The Gurkhas are a group of elite soldiers who have been conscripted into militaries around the world. Known as the bravest of the brave, their reputation for precedes them and they are well respected by all militaries. Who exactly are the Gurkhas and where do they come from? In this article, we will be exploring the Gurkhas’ origins, their modern-day employment and their symbolic weapon of choice – the Khukri.
Who are the Gurkhas?
The Gurkhas originate from Nepal, in the mountainous region of Gorkha. They first made their name when the kingdom fought against the British East India Company in 1814. During the time, their warrior spirit and effective combat expertise helped to drive back the company’s forces, with heavy casualties forcing a peace treaty to be signed a year later.
As part of the treaty, the beaten British were allowed to recruit the Gurkhas to serve in their … Read the rest