Gurkhas, or Gorkhas, are soldiers from Nepal known for their military skill, courage, and loyalty. Their name comes from Gorkha, home of the ruler Prithwi Narayan Shah. In the 1700’s, Prithwi Narayan Shah united most of what is now Nepal. The country’s soldiers came to be known as Gurkhas.
The Gurkhas lost the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816) to the British East India Company. However, the British were impressed by the mountain warriors, and they created regiments of Gurkha soldiers to serve in their armies. Gurkhas fought for the United Kingdom in both World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945) and in other conflicts, including the Falklands War against Argentina in 1982. Gurkhas also fought for India in wars with Pakistan and China.
The pay and pensions of the Gurkha soldiers make a significant contribution to Nepal’s economy. India still has a Gurkha force numbering over 40,000. But in the United Kingdom, Gurkha regiments number only about 3,500 soldiers.
