Gurkha

A khukuri, the signature weapon of the Gurkhas

The Gurkhas or Gorkhas (/ˈɡɜːrkə, ˈɡʊər-/), with the endonym Gorkhali (Nepali: गोर्खाली [ɡoɾkʰaːliː]), are soldiers native to the Indian subcontinent, chiefly residing within Nepal and some parts of North India.^[1]^[2]

The Gurkha units consist of Nepali and (in India) Indian Gorkha, Nepali-speaking Indian people. They are recruited for the Nepali Army (96,000),^[3] the Indian Army (42,000), the British Army (4,010),^[4] the Gurkha Contingent in Singapore, the Gurkha Reserve Unit in Brunei, for UN peacekeeping forces and in war zones around the world.^[5] Ordinary citizens of the two demographic groups become a Gurkha by applying for, and passing, the selection and training process.^[6]

Gurkhas are closely associated with the khukuri, a forward-curving knife, and have a reputation for fearless military prowess. Former Indian Army Chief of Staff Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw once stated that:

"If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or he is a Gurkha."
— Sam Manekshaw^[7]

^ Minahan, James (30 May 2002). Encyclopedia of the Stateless Nations: Ethnic and National Groups Around the World A-Z [4 Volumes]. ABC-CLIO. p. 679. ISBN 978-0-313-07696-1. British military pay and pensions became the primary source of income for the Gurkha peoples of Nepal and north-eastern India.
^ "Who are Gurkhas?". www.gwt.org.uk. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
^ Sureis (9 August 2018). "Thapa to take charge of Nepali Army as acting CoAS". The Himalayan Times. Archived from the original on 7 April 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
^ "Number of Gurkha" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 30 May 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
^ "» About the Gurkhas". www.gwt.org.uk. Archived from the original on 29 February 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
^ "How to apply to become a Gurkha". Gurkha Brigade Association.
^ "Who Are Gurkhas?". Gurkha Welfare Trust. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2011.

[Minahan2002-1] Minahan, James (30 May 2002). Encyclopedia of the Stateless Nations: Ethnic and National Groups Around the World A-Z [4 Volumes]. ABC-CLIO. p. 679. ISBN 978-0-313-07696-1. British military pay and pensions became the primary source of income for the Gurkha peoples of Nepal and north-eastern India.

[2] "Who are Gurkhas?". www.gwt.org.uk. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2022.

[3] Sureis (9 August 2018). "Thapa to take charge of Nepali Army as acting CoAS". The Himalayan Times. Archived from the original on 7 April 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2022.

[4] "Number of Gurkha" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 30 May 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2022.

[5] "» About the Gurkhas". www.gwt.org.uk. Archived from the original on 29 February 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2022.

[6] "How to apply to become a Gurkha". Gurkha Brigade Association.

[7] "Who Are Gurkhas?". Gurkha Welfare Trust. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2011.

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