Ranabir Singh Thapa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
General Kaji
Ranabir Singh Thapa
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| श्री जनरल काजी रणवीर सिंह थापा |
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Ranabir Singh Thapa c. 1830
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| Acting Mukhtiyar (Acting PM) of Nepal | |
| Preceded by | Bhimsen Thapa |
| Succeeded by | Bhimsen Thapa |
| Personal details | |
| Relations | see Thapa dynasty |
| Parents |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Nepal |
| Rank | General |
| Commands | Kalibaksh Battalion, Shree Sabuj Battalion |
| Battles/wars | Anglo-Nepalese war |
Ranabir Singh Thapa (Nepali: रणवीर सिंह थापा) was an important leader and government official in Nepal. He was also known as Ranbir, Ranavir, or Ranvir. Later in his life, he became a holy person and was known as Swami Abhayananda (Nepali: स्वामी अभयानन्द).
In 1837, he briefly served as the acting Mukhtiyar, which was like being the Prime Minister of Nepal. He was a key member of the powerful Thapa dynasty family.
Early Life and Family
Ranabir Singh was the youngest son of Amar Singh Thapa and Satyarupa Maya. He was the brother of Bhimsen Thapa, who also served as a Prime Minister.
Life as a Leader and Soldier
Ranabir Singh Thapa was a commander during the Anglo-Nepalese war. In 1814 AD, he was sent to Makwanpur to lead soldiers. He commanded 4,000 soldiers against British generals. He tried to trick the British into a trap, but they did not advance.
After the war, he became the leader of Palpa. He also became a general for two army groups, the Kalibash and Sabuj battalions.
Ranabir Singh was given an important job at the Royal Palace. His role was to observe the King and Queen. After the death of Queen Tripurasundari, the royal seal, which was used to approve government orders, went to the senior queen, Samrajya Lakshmi Devi. She wanted to gain more power.
Ranabir Singh tried to use the Queen's dislike of Bhimsen Thapa to become the Prime Minister himself. This caused some disagreements within the Thapa family. Ranabir Singh even resigned from his general's position for a short time. However, Bhimsen Thapa later made him a "Little General" and sent him to Palpa as its governor.
In 1835, Bhimsen Thapa planned a trip to Great Britain. Since he couldn't go, his nephew Mathabar Singh Thapa went instead. During this time, Ranabir Singh, who was governor of Palpa, was made a Full General.
In 1837, Ranabir Singh wrote to the King, asking to return to Kathmandu from Palpa. His wish was granted. Bhimsen Thapa, happy to see his brother, made Ranabir Singh the acting Prime Minister. Bhimsen then went on a pilgrimage.
Soon after, the King's youngest son passed away. False rumors spread that the child had been poisoned. Because of these rumors, Bhimsen Thapa, Ranabir Singh, and their families were arrested. Their properties were also taken away.
Freedom and Holy Life
After about eight months, Bhimsen and Ranabir Singh were set free. This happened because other leaders feared that a different powerful family would take over.
Mathabar Singh Thapa, Ranabir Singh's nephew, left for India. Ranabir Singh gave up all his belongings and became a holy person, known as a sanyasi. He took the name Abhayanand Puri. His full holy name was Shreemant Paramahamsa Paribrajakacharya Swami Abhayananda Giri Nepali.
Images for kids
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Ranabir Singh Thapa as Swami Abhayananda
