Khalanga War Memorial

The Khalanga War Memorial has remained an example of bravery for hundreds of years amidst the beautiful plains of the Doon Valley. This Khalanga memorial, as a symbol of valour, reflects the bravery of those brave sons of Devbhoomi who killed the British soldiers and officers in the war. It is called Memorial.

‘Khalanga’ is often a Nepali language word, which means ‘cantonment’ or ‘cantonment’. English historians have called it a ‘fort,” according to their experience and understanding. But it was not a fort.

An example of bravery for hundreds of years, the Khalanga War Memorial stands with an old history of bravery built into it. This war memorial is built in memory of the bravery of Veer Balbhadra Singh.

Address to reach Khalanga War Memorial

Khalanga War Memorial

Country: India

State: Uttarakhand

District: Dehradun

Area: Tibba Khalanga Nalapani, Sahastradhara Road

Construction Year: 1814

Managing Body: Archaeological Survey of India

Picture taken when the author himself reached the Khalanga War Memorial.

Historical importance of Khalanga

The history of any community is linked to its personality. Through important historical places, places related to a particular community, etc., people get a special identity. These historical sites preserve the civilizational roots of a community and its people. These historical sites inspire livable community building and impart a high quality to the art of living. The preservation of old building workmanship and sites is done only by the preservation of historical sites.

Historical places have their own economic, cultural, social, environmental, and educational importance, which is inspired by the history of that particular community and their current life, lifestyle, and culture.

The preservation of historic sites is such an important investment in the present and future that it serves to justify the efforts of many to preserve the past through the physical preservation of those places.

History of the Khalanga War Memorial

One of the high hills of Dehradun is Khalanga Hill, which was attacked by soldiers and officers of British rule on October 31, 1814. Veer Balbhadra Singh took only 600 brave Gorkha soldiers along with him and took the front from the Gorkhas in this war. 100 women and children were also included among the Gorkha soldiers.

In front of the brave Gurkha army of Veer Balbhadra Thapa, the British army officers were standing with a force of 3500. Who had modern weapons of high quality at that time, while the brave Gorkha soldiers had only their traditional weapons, which included khukuri, sword, and bow and arrow.

The Gurkha soldiers of Veer Balbhadra Thapa alone killed 781 British soldiers, including 31 British officers, on the basis of their Khukri and traditional weapons. The brave Gorkha Balbhadra Thapa also suffered martyrdom in this fierce battle on Khalanga Hill.

Effects of the Battle of Khalanga

This historical event had a deep impact on the British government as well as on the Gorkhas. In this historical incident that took place on the hills of Khalanga, the British government itself was impressed by the bravery and courage of 3500 British soldiers and 600 brave Gorkha soldiers who fought very bravely against the opportunities. Due to which the British Government established the Gorkha Regiment in 1815 AD.

Inspired by the bravery of Balbhadra and the soldiers, the Gorkha community started worshiping him by planting only one memorial. But seeing their bravery, the British built the Khalanga Memorial on Sahaswadhara Road in Dehradun in memory of the Khalanga martyrs.

Establishment of the Gurkha Regiment

The British government itself was impressed by the bravery and courage of 600 brave Gorkha soldiers who fought very bravely against 3500 British soldiers and opportunities. Due to which the British Government established the Gorkha Regiment in 1815 AD.

The British Government considered it necessary to have a Gorkha Regiment in the country as well as in England. Therefore, impressed by the bravery of the Gorkhas, the British Government established the Gorkha Regiment in England as well.

Importance of Khalanga Monument

The Khalanga War Memorial, located in Dehradun, is of great historical importance. This is living proof of the indomitable bravery and courage displayed by the Gorkha soldiers despite the adverse geographical conditions.

This historical place preserves the culture, valour, etc. of the Gorkhali community. A glimpse of the bravery and martyrdom of those brave Gurkha soldiers can be seen in this historical place.

The wonderful shade of Gorkhali civilization and culture is seen in the Khalanga War Memorial. Due to this, it is very important from an educational and historical point of view.

This monument, which reminds us of the valour of the Gorkha community, adds to the glory of Dehradun. Located in Nalapani, this monument commemorates the 208-year-old historical war between the British and the Gurkhas.

Objective of the Khalanga War Memorial:

A soldiers’ war memorial at Khalanga is the Dehradun Heritage Memorial, India, dedicated to the memory of the Gurkhas who fought the historic Battle of Nalapani in 1814, the first battle of the Anglo-Nepalese War. It has been described as the only monument in the history of warfare erected by a victorious army to its adversaries. Because the British were reportedly impressed by the bravery of the Gurkhas.

This structure comes under the Archaeological Survey of India. Every year, a fair is held at the site to commemorate the soldiers and to celebrate Gorkha culture and history.

There is a lot to be learned from the Khalanga War Memorial that a person can apply to his life. This monument does not only talk about war history but also teaches us a kind of bravery and makes us proud.

Special facts related to the Khalanga War Memorial:

The Khalanga War Memorial is located at Tibba Nalapani, Sahastradhara Road, Dehradun, and was constructed in 1814.
The Khalanga War Memorial is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India and maintained by the local Gorkha community.
This is the only monument in the history of war that was built by the opposing army for the valor of an army.
Every year a fair is held in this war memorial area in memory of the Gorkha heroes, in which senior army officers and prominent people of the Gorkha community are present.

Note: An important message from the author

Whoever we go to see at the Khalanga War Memorial Memorial, it is very important for us to know the glorious history of this place, which will increase our eagerness to go there. At the same time, we will be able to know those untouched aspects as well and will try to bring the memories and results there into our lives.

ARTICLE BY : KALYAN SINGH

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