Draft:Harsh Dev Joshi

Harsh Dev Joshi

Harsh Dev Joshi (died 1815) was a prominent statesman, administrator, and political strategist in the Kumaon region of present-day Uttarakhand, India. Renowned for his political acumen and complex legacy, Joshi played a pivotal role in the turbulent history of Kumaon during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, navigating shifting allegiances, dynastic upheavals, and the rise of colonial power.

Early Life and Background

Harsh Dev Joshi was born in the 18th century into the distinguished Joshi family of Jhijhar in Kumaon. His father, Shiv Dev Joshi, served as a chief minister to Kalyan Chand and later to his son, Deep Chand, rulers of the Chand dynasty.. This familial background positioned Harsh Dev Joshi within the political elite of Kumaon from an early age.

Political Career and Role as Kingmaker

Joshi first rose to prominence as the divan (prime minister) to King Deep Chand of Champawat. The latter part of the 18th century was marked by political chaos in Kumaon, with the Chand court in Almora becoming notorious for intrigue and corruption. Following a series of conspiracies that led to the murder of King Deep Chand and his family, Mohan Singh seized the throne as Mohan Chand and imprisoned Joshi.

In 1779, Lalit Shah of Garhwal invaded Kumaon, ousting Mohan Chand and freeing Joshi. Joshi advised Lalit Shah to install his younger son, Pradyumna Shah, as the ruler of Kumaon (as Pradyumna Chand), while Joshi himself became the de facto power behind the throne. However, Mohan Chand later reclaimed the throne, forcing Joshi to regroup and recruit mercenaries to retake Almora, installing Shiv Chand as king when Pradyumna Shah declined to return from Garhwal.

Joshi's career was characterized by repeated cycles of exile, return, and kingmaking. Over the course of his life, he was involved in the overthrow and installation of at least eight rulers in Kumaon. His reputation as a master of intrigue earned him comparisons to Chanakya, the legendary Indian strategist, though opinions on this title remain divided among historians

Involvement with the Gorkhas and the British

In the late 18th century, Joshi entered into negotiations with the Gorkha (Nepalese) forces, who invaded Kumaon in 1790. He reportedly promised to aid the Gorkhas in deposing Mahendra Chand in exchange for political control, but the Gorkhas soon distrusted him and took him captive.. After escaping, Joshi dedicated himself to resisting Gorkha rule, seeking support from regional powers such as the Nawab of Oudh, the East India Company, and Sansar Chand of Kangra. He played a key role in drawing British attention to the Gorkha slave trade, which contributed to the British decision to launch the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816)

Final Years and Death

During the British campaign against the Gorkhas, Joshi allied himself with the East India Company. He accompanied the British forces led by Lieutenant Colonel Gardner during the 1815 campaign that resulted in the capture of Almora and the end of indigenous rule in Kumaon.. Shortly after the British victory, Joshi wrote his will at Gananath and died in July 1815. Before his death, the British recognized his jagir (land grant) and granted him a pension, acknowledging his political influence

Legacy

Harsh Dev Joshi remains a controversial figure in Kumaoni history. Some view him as a traitor who facilitated the entry of the British into the region, while others regard him as a brilliant strategist who maintained his influence through decades of upheaval. His life and actions are documented in several historical works, including Edwin Thomas Atkinson's Himalayan Gazetteer and Rahul Sankrityayan's Kumaon. Despite his significance, many aspects of his life remain shrouded in mystery, and he continues to be a subject of debate among historians.

"Joshi was big, as big as the mountains he traversed. Sadly, there exists no sketch of this man... But some books contain details of his interesting life. I recommend to you Edwin Thomas Atkinson's six-part Himalayan Gazetteer."

References in Academic and Historical Literature

• Edwin Thomas Atkinson, The Himalayan Gazetteer
• Rahul Sankrityayan, Kumaon
• B.D. Pande, Kumaon ka Itihas
• Pradhan Kumar, The Gorkha Conquests (Oxford University Press)
• Various historical papers and British records from the period

Legacy

Harsh Dev Joshi's legacy is that of a complex and resourceful political actor whose maneuvers shaped Kumaon's fate during a critical period in Himalayan history.