Mathabar Singh Thapa

Mathabar Singh Thapa (1798 – 17 May 1845) was Prime Minister of Nepal between 1843 - 1845. He was first Mukhtiyar to title himself Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of Nepal.

Quote

• If there is a decree from Ranee [Rajya Laxmi], we must kill each other.
  • To nephew Jang Bahadur Rana as quoted on Yadav, Pitambar Lal (2000); Nepalko Rajnaitik Itihas; publisher - Bijay Kumar (Saharsa); page: 157
    • Variation: In the Rājakāja [administration] if circumstances arises, we must kill each other without hesitation. Quoted on J.B.R., Diamond Shumsher (1970); Seto Bagh; publisher: Sajha Prakashan, Lalitpur
• I can behead my son Ranojjwal, if there is a royal decree.
  • To nephew Jang Bahadur Rana as quoted on Yadav, Pitambar Lal (2000); Nepalko Rajnaitik Itihas; publisher - Bijay Kumar (Saharsa); page: 158

Quotes about him

• In this Durbar, Matabar Singh was as a lion among a pack of curs, every man trembled before him; they all barked loud enough now. The minister was a dangerous man, but he had very good points: much energy and considerable ability. It will be difficult to find such another man in Nepal.
  • Quoted on Nepal's Diary, 1 Oct 1843 - 14 Oct 1845 by Sir Henry Lawrence archived as Sir Henry Lawrence's journal at Nepal in The British National Library
• It will be difficult to find such another man in Nepal.
  • Quoted on page 61 of Tyagi, Sushila (1974). Indo-Nepalese Relations: (1858 - 1914). India: Concept Publishing Company. 
• The new Barracks he was building; if a monument to his folly, is also so of his skill and energy. In a fortnight, the much rough ground had been leveled and twenty-three large Barracks nearly completed. I have nowhere seen so judicious and economical system of working; nothing was lost. Instead of digging holes for earth for kutcha bricks, the earth was used for bricks, and a perfect level left where there had been only inequalities. Not a single water carrier was employed, but in all directions, drains were cut and streams were drained as required. All else was done with similar method and skill. Nepal has indeed lost her right arm and blind will be the Minister who takes his place.
  • Quoted on Nepal's Diary, 1 Oct 1843 - 14 Oct 1845 by Sir Henry Lawrence archived as Sir Henry Lawrence's journal at Nepal in The British National Library
• ...is in the prime of life...his[Bhimsen's] probable successor in the Ministry, frank, intelligent, well-bred, and free from all discreditable personal habits.
  • Quoted on page 150 of book Thapa Politics in Nepal: With Special Reference to Bhim Sen Thapa, 1806–1839