How Putalimaya’s Secret Information Helped Jung Bahadur Rise to Power
Putalimaya, a palace attendant close to Queen Rajyalaxmi, secretly provided critical information to Jung Bahadur Rana that helped him survive assassination plots and consolidate power, playing a key role in the events that led to the rise of the Rana regime.
Jung Bahadur Rana is remembered as the founder of the Rana regime, but his rise to power was influenced not only by military strength and political skill but also by information received from trusted individuals inside the royal palace. Among the most important figures in his life was Putalimaya, a palace attendant close to Queen Rajyalaxmi. During a period of intense political rivalry inside the royal court, Putalimaya maintained close contact with Jung Bahadur and regularly informed him about developments and secret discussions taking place within the palace.
According to historical accounts, Putalimaya learned of several conspiracies aimed at eliminating Jung Bahadur. She reportedly passed information about plans involving influential court figures and individuals connected to the royal family. These warnings allowed Jung Bahadur to prepare and respond before his enemies could act. Following the Bhandarkhal incident and the departure of King Rajendra and Queen Rajyalaxmi from Nepal, Jung Bahadur emerged as the dominant political figure. He later brought Putalimaya to Thapathali Durbar and granted her the status of a queen. Many historians believe that without the intelligence provided by Putalimaya, Jung Bahadur’s political future—and the beginning of the 104-year Rana rule—might have been very different.