Nepal, Oct. 18 -- The heavy loss of life in the Trisuli Valley catastrophe of 26 August resulted from it being Nepal's trade, tourism and energy corridor. What is less well known is the river's strategic importance dating back to the Gorkha-China War of 1791-92.

Thousands of Gorkhali, Chinese and Tibetan soldiers spilled their blood 234 years ago along the Bhote Kosi-Trisuli in fierce battles at Kerung, Rasuwagadi, Timure, Syapru, Dhaibung, Ramche, Dhunche, and Betrawati. Most of these towns are now buried under deep mud and debris.

Rasuwagadi was the scene of battles in 1791-92, and also where Jang Bahadur Rana established a fort as the staging post for Nepal's second invasion of Tibet in 1855. These battlefields were all swept away b...