be reared at the safety of his maternal grandpa's colonist home. He was proven right -in 1776, no action took place around Livingston manor. Livingston was to draft Declaration of Independence.
Despite being a “Loyalist”, Gardner decided that his son William Gardener was to be reared at the safety of his maternal grandpa's colonist home. He was proven right -in 1776, no action took place around Livingston manor. Livingston was to draft Declaration of Independence.
5/48
He himself left his family to serve for his country, & kept a memoir. In one of its entry, Battle at Trenton (he possibly got the place name wrong- it was Princeton) - the name of Cornwallis, a name to reappear in this story time and again, is mentioned as the commander.
He himself left his family to serve for his country, & kept a memoir. In one of its entry, Battle at Trenton (he possibly got the place name wrong- it was Princeton) - the name of Cornwallis, a name to reappear in this story time and again, is mentioned as the commander.
6/48
Come 1777, 16th foot was called to service initially in New York to go up the Hudson valley under command of Lord Howe and catch Washington in a pincer movement at Albany NY, with British troops under General Burgoyne coming down from Quebec, Canada.
Come 1777, 16th foot was called to service initially in New York to go up the Hudson valley under command of Lord Howe and catch Washington in a pincer movement at Albany NY, with British troops under General Burgoyne coming down from Quebec, Canada.
7/48
That plan failed - Howe decided to capture Philadelphia instead, & set in motion dominos, some of which are still falling till date, in India. Without crucial support, Burgoyne lost to Washington at Saratoga, and was a watershed moment in American war for Independence
That plan failed - Howe decided to capture Philadelphia instead, & set in motion dominos, some of which are still falling till date, in India. Without crucial support, Burgoyne lost to Washington at Saratoga, and was a watershed moment in American war for Independence
8/48
The direct effect of Howe’s decision in our story was British shifting their focus at saving the southern states dominion. Cornwallis with 8000 men, including the 16th Foot, after few initial successes, barged into Virgina; only to suffer the surrender at Yorktown.
The direct effect of Howe’s decision in our story was British shifting their focus at saving the southern states dominion. Cornwallis with 8000 men, including the 16th Foot, after few initial successes, barged into Virgina; only to suffer the surrender at Yorktown.
9/48
In 1781, an 11 year old William learnt that his father, serving under "the old friend" Cornwallis was captured on October 19. In his memoirs, he wrote "my father had become particularly hated by Americans & would have been put to death , but for my mother’s interests”.
In 1781, an 11 year old William learnt that his father, serving under "the old friend" Cornwallis was captured on October 19. In his memoirs, he wrote "my father had become particularly hated by Americans & would have been put to death , but for my mother’s interests”.
10/48
Valentine, saved by his colonist wife, grew sour & in 1784, he left for England. William Linnaeus Gardener arrived in England and was immediately sent to France, to learn French ways and horse riding; which was to prove the third crucial link in this saga.
Valentine, saved by his colonist wife, grew sour & in 1784, he left for England. William Linnaeus Gardener arrived in England and was immediately sent to France, to learn French ways and horse riding; which was to prove the third crucial link in this saga.
11/48
While all this was going on in Western hemisphere, a tiny piece of landlocked area in Himalayas was undergoing a seismic power shift of its own. The political upheaval in that area was to play a crucial role in cementing the British in India for next 130 years.
While all this was going on in Western hemisphere, a tiny piece of landlocked area in Himalayas was undergoing a seismic power shift of its own. The political upheaval in that area was to play a crucial role in cementing the British in India for next 130 years.
12/48
The valley between Nalakankar & Mahabharata ranges, had been ruled by the migrant Hindu Malla Rajputs since 1200. In 1770s, it was partitioned among 3 Hindu Malla Rajas of Kathmandu, Lalita-patan, and Bhaktapur. To the north of Nepal valley lay the state of Gurkhas.
The valley between Nalakankar & Mahabharata ranges, had been ruled by the migrant Hindu Malla Rajputs since 1200. In 1770s, it was partitioned among 3 Hindu Malla Rajas of Kathmandu, Lalita-patan, and Bhaktapur. To the north of Nepal valley lay the state of Gurkhas.
13/48
In 1769, when Alida was expecting William; the Gurkha raja Prithvi Narayan Shah overran the Hindu kings, despite latter being supported by EIC, who suffered a defeat at Hariharpur on 25 Aug 1767. The unified Kingdom of Nepal of came into being on the night of 25th Nov 1769.
In 1769, when Alida was expecting William; the Gurkha raja Prithvi Narayan Shah overran the Hindu kings, despite latter being supported by EIC, who suffered a defeat at Hariharpur on 25 Aug 1767. The unified Kingdom of Nepal of came into being on the night of 25th Nov 1769.
14/48
For next 2 decades, while British in India were engaged in the power struggle with Marathas (eventually culminating with restoration of status quo through 1782 Treaty of Salbai); Gurkhas consolidated their power in Nepal under Rana Bahadur- grandson of Prithvi Shah.
For next 2 decades, while British in India were engaged in the power struggle with Marathas (eventually culminating with restoration of status quo through 1782 Treaty of Salbai); Gurkhas consolidated their power in Nepal under Rana Bahadur- grandson of Prithvi Shah.
15/48
It was about this time that, William Gardner was attracted to service in India, a fabled land, rich in opportunity for the rigorous & the bold. A recommendation of his father to Lord Cornwallis, now Governer General in India, & one morning in 1790, he ended up in Madras.
It was about this time that, William Gardner was attracted to service in India, a fabled land, rich in opportunity for the rigorous & the bold. A recommendation of his father to Lord Cornwallis, now Governer General in India, & one morning in 1790, he ended up in Madras.
16/48
In the same year 1790, the Gurkha armies were sent into Kumaon and Almora came under Nepalese rule. The leading spirit of Kumaon at that time Harak Dev Joshi, is said to thrown in the towel at the first instance and supported Gurkha’s invasion of Garhwal.
In the same year 1790, the Gurkha armies were sent into Kumaon and Almora came under Nepalese rule. The leading spirit of Kumaon at that time Harak Dev Joshi, is said to thrown in the towel at the first instance and supported Gurkha’s invasion of Garhwal.
17/48
Gurkhas continued their aggressive annexations for next decade or two , with their commander Amar Singh Thapa annexing Garhwal in 1804, and an area upto Kangra in Himachal from Hindu King Sansar Chand in 1806, only to stop at doorsteps of Ranjit Singh’s Sikh empire.
Gurkhas continued their aggressive annexations for next decade or two , with their commander Amar Singh Thapa annexing Garhwal in 1804, and an area upto Kangra in Himachal from Hindu King Sansar Chand in 1806, only to stop at doorsteps of Ranjit Singh’s Sikh empire.
18/48
The rule of Gurkhas was oppressive to the extreme with repeated massacres of hundreds of villagers for 1 day delay in payment of taxes. Kumaonis were sold as slaves in markets of Haridwar for sums as low as Rs 10. According to some, 30000 were sold in 1811-12 itself.
The rule of Gurkhas was oppressive to the extreme with repeated massacres of hundreds of villagers for 1 day delay in payment of taxes. Kumaonis were sold as slaves in markets of Haridwar for sums as low as Rs 10. According to some, 30000 were sold in 1811-12 itself.
19/48
By 1804, Marathas, mainly controlled by 3 chiefs- Scindias, Holkars and Bhonsles, had suffered losses in the 2nd Anglo-Maratha war with British seizing control of Delhi (& titular Mughal emperor Shah Alam II being replaced by Akbar Shah II) and lands between Ganga & Yamuna.
By 1804, Marathas, mainly controlled by 3 chiefs- Scindias, Holkars and Bhonsles, had suffered losses in the 2nd Anglo-Maratha war with British seizing control of Delhi (& titular Mughal emperor Shah Alam II being replaced by Akbar Shah II) and lands between Ganga & Yamuna.
20/48
It might be of interest that Maratha campaign was actually looked down upon in England, and while the British didn’t return any of the “Ceded and Conquered Provinces”, they replaced Wellesley with Cornwallis as Governor General in 1805, to curb the expansionist activity.
It might be of interest that Maratha campaign was actually looked down upon in England, and while the British didn’t return any of the “Ceded and Conquered Provinces”, they replaced Wellesley with Cornwallis as Governor General in 1805, to curb the expansionist activity.
21/48
Meanwhile our lad William traveled to his American home and then back to India, resigned from company army, found a wife in Begum Meh Munzel ul Nissa- the daughter of Nawab of Cambay , became a mercenary for Jaswant Rao Holkar, & then for Maharaja of Jaipur.
Meanwhile our lad William traveled to his American home and then back to India, resigned from company army, found a wife in Begum Meh Munzel ul Nissa- the daughter of Nawab of Cambay , became a mercenary for Jaswant Rao Holkar, & then for Maharaja of Jaipur.
22/48
Since his arrival in India, he had led an extraordinary life of multiple military battles across India and unbelievable escapes from death, gained a reputation of being a capable commander and proven an outstanding cavalryman; a trait borne out of those days spent in France
Since his arrival in India, he had led an extraordinary life of multiple military battles across India and unbelievable escapes from death, gained a reputation of being a capable commander and proven an outstanding cavalryman; a trait borne out of those days spent in France
23/48
Thanks to clout of his wife- an adopted daughter of Mughal emperor Akbar Shah II - in 1805 he landed an estate at Kaasgunj, a rare feat in the sense that at that time no person of British blood was allowed to own land in India.
Thanks to clout of his wife- an adopted daughter of Mughal emperor Akbar Shah II - in 1805 he landed an estate at Kaasgunj, a rare feat in the sense that at that time no person of British blood was allowed to own land in India.
24/48
In next 4 years, William recruited local men in nearby Farrukhabad & Mainpuri, and managed to inspire them to get trained for combat while developing a spirit of brotherhood & regimental loyalty, so 600 men would fight as one. This regiment was to be called Gardner’s Horse
In next 4 years, William recruited local men in nearby Farrukhabad & Mainpuri, and managed to inspire them to get trained for combat while developing a spirit of brotherhood & regimental loyalty, so 600 men would fight as one. This regiment was to be called Gardner’s Horse
25/48
The British had employed these men for civil duties- policing & revenue collection in the newly annexed Doab & Rohilkhand region while William- still 39- wanted to see some action, which he’d soon get, thanks to a visit of Lord Moira (Hastings), Governor General of India.
The British had employed these men for civil duties- policing & revenue collection in the newly annexed Doab & Rohilkhand region while William- still 39- wanted to see some action, which he’d soon get, thanks to a visit of Lord Moira (Hastings), Governor General of India.
26/48
By 1812-13, the territories of British and their protectorates in India and Ceylon had taken a shape of big question mark with Ceded and Conquered Provinces, Oudh, Bihar & Bengal forming a hook.
By 1812-13, the territories of British and their protectorates in India and Ceylon had taken a shape of big question mark with Ceded and Conquered Provinces, Oudh, Bihar & Bengal forming a hook.
27/48
Just north of it, Gurkha kingdom ran from Tista to Sutlej – a territory of the size of Britain, which was most inaccessible, and unified for the first time in the history thanks to a well trained & financed Gurkha army (they controlled the trade route with Tibet).
Just north of it, Gurkha kingdom ran from Tista to Sutlej – a territory of the size of Britain, which was most inaccessible, and unified for the first time in the history thanks to a well trained & financed Gurkha army (they controlled the trade route with Tibet).
28/48
To the northwest of this hook, straddling Sutlej in Punjab lay the Sikh Empire of Ranjit Singh seething with anguish for his compromise at 1809 Treat of Amritsar with the Brits. In the Southwest, Marathas under Holkers were sufficiently strong to seek revenge.
To the northwest of this hook, straddling Sutlej in Punjab lay the Sikh Empire of Ranjit Singh seething with anguish for his compromise at 1809 Treat of Amritsar with the Brits. In the Southwest, Marathas under Holkers were sufficiently strong to seek revenge.
29/48
It is difficult to estimate the justification of Hastings’ fears of a Pan-Indian alliance, but it was indeed true that Peshva of Poona had sent emissaries to Gurkhas in December 1813. Hastings felt it was easier to defeat the Gurkhas in isolation BEFORE the alliance formed.
It is difficult to estimate the justification of Hastings’ fears of a Pan-Indian alliance, but it was indeed true that Peshva of Poona had sent emissaries to Gurkhas in December 1813. Hastings felt it was easier to defeat the Gurkhas in isolation BEFORE the alliance formed.
30/48
So in April 1814, at the pretext of retaliating the murder of a company tax collector in Butwal, within the state of Palpa near Gorakhpur; Hastings waged the Anglo Nepal war. After the initial skirmishes, the proper attack began post monsoon- in October 1814.
So in April 1814, at the pretext of retaliating the murder of a company tax collector in Butwal, within the state of Palpa near Gorakhpur; Hastings waged the Anglo Nepal war. After the initial skirmishes, the proper attack began post monsoon- in October 1814.
31/48
The British plan was to attack the Gurkhas through 4 divisions, - The first division was to attack the Western end, under Major Gen Ochterlony. The second, under Major General Gillespie was to attack Garhwal while others were to follow on the eastern flanks of the hook.
The British plan was to attack the Gurkhas through 4 divisions, - The first division was to attack the Western end, under Major Gen Ochterlony. The second, under Major General Gillespie was to attack Garhwal while others were to follow on the eastern flanks of the hook.
32/48
The first attack came at the small fort of Kalanga by the Second division & was easily repelled with Gillespie losing his life. The 3rd division with 12000 men lost the Battle of Makwanpur Gadhi to just 4000 Gurkhas, while last division under Major Gen Wood lost at JItgadh
The first attack came at the small fort of Kalanga by the Second division & was easily repelled with Gillespie losing his life. The 3rd division with 12000 men lost the Battle of Makwanpur Gadhi to just 4000 Gurkhas, while last division under Major Gen Wood lost at JItgadh
33/48
The British plan was very quickly unravelling. Sikh & Maratha were ready to pounce at the first sight of failure in Kumaon and Hastings was desperate. However one man was about to change the tide and with it, the history and geography of two countries.
The British plan was very quickly unravelling. Sikh & Maratha were ready to pounce at the first sight of failure in Kumaon and Hastings was desperate. However one man was about to change the tide and with it, the history and geography of two countries.
34/48
An operation was commended with a body of irregulars under the command of William Gardner, who had been asked by Hastings himself to join Ochterlony. It was his campaign and the subsequent Battle of Almorah which was to produce highly important consequences.
An operation was commended with a body of irregulars under the command of William Gardner, who had been asked by Hastings himself to join Ochterlony. It was his campaign and the subsequent Battle of Almorah which was to produce highly important consequences.
35/48
On 15th Feb 1815, just as his Napolean was giving final touches to his escape from Elba, Gardner entered Kumaon along Kosila river with his band of mainly Rohilla muslim cavalrymen. By 18th, a strategic fort of Kathikana perched atop a high rock was won by the Horses.
On 15th Feb 1815, just as his Napolean was giving final touches to his escape from Elba, Gardner entered Kumaon along Kosila river with his band of mainly Rohilla muslim cavalrymen. By 18th, a strategic fort of Kathikana perched atop a high rock was won by the Horses.
36/48
Then in a series of outstanding military manoeuvres for the time of the year in Himalayas (chilling February evenings), mixed with highly skilled navigation, audacious mountain climbing, he ended up blockading Almorah by 28th March.
Then in a series of outstanding military manoeuvres for the time of the year in Himalayas (chilling February evenings), mixed with highly skilled navigation, audacious mountain climbing, he ended up blockading Almorah by 28th March.
37/48
With numerous skirmishes, the siege lasted till 26th April, when William Gardner finally met the Gurkha commander of Kumaon to discuss the terms of latter’s surrender. By 30th April, the Nepalese had left Almorah & the course of war had changed completely.
With numerous skirmishes, the siege lasted till 26th April, when William Gardner finally met the Gurkha commander of Kumaon to discuss the terms of latter’s surrender. By 30th April, the Nepalese had left Almorah & the course of war had changed completely.
38/48
Gardner’s horses would go on to help in British win at Palpa & the ensuing Treaty of Sugauli, in part, had the very same terms that Gardner had dictated to Bam Shah in Almorah 8 months ago. These terms would go on to decide the border of two countries 130 years later.
Gardner’s horses would go on to help in British win at Palpa & the ensuing Treaty of Sugauli, in part, had the very same terms that Gardner had dictated to Bam Shah in Almorah 8 months ago. These terms would go on to decide the border of two countries 130 years later.
39/48
Given the terms just locked the borders based on River banks, it inherently meant that the boundaries were going to be “fluid”- as rivers are bound to meander, change course, split, dry out – one part of the present Indo-Nepal boundary dispute being exactly that.
Given the terms just locked the borders based on River banks, it inherently meant that the boundaries were going to be “fluid”- as rivers are bound to meander, change course, split, dry out – one part of the present Indo-Nepal boundary dispute being exactly that.
40/48
Susta, currently part of Bihar, was initially on the right side of Gandak in 1816 & so deemed as part of Nepal. However, over the years, the Gandaki river changed its course and Susta moved to the left bank and is now currently under India's control
Susta, currently part of Bihar, was initially on the right side of Gandak in 1816 & so deemed as part of Nepal. However, over the years, the Gandaki river changed its course and Susta moved to the left bank and is now currently under India's control
41/48
Specifically the Kalapani and Lipulekh dispute can be attributed directly to the words used by William Gardner that fateful night of 30 April 1816- which formed Article 5 of the treaty
Specifically the Kalapani and Lipulekh dispute can be attributed directly to the words used by William Gardner that fateful night of 30 April 1816- which formed Article 5 of the treaty
42/48
Its basically a matter of figuring out which tributary of Kali is the "original" Kali and thats where the two countries' claims differ.
Its basically a matter of figuring out which tributary of Kali is the "original" Kali and thats where the two countries' claims differ.
43/48
And so, one mistake by Lord Howe in America is intricately linked to India's dispute with Nepal 😀
And so, one mistake by Lord Howe in America is intricately linked to India's dispute with Nepal 😀
44/48
Epilogue: Gardner died at Kasganj on 29 July 1835, aged 65. His Begum died a month after him His tomb, and that of his Begum and his son James, still stand in Kasganj today. His descendents still live there, rightfully claiming Lord Gardner of Uttoxeter
Epilogue: Gardner died at Kasganj on 29 July 1835, aged 65. His Begum died a month after him His tomb, and that of his Begum and his son James, still stand in Kasganj today. His descendents still live there, rightfully claiming Lord Gardner of Uttoxeter
45/48
Gardner's equally long lasting legacy- his irregulars- have gone on to become the most highly decorated armoured regiments of the Indian Army. They have been involved in the Battle of the Somme (WW-I), Battle of Gazala (WW-II), Battle of Phillora (1965) war.
Gardner's equally long lasting legacy- his irregulars- have gone on to become the most highly decorated armoured regiments of the Indian Army. They have been involved in the Battle of the Somme (WW-I), Battle of Gazala (WW-II), Battle of Phillora (1965) war.
46/48
It has given us an Army chief in General Maharaj Rajendra Shinji in 1953; and was the first in the military to receive the Vijayanta main battle tanks, the first indigenously built Indian tanks.
It has given us an Army chief in General Maharaj Rajendra Shinji in 1953; and was the first in the military to receive the Vijayanta main battle tanks, the first indigenously built Indian tanks.
47/48
Sources for this story:-
1. Gardner of Gardner's Horse, 2nd Lancers, Indian Army : Narindar Saroop, 1983
2. The invasion of Nepal: John Company at war 1814-1816: John Pemble, 1968
3. The History of British India, Volume 8: James Mill, 1848
Sources for this story:-
1. Gardner of Gardner's Horse, 2nd Lancers, Indian Army : Narindar Saroop, 1983
2. The invasion of Nepal: John Company at war 1814-1816: John Pemble, 1968
3. The History of British India, Volume 8: James Mill, 1848
48/48
4. medium.com/@neddonovan1/u…
Hoping that people would find this information interesting enough to share more
@varungrover @devduttmyth @Nidhi @fayedsouza
4. medium.com/@neddonovan1/u…
Hoping that people would find this information interesting enough to share more
@varungrover @devduttmyth @Nidhi @fayedsouza
@threadreaderapp unroll
