Introduction
Baisi Rajya refers to the cluster of 22 small independent Khas principalities located in the Karnali-Bheri region of western Nepal during the medieval period. They emerged around the 13th century following the collapse of the vast Khas-Malla Empire centered in Sinja.
Main Content
- Origin and Founder: King Malai Bamma is considered the initiator of Baisi Rajya, as these states were created when he partitioned his large kingdom among his descendants.
- Geographical Boundary: Mountainous region extending from the Rapti River in the east to the Mahakali River in the west (at times extending up to Champawati in Kumaon).
- Namings & Theories: Explanations for the name 'Baisi' include 22 mountain slopes in Jumla, 22 thousand households, 22 main deities worshipped (12 Masta brothers and 9 Bhawani sisters), or 22 Khas sub-ethnic groups.
- Most Powerful State: Jumla was the most powerful state among the Baisi principalities.
- Status during Unification: Integrated into Nepal during Gorkhali unification; some states like Bajhang, Jajarkot, and Salyan accepted Gorkha suzerainty and remained as Dependent States ('Aashrit Rajya').
| No. | State Name | Founder King | Establishment (B.S.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jumla | Baliraj | 1450 |
| 2 | Bajhang | Shaktisingh | 1503 |
| 3 | Thalahara | Jhaktisingh | 1503 |
| 4 | Achham | Jagati Verma | 1543 |
| 5 | Dailekh | Malaya Verma | 1543 |
| 6 | Dullu | Malaya Verma | 1543 |
| 7 | Bajura | Dunggarsingh | 1650 |
| 8 | Darna | Udaya Verma | 1575 |
| 9 | Salyan | Sumeru Verma | 1575 |
| 10 | Rukum | Nari Bam | 1575 |
| 11 | Jahari | Madhav Bam | 1575 |
| 12 | Pallo Musikot | Jatu Verma | 1575 |
| 13 | Bafikot | Jagdish Bam | 1575 |
| 14 | Jajarkot | Medini Verma | 1461 |
| 15 | Doti | Nirayapal | 1409 |
| 16 | Dhulikot | Prabhat Rai | 1625 |
| 17 | Gajul | Judhsingh | 1550 |
| 18 | Khumri | Indrapal Sen | 1623 |
| 19 | Malneta | Madanraj | 1700 |
| 20 | Dang | Dalisingh | 1480 |
| 21 | Chhillikot | Meghnath Shah | 1703 |
Note: Historians note that due to splitting and merging over time, the count fluctuated between 18 and 30, but 22 remains the historically accepted standard list.
Key Takeaways
- King Malai Bamma is regarded as the initiator of Baisi Rajya.
- Jumla was the most powerful principality among the Baisi states.
- Baisi states were situated between the Rapti River in the east and Mahakali River in the west.
- States like Bajhang, Jajarkot, and Salyan functioned as Dependent States (Aashrit Rajya) during unification.
What to Avoid
- Do not confuse Baisi Rajya (Karnali-Bheri region) with Chaubisi Rajya (Gandaki region).
- Do not mistake Jumla's founder Baliraj (B.S. 1450) for Malaya Verma or Shaktisingh.
- Do not assume all Baisi states were directly annexed by force; some became dependent states through peaceful submission.
FAQ
Q1: Who is considered the initiator of Baisi Rajya? King Malai Bamma is considered the initiator of Baisi Rajya.
Q2: Which state was the most powerful among the Baisi principalities? Jumla was the most powerful state among the Baisi principalities.
Q3: Which Baisi states operated as Dependent States (Aashrit Rajya)? Bajhang, Jajarkot, and Salyan accepted Gorkha suzerainty and operated as Dependent States.
Q4: Who founded Jumla and Doti states? Jumla was founded by Baliraj (B.S. 1450) and Doti was founded by Nirayapal (B.S. 1409).
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