Why did Nepal seek an accommodation with British India during the 19th century?

During the 19th century, Nepal sought an accommodation with British India primarily as a strategic necessity to preserve its independence. The rapid expansion of the British Empire across the Indian subcontinent posed a severe existential threat to Nepal, which feared it would be the next territory to be conquered.12

Following the Anglo-Nepalese (Gurkha) War (1814–16), which concluded with the Treaty of Sagauli, Nepal realized it had no viable alternative but to align with the British. This accommodation was formalized after 1860 by the Rana family regime. Under this de facto alliance:312

• Nepal permitted the recruitment of its citizens into the Gurkha units of the British Indian Army.12
• Nepal accepted British guidance regarding its foreign policy.12
• In exchange, the British provided the Rana regime with guarantees against both domestic and foreign threats while allowing it virtual autonomy in internal affairs.12

To maintain a balance of power, Nepal simultaneously fostered friendly relations with China and Tibet for economic reasons and to counterbalance British influence in the region.12