Jung Bahadur Rana’s Strategies to Attract Women
In 1847 AD (1904 BS), Jung Bahadur Rana issued a written order promising promotions to Subedar Mannu Singh if he brought an English woman. He orchestrated King Surendra to marry Hiranyagarbhakumari, the sister of the assassinated Prime Minister Fateh Jung Shah, to strengthen political alliances. Jung Bahadur also used his romantic involvement with Putalimaiya, a palace attendant, to secretly acquire political information. Though this might seem like folklore, Jung Bahadur Rana was a historically significant and powerful leader. Through a combination of power and cunning, he not only rose to supremacy but also established a governance system that lasted 104 years, an extraordinary achievement.
Despite several uprisings during his reign, he suppressed all rebellions. He is considered the most powerful ruler in Nepal’s history, with significant support and dedication from his brothers. His relationship with Putalimaiya was not only a personal bond but also politically advantageous. His son, Padma Jung Rana, referred to this relationship in his writings as politically friendly. Later, Jung Bahadur brought Putalimaiya from Hanuman Dhoka to Thapathali Palace, made her queen, and secured ranking for their son.
Jung Bahadur had numerous queens; historian Purushottam Shamsher Jabara listed 42 queens, while Kamal Dixit’s study suggests he had between 32 and 45. He also had over 1,200 concubines. According to the contemporary military officer Khadga Singh Gurung, Jung Bahadur had strong interests in elephant riding, gambling, and wrestling spectacles, and later developed an opium addiction. Historian Ramjee Upadhyay, through the 94-year-old Chandrawadan who served Crown Prince Trailokya Vikram Shah, gathered extensive information on Jung Bahadur’s personal life.
Jung Bahadur employed various methods to attract women. Notably, during his visit to Britain, he carefully managed his relationship with the British beauty Laura Bell. He reportedly signaled to Laura by waving a handkerchief dyed with blue and vermilion from his hand. A Nepalese man named Motilal, serving as an interpreter for Laura, also confirmed their connection. Motilal recounted an interesting story of Jung Bahadur’s first encounter with Laura. Additionally, a letter addressed to Subedar Mannu Singh was discovered, containing promises of promotion and covering expenses if he succeeded in bringing a woman. The draft of this letter dates back to April 1847 (1904 BS) and researchers have verified its authenticity.