[1][2][3] The confrontation between Nepal and the Sikhs had its genesis in the expansionist policy of the Nepalese mukhtiyar (head of government) Bhimsen Thapa.

[5] At first, the Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh was reluctant to assist the ruler of Kangra,[6] but a Nepalese push towards the Kashmir Valley changed his mind.

The Maharaja recalled Diwan Mohkam Chand from the Kangra expedition in March 1809 and directed him to reach Phillaur.

According to Munshi Sohan Lal's estimate, there were about ten thousand irregular horse and foot with the Nepalese at that time.

[9] The hill Chiefs who were well- acquainted with the routes of the hilly terrain were ordered to block all passages so as to stop all means of procurement of provisions and equipment for the Gorkha army.

[16] The Maharaja finding an opportune time to drive them out of Guler[16] launched an attack and occupied their positions about a mile (1.06 km.)

[16] After both side suffered heavy losses, with Nepalese retreating from Kangara to the sutlej river in exchange for the Sikhs to end eastward expansion past Sangla, which had been where the Gurkhas had retreated past due to Sikh borders encompassing the town of Sangla.