Synopsis Nepal was forged out of the conquests by the principality of Gorkha, and Nepalese historians often view this process as consisting of 'national unification'. This work is a probe to see whether cohesive elements of nation-building were present in the past to warrant such a description. It examines some of the real motives behind Gorkha's desire to expand over the neighbouring hills and plains and beyond, together with its consequences on the society and economy of the peoples of great diversity living in those areas.

Eastern Nepal, also called Kirat, was one of the last areas to be conquered by Gorkha, but has received somewhat scant attention from Nepalese historians. This book provides a region-specific coverage to allow for a deeper understanding of the process of Nepal's political unification, and its impact.