Gajraj Singh Thapa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Colonel, Bada Hakim Gajraj Singh Thapa
गजराज सिंह थापा
Born	c. 1830
Known for	Established first tea plantation estate in Nepal
Spouse(s)	Maharajkumari Badan Kumari Rana
Children	4 daughters, 1 son (Colonel Harka Jung Thapa)
Parent(s)	Hemdal Singh Thapa

Colonel Gajraj Singh Thapa (Nepali: गजराज सिंह थापा) was a very important person in Nepal's history. He was the first person to start tea plantations in the country! Thanks to him, Nepal now has a thriving tea industry. He was also a high-ranking official, serving as a Colonel in the Nepal Army and as the Governor General of Eastern Nepal.

The Start of Tea in Nepal

Around 1873, Gajraj Singh Thapa visited Darjeeling, a place famous for its tea gardens. He was amazed by the sight of the young tea plants growing everywhere. He also loved the taste of the tea he was offered. This trip gave him a great idea for Nepal.

When he returned home, he decided to bring tea farming to Nepal. He set up two large tea farms, called Ilam and Soktim tea estates. Each of these farms was about 103 acres in size. This was the beginning of Nepal's very own tea industry. At that time, Colonel Thapa was the Governor General, also known as Bada Hakim, of the eastern part of Nepal. This meant he was in charge of that region.

Where the First Tea Plants Came From

Signs in Ilam, where one of the first tea estates was built, tell an interesting story. They say that the very first tea saplings (young plants) were a special gift from the Government of China. These plants were given to his father-in-law, Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana.

Gajraj Singh Thapa and his wife, the eldest daughter of Jung Bahadur Rana.

The signs also mention the types of tea plants that were first grown. These included different kinds of Camellia sinensis, which is the main plant species used to make tea.

A signpost in Ilam, Nepal, recognizing Gajraj Singh Thapa's role in starting tea plantations.

Another signpost in Ilam Tea Estate, acknowledging Gajraj Singh Thapa's contribution to Nepal's first tea plantation.

About His Life

Gajraj Singh Thapa was born around 1830. His father was Hemdal Singh Thapa. In 1860, he married Maharajkumari Badan Kumari Rana. She was the oldest child of Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana. Gajraj Singh Thapa and Badan Kumari Rana had five children: one son and four daughters. Their son was named Colonel Harka Jung Thapa.