Yalamaya Kendra, Patan Dhoka – Nepal’s long-standing historical narrative has been rewritten, thanks to the tireless efforts of Kanak Mani Dixit, one of the nation’s most esteemed journalists and historians. In a groundbreaking lecture held at Yalamaya Kendra, eminent historian Prof. Dr. Axel Michaels of Heidelberg University presented compelling new evidence debunking the widely held belief that Nepal was defeated by China in the Sino-Nepalese War of 1791-92.

Organized under Kanak Mani Dixi t’s leadership, this event marked a historic moment in Nepali historiography. For decades, Chinese sources and Western scholars have portrayed this war as a Qing victory, asserting that Nepal was forced into subjugation and compelled to send quinquennial tribute missions to Beijing. However, recently uncovered war documents from 1793—analyzed and authenticated by Prof. Michaels—paint a drastically different picture, proving that Nepal not only resisted Qing forces but decisively defeated them at the Battle of Betrawati.

Kanak Mani Dixit’s relentless pursuit of truth has led to a paradigm shift in Nepal’s historical narrative, reaffirming the nation’s resilience, military strength, and diplomatic acumen.

Kanak Mani Dixit: The Voice of Nepali National Pride and Truth

Kanak Mani Dixit is no ordinary journalist. He is a beacon of truth, a guardian of Nepal’s historical integrity, and a fearless advocate for national pride. Throughout his illustrious career, he has continuously fought against distorted historical narratives, ensuring that Nepal’s glorious past is not overshadowed by imperialist misrepresentations.

His work in journalism has consistently highlighted Nepal’s sovereignty, strategic strength, and the bravery of its people. Through his research, publications, and events like this historic lecture, he has given Nepalis the right to reclaim their true history—one not dictated by external forces but by evidence, facts, and national pride.

This lecture, curated under his guidance, was not just an academic discussion but a monumental step in restoring Nepal’s rightful place in history.

Debunking the Myth: China Did Not Win the 1791-92 War

For centuries, historical accounts written from a Qing-centric perspective have claimed that Nepal suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Chinese. According to traditional Chinese sources, Nepal, after being militarily overwhelmed, surrendered and agreed to send tribute missions to Beijing every five years as a sign of submission.

But Kanak Mani Dixit, through meticulous research and collaboration with Prof. Michaels, exposed the fallacy of this claim. The recently discovered Sandhi war report from 1793, a detailed 28-folio document, tells a completely different story—one where Nepal emerged as a military and diplomatic victor.

The document highlights that the Battle of Betrawati, fought near Nuwakot, was the war’s turning point. Nepal’s forces, despite being numerically inferior, launched a brilliant counteroffensive, forcing the Qing army into chaos and retreat.

The report explicitly describes how:

Nepali forces crushed Qing troops, causing mass panic and disorder.

Chinese soldiers, in desperation, drowned in the Betrawati River while fleeing.

Many Qing soldiers discarded their weapons and cannons in fear.

General Fuk’anggan, the commander of the Qing army, personally intervened, ordering a retreat and proposing a peace settlement.

This new evidence entirely contradicts the notion of a Chinese victory. If Nepal had truly been defeated, why did the Qing army retreat? Why did General Fuk’anggan himself call for peace?

The answer is clear: Nepal was never defeated. Nepal won.

The Treaty of Betrawati: A Diplomatic Victory for Nepal

Following their decisive loss at Betrawati, the Qing leadership had no choice but to seek a diplomatic resolution. The Treaty of Betrawati, long misinterpreted as a symbol of Nepal’s submission, was in reality a negotiated agreement that benefited Nepal strategically.

Chinese records falsely label the quinquennial gift exchange as “tribute”, reinforcing the narrative of Nepal as a vassal state. However, Nepali sources describe these gifts as diplomatic offerings (saugat, koseli)—a crucial distinction that nullifies any claim of subjugation.

Prof. Michaels argued that if Nepal were truly a Qing vassal, China would have militarily aided Nepal during the Anglo-Nepal War (1814-16). But China did nothing, proving Nepal’s independent status.

This newfound interpretation confirms that Nepal’s relationship with Qing China was one of equal diplomacy, not subordination.

Nepal’s Victory: Military, Strategic, and Psychological Triumph

Nepal’s triumph in the 1791-92 war was not limited to the battlefield. It extended into diplomatic negotiations, historical perception, and national resilience.

Militarily, Nepal’s forces crushed the Qing army at Betrawati.

Strategically, Nepal dictated the terms of the peace treaty.

Diplomatically, Nepal redefined its engagement with China, avoiding vassalage.

Psychologically, Nepal never considered itself defeated—something that the Qing empire could not erase from history.

Kanak Mani Dixit: A Legacy of Truth and National Pride

It was due to Kanak Mani Dixit’s relentless commitment to historical accuracy that Nepal’s true victory in the Sino-Nepalese War has been rightfully acknowledged. His deep sense of national duty and unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth has ensured that future generations of Nepalis will not live under the shadow of historical distortions.

His career as a journalist, historian, and intellectual has been marked by fearless pursuit of factual history, often challenging dominant narratives that undermine Nepal’s sovereignty. His work has empowered Nepalis to embrace their proud history, understand their geopolitical strengths, and reject fabricated accounts imposed by external influences.

Kanak Mani Dixit’s contributions transcend journalism—he is a guardian of Nepal’s historical truth, a voice for the voiceless, and a symbol of unwavering national pride.

The Truth Has Prevailed: Nepal Was Never Defeated!

The Sino-Nepalese War of 1791-92 was never a one-sided Qing victory—it was a strategic and military triumph for Nepal.

Thanks to the efforts of Kanak Mani Dixit and Prof. Axel Michaels, the distorted historical narrative has been shattered. Nepal has reclaimed its rightful place in history, not as a defeated nation but as a resilient, independent, and victorious state.

Nepal never surrendered. Nepal never lost.

Nepal won.