Gurkhas

Gurkhas
Name	Gurkhas
Caption	Nepali soldiers in service
Origin	Nepal
Allegiance	British Crown; Indian Republic; Nepal
Type	Light infantry; mountain troops
Notable commanders	Sir Claude Auchinleck, Field Marshal William Slim, Lord Kitchener, Sir Sam Manekshaw

Gurkhas are soldiers of Nepali origin historically recruited into foreign and domestic forces noted for their service in South Asia, East Africa, and Europe. They trace lineage to martial communities of the Himalayas and have operated within formations of the British Army, the Indian Army, and other state forces since the early 19th century. Their reputation for discipline, mountain warfare, and the use of the kukri has made them prominent in campaigns from the Anglo-Nepalese War to both World Wars and postcolonial conflicts.

History

Origin narratives link Gurkha martial traditions to ethnolinguistic groups in the Kathmandu Valley, Koshi Province, and Gandaki Province. Recruitment into external services began after the Anglo-Nepalese War and the Sugauli Treaty, when the East India Company recognised Nepalese martial prowess and began enlisting soldiers. Under the British Raj, Gurkha regiments were incorporated into the British Indian Army alongside units such as the Sikh Regiment and Dogra Regiment. Gurkha battalions fought in colonial campaigns including the First Anglo-Burmese War, the Second Anglo-Afghan War, and the Mahdist War. In the 20th century, Gurkha formations served in the Western Front, the Mesopotamian campaign, the Italian campaign, and the Burma Campaign during World War II. Post-1947, treaty arrangements between the United Kingdom and the Dominion of India led to the division of Gurkha regiments between the British Army and the Indian Army, with the Nepalese Government maintaining sovereignty over recruitment policies.

Recruitment and Training

Recruitment traditionally emphasises regions such as Gorkha District, Lamjung District, Syangja District, and Kaski District, drawing from communities speaking Nepali language, Tamang languages, and Gurung languages. The Sinecure of regimental links shifted to formal processes under the British East India Company and later the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom), with selection involving medical screening, endurance tests in alpine terrain, and vetting by regimental recruiting offices in Kathmandu and regional centres. Training occurs in mountain warfare schools such as the Army Mountaineering School and regimental depots like Barauli Cantonment and Sirmoor Cantonment under instructors influenced by doctrines from Sandhurst and the Indian Military Academy. Instruction covers small-unit tactics, jungle warfare as practised in Chindits operations, and peacekeeping skills applied in United Nations missions.

Military Service and Units

Units historically include the 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles, the 7th Duke of Edinburgh's Own Gurkha Rifles, and the 10th Princess Mary's Own Gurkha Rifles within the British Army, and the Gorkha Rifles regiments within the Indian Army. Contemporary British units include the Royal Gurkha Rifles and specialist companies within the Brigade of Gurkhas. Service obligations have been governed by agreements such as the Tripartite Agreement and bilateral accords with the Government of Nepal. Gurkha soldiers have been seconded to formations like the Special Air Service and integrated into multinational brigades in deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia and Herzegovina under NATO or UNPROFOR.

Notable Engagements and Campaigns

Gurkha battalions participated in the Siege of Lucknow, the Relief of Chitral, and the Tirah Campaign during colonial expansion. In the 20th century they saw action at the Battle of Loos, the Battle of Gallipoli, and the Battle of Imphal. During World War II, they distinguished themselves in the Battle of Kohima and the jungle operations of the Burma Campaign against the Imperial Japanese Army. Postwar operations include engagements during the Malayan Emergency, counter-insurgency in Borneo, and urban operations during the Falklands War as part of British expeditionary forces. In recent decades, individual Gurkha soldiers have earned decorations such as the Victoria Cross and the Param Vir Chakra for actions in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and other theatres.

Culture and Identity

Cultural identity draws on ethnic groups such as the Magar people, Rai people, Limbu people, Tharu people, and Newar people, with village, clan, and caste structures influencing regimental cohesion. Rituals include blessings by Hindu and Buddhist priests from temples like the Pashupatinath Temple and ceremonies tied to festivals such as Dashain and Tihar. Language and music—songs sung in Nepali language, instruments like the madal, and dances associated with Gurung people traditions—feature in regimental life. Family linkages to regions such as Palpa District and Tanahun District maintain recruitment networks, while remittances and pensions impact local economies in Pokhara and rural municipalities.

Uniforms, Insignia, and Weapons

Regimental dress reflects colonial and Nepalese elements: distinctive headgear such as the black Kilmarnock cap and variations of the peaked cap, tunics influenced by British Army patterns, and khaki field dress. Insignia include cap badges referencing royal patronage like the King's Crown and unit symbols adopted from historic honors. The kukri, a curved Nepalese blade, remains a ceremonial and functional emblem alongside issue weapons such as the Lee-Enfield rifle, the L85 rifle, and modern carbines and machine guns under NATO standards. Medals and decorations worn include campaign stars from World War I and World War II, gallantry awards like the Military Cross, and national honors from India and the United Kingdom.

Modern Role and Legacy

Contemporary roles encompass counter-insurgency, mountain warfare, peacekeeping under the United Nations, and special operations support for coalitions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Debates over recruitment rights, settlement status in the United Kingdom, and pensions have involved institutions such as the UK Parliament and advocacy groups including veterans' associations. Cultural legacy appears in literature and film referencing the Khas people and in memorials such as the Gurkha Memorial in London. Their continued presence in modern armed forces reflects evolving defence relationships among the United Kingdom, the Republic of India, and the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

Category:Military units and formations of Nepal