Jit Gadhi, once called Butwal Gadhi, stands near the Tinau on the city's northern side. The fort dates to the Sen rulers of Palpa and was strengthened by Nepali forces when the East India Company attacked Nepal's southern frontier in 1814. In early 1815 the defenders under Ujir Singh Thapa beat back the British, and the fort took its present name, meaning victory fort.
The site has been restored with ramparts, gates and display cannons. A life-size statue of Ujir Singh Thapa was unveiled in 2019, and a modest war museum opened in 2021 with panels, weapons and maps explaining the campaign. Labels are mostly in Nepali, so our guide translates.
The visit takes about 45 minutes. It works well as a leg-stretch on the drive between Lumbini and Tansen, and it connects with the Bhagwati Temple in Tansen, which Thapa built in 1815 to give thanks for the victory.
Good for
- Families
- Groups
- First-timers
- Seniors
Questions travellers ask
What happened at Jit Gadhi?
During the Anglo-Nepal war of 1814–1816, East India Company troops attacked Nepali positions near Butwal. In 1815 Nepali forces led by Colonel Ujir Singh Thapa defended the fort on the Tinau and defeated them. The fort was then named Jit Gadhi, meaning victory fort.
Is Jit Gadhi worth a stop?
Yes, as a 45-minute break on the drive between Lumbini and Tansen or Pokhara. The restored ramparts, statue and small museum give context to Nepal's history and to Tansen's Bhagwati Temple. It is not a full-day attraction.
Are the museum labels in English?
Most labels are in Nepali, with limited English. A guide makes a big difference to understanding the battle and the wider war. Our Tansen and Lumbini packages include a guide who can explain the displays on the way.
