Kangso Rey
Kangso Rey Wanem was a prominent Limbu military leader born on Chaitra 25, 1805 BS. He played a crucial role in resisting the Gorkha invasion of Limbuwan during the Limbuwan Gorkha War in The First and second battle of Chainpur.
Commanding General Kangsorey Wanem Phago of Maiwa was a prominent military leader of the Limbu forces serving under Jayakarna Wanemba, the King of Chainpur, in the late 18th century. His military career coincided with sustained Gorkha campaigns into the Limbuwan kingdoms, undertaken as part of the Gorkha state’s territorial expansion.
The First Battle of Chainpur
The First Battle of Chainpur was fought on the banks of the Arun River, where Limbu forces, under the command of General Kangsorey, General Sangbotrey, and General Gangare, successfully defeated the advancing Gorkhali forces.
The Second Battle of Chainpur
In 1774 AD, Gorkha forces advanced again toward the Arun River to confront the Limbu armies. According to historical accounts collected by Sir Brian Houghton hodgson, a duel was proposed by Raghu Rana, a junior Gorkhali officer, in which only the commanders of both sides would fight, while the remaining soldiers would observe unarmed. It was agreed that the outcome of the duel would determine control of the opposing forces.
On the 25th of Baisakh, Bikram Sambat 1831, the duel took place on the southern side of Chainpur, in present-day Sankhuwasabha District. The combat lasted until the afternoon, when Kangsorey Wanem struck Raghu Rana, killing him.
Following the death of their commander, the Gorkha soldiers reportedly broke the agreement, retrieved concealed weapons, and launched an attack on Kangsorey and the Limbu forces. Kangsorey Wanem was killed during the ensuing fighting. Limbu forces then pursued the retreating Gorkhali troops toward the Arun River, where further casualties occurred.
Burial and memorials
The bodies of Kangsorey Wanem and Raghu Rana were buried on opposite sides of the battlefield. Stone markers were erected over their graves, which are traditionally identified at Barabuksi, Sankhuwasabha.
Legacy
Kangsorey Wanem Phago is remembered within Limbu history as a military leader who resisted Gorkha expansion and defended Limbuwan during the late 18th century. His role in the Second Battle of Chainpur remains a significant episode in the history of the Gorkha–Limbuwan War.