Colonial Advent and Changing Political Scenario in the Darjeeling Terai: Mid 18th Century to Mid 19th Century

Abstract

Darjeeling Terai or modern Siliguri sub-division never came into prominence during ancient, medieval and even in early part of modern period It is due to this reason when it came under the sovereignty or control of the various powers i.e. Cooch Behar, Sikkim and Nepal, it did not get al1)' importance rather it was neglected When the British captured the region in 1850 it shot into prominence and contact with other parts of India began. Thus, the authentic history of the northern bank of the river Mahananda of Darjeeling Terai commences in the limelight of modern Indian history from early part of the 18th century. But its strategic political importance began from middle of the 18th centuries, when the Gurkhas of Nepal eager to captured Drajeeling Terai, the same period when the Sanyasis and Fakirs were dominated in that region .In that particular political turmoil the East India Company was involved in Terai which turned its mighty historical transformation.