ABSTRACT
If Jang Bahadur comprehended the recklessness of persisting with an anti-British policy, he also understood the benefits of retaining the traditional relationship with China. With disparate remnants of the opposition on British Indian soil, the East India Company still had the capacity to undermine the new government, especially when Jang’s personal position was far from secure. Once Queen Rajya Lakshmi realized she lacked Jang’s support in her quest to appoint her own son as crown prince, she began plotting against him. Discovering the conspiracy, Jang arrested and executed the key players, stripped the queen of all powers and ordered her exiled to Benares. Citing his own remorse at the massive bloodletting, King Rajendra accompanied her, leaving Crown Prince Surendra at the helm.
