Tracing the Legacy: The History of the Gorkhas

Few military lineages in the world command as much universal respect and awe as the soldiers hailing from the rugged hills of Nepal. Their motto, “Better to die than be a coward,” is not merely a slogan but a lived reality that has been proven time and again across centuries of conflict. To understand the resilience and character of these warriors, one must delve deep into the history of the Gorkhas. It is a narrative woven with threads of incredible bravery, unwavering loyalty, and a combat reputation that echoes from the steep ridges of the Himalayas to the mud of Flanders and the jungles of Borneo. Exploring the history of the Gorkhas offers a window into how a mountain people became a global symbol of martial excellence.

Origins and 19th-Century Military Campaigns (1814–1880)

The history of the Gorkhas officially intersects with Western military history in the early 19th century, though their martial tradition predates this era significantly. The unification of Nepal under Prithvi Narayan Shah in the late 18th century created a formidable fighting force that began expanding its territory. This expansion inevitably led to friction with the British East India Company, which was simultaneously extending its influence in the Indian subcontinent. The resulting Anglo-Nepal War (1814–1816) was the crucible where the history of the Gorkhas began to take its modern shape.

British forces, expecting an easy victory, were stunned by the tenacity and tactical brilliance of the Gorkha army. Despite being outgunned, the Gorkhas utilized the terrain and their curved kukri knives to devastating effect. The British commanders were so impressed by their enemy’s valor that, following the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816, they included a provision to recruit these soldiers into their own ranks. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Gorkhas, transitioning them from adversaries to allied regiments.

Throughout the remainder of the 19th century, the history of the Gorkhas was characterized by service on the turbulent frontiers of India. They played significant roles in the Pindari War and the Sikh Wars. By the time of the Indian Mutiny in 1857, the Gorkha regiments demonstrated loyalty that solidified their standing within the British military structure. During the Second Afghan War (1878–1880), the history of the Gorkhas saw them earning their stripes in the harsh environments of Afghanistan, notably at the Battle of Kandahar, proving their ability to fight effectively in mountainous terrain far from home.

Service and Sacrifice in World War I

The scale of conflict changed dramatically in the early 20th century, and the history of the Gorkhas expanded onto a global stage. With the outbreak of World War I, the demand for troops was insatiable, and the Kingdom of Nepal placed its soldiers at the disposal of the British Crown. Over 200,000 Gorkhas served during the Great War, a staggering number representing a significant portion of Nepal’s male population at the time.

The history of the Gorkhas in World War I is marked by their deployment to the Western Front, facing the horrors of trench warfare for the first time. At battles such as Neuve Chapelle and Loos, they displayed distinct bravery. It was at Neuve Chapelle in 1915 that the regiment cemented its reputation for close-quarters combat. The history of the Gorkhas during this period also includes campaigns in Gallipoli, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Palestine. Their adaptability was tested as they moved from the freezing mud of France to the scorching sands of the Middle East.

This era in the history of the Gorkhas saw the awarding of the first Victoria Cross to a Gorkha soldier, Kulbir Thapa, for his actions at the Battle of Loos. This recognition highlighted that these warriors were not just auxiliary forces but elite combatants capable of the highest levels of heroism. The heavy casualties sustained during the war left an indelible mark on the villages of Nepal, weaving a sense of sacrifice into the history of the Gorkhas that persists to this day.

Expansion and Gallantry During World War II

If the First World War introduced the Gorkhas to the world, the Second World War solidified their legendary status. The history of the Gorkhas from 1939 to 1945 involves the mobilization of over 250,000 men into 40 battalions. They fought in almost every theater of war, from the deserts of North Africa to the rocky hills of Italy and the dense jungles of Burma.

In North Africa, they played a crucial role in the Battle of El Alamein. In Italy, the history of the Gorkhas is forever linked to the brutal Battle of Monte Cassino. Here, the sheer determination of the soldiers to scale the monastery hill under withering fire became the stuff of military legend. However, it was perhaps in Burma against the Japanese Imperial Army where the history of the Gorkhas shone brightest. The terrain suited their natural abilities, and they excelled in jungle warfare.

The history of the Gorkhas records numerous Victoria Crosses earned during this conflict. The actions of soldiers like Tul Bahadur Pun and Lachhiman Gurung, who held off overwhelming enemy forces single-handedly, define the spirit of this era. General Sir William Slim, commander of the 14th Army, famously stated that the bravest of the brave was the Gorkha soldier. This period in the history of the Gorkhas demonstrated their capacity to endure extreme hardship while maintaining high morale and combat effectiveness.

Post-1947 Restructuring and the Malayan Emergency

The geopolitical landscape of South Asia shifted radically with the independence of India in 1947. This political change necessitated a restructuring within the history of the Gorkhas. Under the Tripartite Agreement between the United Kingdom, India, and Nepal, the existing Gorkha regiments were divided. Six regiments joined the new Indian Army, while four transferred to the British Army. This division created two distinct but related branches in the history of the Gorkhas.

Shortly after this transition, the British Gorkhas were deployed to Southeast Asia to handle the Malayan Emergency (1948–1960). This conflict was a defining chapter in the post-war history of the Gorkhas. Fighting communist insurgents in the dense rainforests required patience, stealth, and superior tracking skills—traits that the Gorkhas possessed in abundance. Unlike the large-scale battles of the World Wars, this was a war of patrols and ambushes.

The success of the British forces in Malaya is often attributed significantly to the contributions of the Gorkha units. The history of the Gorkhas in Malaya proved their relevance in modern counter-insurgency warfare. Their ability to win the hearts and minds of the local population, combined with their lethal efficiency against insurgents, set a standard for future operations. This era demonstrated that the history of the Gorkhas was not just about brute force, but also about tactical sophistication and adaptability in complex political environments.

Modern Legacy and the 200th Anniversary Celebration

As the 20th century drew to a close and the 21st century began, the history of the Gorkhas continued to evolve. They saw action in the Falklands War in 1982, where their mere reputation reportedly caused psychological distress to opposing forces. In more recent times, the history of the Gorkhas includes extensive tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, particularly in Helmand Province, they faced threats similar to the frontier wars of the 19th century, bringing their historical experience full circle.

In 2015, the world marked the 200th anniversary of Gorkha service to the British Crown. This bicentennial was a significant milestone in the history of the Gorkhas, celebrated with parades and events in London and Kathmandu. It served as a reminder of a unique relationship between nations, forged in battle and sustained through mutual respect. The celebration honored not just the soldiers of the past, but the continuing legacy of the current recruits who still undergo the grueling selection process in the hills of Nepal.

Today, the history of the Gorkhas is also characterized by their contribution to UN peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid. Yet, the core essence remains unchanged. Whether serving in the Indian Army, the British Army, or the Singapore Police Force, the Gorkha soldier remains a symbol of integrity and courage. Studying the history of the Gorkhas reveals a narrative that transcends borders, telling a human story of resilience that continues to inspire military historians and civilians alike. The legacy is not merely in the medals won or the battles fought, but in the enduring spirit that defines the history of the Gorkhas.