Kaji Khalak family facts for kids
Kaji Khalak family was a group of important noble families in the Kingdom of Nepal. These families were from the Kshetri caste, which is part of the Khas group. They played a big role in running the country. The main four families who were given the special title of Kaji were the Thapa, Pande, Basnet, and Kunwar families. These families were the most powerful noble groups in the court of the Hindu Shah dynasty of Gorkha. Other noble families, like the Bhandaris, also served as Kajis.
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Thapa Family
The Thapa Kajis were brave warriors and smart administrators. They served the Shah kings for a long time. Famous Thapa leaders include Bhimsen Thapa and Amar Simha Thapa. These families came from Gorkha and helped the nation grow. They became very important and are known for defending their homeland during the Anglo-Nepalese War.
Pande Family
The Pande Kajis were warriors and leaders who served the Gorkha Kingdom from its very beginning. Many Pande family members served the Gorkha Kingdom for generations, starting in 1559. Kaji Bangshidhar Kalu Pande (1713-1757) was chosen as the Chief Minister of Gorkha. This happened under King Prithvi Narayan Shah, and Kalu Pande was very popular.
The Pande family had close ties with the Basnyat family through marriage. King Prithvi Narayan Shah arranged for Kalu Pande's daughter, Chitra Devi Pande, to marry Kehar Singh Basnyat. The Pande Kajis, led by Kalu Pande, helped conquer many smaller kingdoms. Kalu Pande died during the Battle of Kirtipur.
After Kalu Pande, his eldest son, Bangsha Raj Pande, became a Chief Minister of Nepal. He helped add many new areas to the kingdom. However, he faced challenges and was killed in 1785. The Pande Kajis were very powerful in the Nepalese government until the death of Chief Minister Damodar Pande. He was Kalu Pande's youngest son. After his death in 1804, the Thapa Kajis took over the main power in the government.
Basnyat Family
The Basnyat Kaji family was started by a strong military leader named Shivaram Singh Basnyat. He was a very important person in King Prithvi Narayan Shah's court. Shivaram's third son, Abhiman Singh Basnyat, became the Chief Minister of the Kingdom of Nepal.
His nephew, Kirtiman Singh Basnyat, also became Chief Minister in 1794. Kirtiman was the eldest child from the marriage between the Basnyats and Pandes. He often worked closely with his uncle, Damodar Pande, in court matters. After Kirtiman Singh's death, his brother briefly held the Chief Minister position. After that, the Basnyats were not in central power as much. They often supported the Pandes because of their family connections.
Kunwar Family
The Kunwar family became involved in the royal court through the influential Sardar Ramkrishna Kunwar. Later, a part of the Kunwar family, led by Kaji Jang Bahadur Kunwar, changed their family name to Rana after 1848.
Other Important Kaji Families
Bhandari Family
There were several important Bhandari nobles, like Parath, Gagan Singh, and Jashwanta. Gagan Singh Bhandari was a very influential Kaji between 1845 and 1846. He had many groups of soldiers under his command before he faced a difficult situation with Jung Bahadur Kunwar.
Bista Family
Gajabal and Atibal Bista were also important officials, known as Bharadars, in the Kingdom of Nepal.
