Gorkha - Background

Background

In the Gurkha War (1814–1816) between the Gorkha Kingdom (Nepal) and the British East India Company the British were impressed by the Gorkhali soldiers which they called Gurkhas. Their war cry was and is to this very day: Jaya Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali (Glory to Great Kali, Gorkhas approach)! In the Peace Treaty it was agreed that Gorkhalis could be recruited to serve under contract in the East India Company's army.

Up to now, recruitment has been mainly from Nepali hill tribes such as the Magar, Gurung, Tamang, Chhetris, Thakuris, Rai and Limbu, although original Gurkhali soldiers were comprised mainly of Chhetri, Thakuri, Gurung, and Magar ethnics. Gurkhas were thought to be a martial race because they were considered to be naturally warlike and aggressive in battle; to possess qualities of courage, loyalty, self-sufficiency, physical strength, resilience, orderliness; to be able to work hard for long periods of time and; to fight with tenacity and military strength.

Professor Sir Ralph Lilley Turner, MC, who served with the 3rd Queen Alexandra's Own Gurkha Rifles in the First World War, wrote of Gurkhas:

As I write these last words, my thoughts return to you who were my comrades, the stubborn and indomitable peasants of Nepal. Once more I hear the laughter with which you greeted every hardship. Once more I see you in your bivouacs or about your fires, on forced march or in the trenches, now shivering with wet and cold, now scorched by a pitiless and burning sun. Uncomplaining you endure hunger and thirst and wounds; and at the last your unwavering lines disappear into the smoke and wrath of battle. Bravest of the brave most generous of the generous, never had country more faithful friends than you.