He was called upon as an able commander on the Almora Front during the Anglo-Nepalese war.
His death was followed by the ultimate fall of Gorkha forces in Almora.
[citation needed] At the Anglo-Nepalese war, his brother Bam Shah was the governor of Kumaun.
Four companies sent from Kathmandu to aid the beleaguered defences of Kumaun were delayed.
Hastidal, the ablest commander was killed in the early moments of the attack.