FACTOID # 24: Danish workers strike 150 times more than their German neighbours.
 
 Home   Encyclopedia   Statistics   Countries A-Z   Flags   Maps   Education   Forum   FAQ   About 
 
WHAT'S NEW
RELATED ARTICLES
People who viewed "Gurkha" also viewed:
RECENT ARTICLES
More Recent Articles »
 

SEARCH ALL

FACTS & STATISTICS   

Search encyclopedia, statistics and forums:

 

 

(* = Graphable)

 

 


Encyclopedia > Gurkha

Gurkha, also spelled as Gorkha, are people from Nepal and parts of North India, who take their name from the eighth century Hindu warrior-saint Guru Gorakhnath. His disciple Bappa Rawal, born Prince Kalbhoj/Prince Shailadhish, founded the house of Mewar, Rajasthan (Rajputana). Later descendants of Bappa Rawal moved further east to found the house of Gorkha, which in turn founded the Kingdom of Nepal. Gurkhas are best known for their history of bravery and strength in the British Army's Brigade of Gurkhas and the Indian Army's Gorkha regiments. Gorkha is one of the 75 districts of modern Nepal. (7th century — 8th century — 9th century — other centuries) Events The Iberian peninsula is taken by Arab and Berber Muslims, thus ending the Visigothic rule, and starting almost 8 centuries of Muslim presence there. ... This article discusses the adherents of Hinduism. ... Gorakhnath (also called Goraksanatha) was an 11th Century Hindu yogi who founded the Kanphata yogis. ... Bappa Rawal, born Prince Kalbhoj, was the 8th ruler of the Guhilot dynasty. ... Mewar is a region of south-central Rajasthan state in western India. ... The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ... Gurkha Soldiers (1896) The Brigade of Gurkhas is the collective term for British Army units that are composed of Nepalese soldiers. ... This article is about the post-independence Indian Army. ... Gorkha regiments have been serving in the Indian Army ever since independence in 1947, when the Tripartite Agreement was signed. ... Gurkha Soldiers (1896) Wives and children of Gurkha Soldiers (1896) Gurkha (or Gorkha) are a people from Nepal who take their name from the former city-state of Gorkha, which went on to found the Kingdom of Nepal later on. ...


The Gurkhas were designated by British officials as a "Martial Race". "Martial Race" was a designation created by officials of British India to describe "races" (peoples) that were thought to be naturally warlike and aggressive in battle, and to possess qualities like courage, loyalty, self sufficiency, physical strength, resilience, orderliness, hard working, fighting tenacity and military strategy. The British recruited heavily from these Martial Races for service in the colonial army.[1] Martial Race or Martial races theory is an ideology based on the assumption that certain ethnic races were more martially inclined as opposed to the general populace or other races. ... Anthem God Save The Queen/King British India, circa 1860 Capital Calcutta (1858-1912), New Delhi (1912-1947) Language(s) Hindi, Urdu, English and many others Government Monarchy Emperor of India  - 1877-1901 Victoria  - 1901-1910 Edward VII  - 1910-1936 George V  - January-December 1936 Edward VIII  - 1936-1947 George... Aggression is defined as The act of initiating hostilities or invasion. ... For other uses, see Battle (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Courage (disambiguation). ... (UTC):This page is about loyalty as faithfulness to a cause. ... Self-sufficiency refers to the state of not requiring any outside aid, support, or (in hardline cases) interaction, for survival; it is therefore a type of extreme personal or collective (group-based) autonomy. ... Physical strength is the ability of a person or animal to exert force on physical objects using muscles. ... For the band, see Resilience (band). ... // Order may refer to: Religious Holy Orders, the rite or sacrament in which clergy are ordained The monastic orders, originating with Anthony the Great and Benedict of Nursia from circa 300 the military orders of the crusades the various chivalric orders established since the 14th century Honors Order (decoration) Legal... This article is about real and historical warfare. ... Call-up ad inviting citizens to enlist in French Colonial Forces, after colonies of North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia) had been reconquered by the Allies in WW2. ...

Statue of a Gurkha soldier near Ministry of Defence, City of Westminster, London
Statue of a Gurkha soldier near Ministry of Defence, City of Westminster, London

Contents

Image File history File links Download high resolution version (534x704, 65 KB) Summary Photo of statue of a Grukha soldier taken by Me, City of Westminster, London on 17th April 2006. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (534x704, 65 KB) Summary Photo of statue of a Grukha soldier taken by Me, City of Westminster, London on 17th April 2006. ... The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is the United Kingdom government department responsible for implementation of government defence policy and is the headquarters of the British Armed Forces. ... The City of Westminster is a borough of London, England with city status. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ...

History

Gurkhas claim descent from the Hindu Rajputs and Brahmins of Northern India, who entered modern Nepal from the west. Guru Gorkhanath had a Rajput Prince-disciple, the legendary Bappa Rawal, born Prince Kalbhoj/Prince Shailadhish, founder of the house of Mewar, who became the first Gurkha and is said to be the ancestor of the present Royal family of Nepal. Rajput constitute one of the major Hindu Kshatriya groups from India. ... The term Brahmin denotes both a member of the priestly class in the Hindu varna system, and a member of the highest caste in the caste system of Hindu society. ... Dark green region marks the approximate extent of northern India while the regions marked as light green lies within the sphere of north Indian influence. ... Bappa Rawal, born Prince Kalbhoj, was the 8th ruler of the Guhilot dynasty. ... Mewar is a region of south-central Rajasthan state in western India. ...

Sri Panch (5) Maharaja Dhiraj Prthivi Narayan Shahdev
Sri Panch (5) Maharaja Dhiraj Prthivi Narayan Shahdev

The legend states that Bappa Rawal was a teenager in hiding, when he came upon the warrior saint while on a hunting expedition with friends in the jungles of Rajasthan. Bappa Rawal chose to stay behind, and care for the warrior saint, who was in deep meditation. When Guru Gorkhanath awoke, he was pleased with the devotion of Bappa Rawal. The Guru gave him the Kukri knife, the famous curved dagger of the present day Gurkhas. The legend continues that he told Bappa that he and his people would henceforth be called Gurkhas, the disciples of the Guru Gorkhanath, and their bravery would become world famous. He then instructed Bappa Rawal, and his Gorkhas to stop the advance of the Muslims, who were invading Afghanistan (which at that time was a Hindu/Buddhist nation). Bappa Rawal took his Gurkhas and liberated Afghanistan - originally named Gandhar, from which the present day Kandahar derives its name. He and his Gorkhas stopped the initial Islamic advance of the 8th century in the Indian subcontinent for the time being. Image File history File links Prithvinarayanshah. ... Image File history File links Prithvinarayanshah. ... , Rājasthān (DevanāgarÄ«: राजस्थान, IPA: )   is the largest state of the Republic of India in terms of area. ... For the genus of snakes having the common name kukri snakes, see oligodon. ... This article is about the city in Afghanistan. ... (7th century — 8th century — 9th century — other centuries) Events The Iberian peninsula is taken by Arab and Berber Muslims, thus ending the Visigothic rule, and starting almost 8 centuries of Muslim presence there. ... Map of South Asia (see note) This article deals with the geophysical region in Asia. ...


There are legends that Bappa Rawal (Kalbhoj) went further conquering Iran and Iraq before he retired as an ascetic at the feet of Mt. Meru, having conquered all invaders and enemies of his faith. The word ascetic derives from the ancient Greek term askesis (practice, training or exercise). ... For the mountain in Tanzania, see Mount Meru, Tanzania. ...


It is a misconception that the Gurkhas took their name from the Gorkha region of Nepal. The region was given its name after the Gurkhas had established their control of these areas. In the early 1500s some of Bappa Rawal's descendants went further east, and conquered a small state in present-day Nepal, which they named Gorkha in honour of their patron saint. Gorkha district, a part of Gandaki zone, is one of the seventy-five districts of Nepal, a landlocked country of South Asia. ... The decade of years from 1500 to 1509, inclusive. ...


By 1769, through the leadership of Sri Panch (5) Maharaj Dhiraj Prithvi Narayan Shahdev (1769-1775), the Gorkha dynasty had taken over the area of modern Nepal. They made Hinduism the state religion, although with distinct Rajput warrior and Gorkhanath influences. 1769 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... 1769 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... Year 1775 (MDCCLXXV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... Hinduism (known as in modern Indian languages)[1] is a religious tradition[2] that originated in the Indian subcontinent. ...


In the Gurkha War (1814–1816) they waged war against the British East India Company army. The British were impressed by the Gurkha soldiers and after reaching a stalemate with the Gurkhas made Nepal a protectorate. Much later, they were granted the right to freely hire them as mercenaries from the interiors of Nepal (as opposed to the early British Gurkha mercenaries who were hired from areas such as Assam (ie. Sirmoor Rifles)) and were then organised in Gurkha regiments in the East India Company army with the permission of then prime minister, Shree Teen (3) Maharaja (Maharana) Jung Bahadur Rana, the first Rana Prime-minister who initiated a Rana oligarchic rule in Nepal. Jung Bahadur was the grandson of the famous Nepalese hero and Prime minister Bhimsen Thapa. Originally Jung Bahadur and his brother Ranodip Singh brought a lot of upliftment and modernisation to Nepalese society, the abolishment of slavery, upliftment of the untouchable class, public access to education etc. but these dreams were short lived when in the coup d'etat of 1885 the nephews of Jung Bahadur and Ranodip Singh (the Shumshers J.B. or Satra (17) Family) murdered Ranodip Singh and the sons of Jung Bahadur, stole the name of Jung Bahadur and took control of Nepal bringing the darkest period of Nepalese history (104 years of dictatorial rule). This Shumsher Rana rule is regarded as one of the reasons of Nepal lagging behind in modern development and a dark age of Nepalese History. The children of Jung Bahadur and Ranodip Singh mainly live outside of Kathmandu, in Nepal and mainly in India after escaping the coup d'etat of 1885. This article is in need of attention. ... Year 1814 (MDCCCXIV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... Year 1816 (MDCCCXVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... The British East India Company, sometimes referred to as John Company, was the first joint-stock company (the Dutch East India Company was the first to issue public stock). ... This article is about states protected and/or dominated by a foreign power. ... Mercenary (disambiguation). ... Jung Bahadur (or Jang Bahadur) was a ruler of Nepal and founder of the Rana dynasty of Nepal (originally descended from the family of Udaipur, the House of Mewar). ... Bhimsen Thapa (born in 1775) was the first prime minister of Nepal. ...

Sri Teen (3) Maharaja Jung Bahadur Rana
Sri Teen (3) Maharaja Jung Bahadur Rana

The "original" Gurkhas who were descended from the Rajputs (Thakuri and Chetri) refused to enter as soldiers and were instead given positions as officers in the British-Indian armed forces. The non-Kashaktriya Gurkhas entered as soldiers (ie, Magar, Gurung). Image File history File links Jung_bahadur_1877. ... Image File history File links Jung_bahadur_1877. ... Jung Bahadur (or Jang Bahadur) was a ruler of Nepal and founder of the Rana dynasty of Nepal (originally descended from the family of Udaipur, the House of Mewar). ...


The Thakur/Rajput Gurkhas were entered as officers, one of whom, (retired) General Narendra Bahadur Singh, Gurkha Rifles, great grandson of Jung Bahadur, while a young captain, rose to become aide-de-camp (A.D.C.) to Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India. ... Gurkha Soldiers (1896) Gurkha (or Gorkha) are people from Nepal who take their name from the eighth century Hindu warrior-saint Guru Gorkhnath. ... Louis Francis Albert Victor Nicholas Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma (June 25, 1900 – August 27, 1979) was a British admiral and statesman and an uncle of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. ... The Governor-General of India (or Governor-General and Viceroy of India) was the head of the British administration in India. ...


The Gurkha soldier recruits were mainly drawn from several ethnic groups. When the British began recruiting from the interiors of Nepal these soldiers were mainly drawn from Magar, Gurung and Limbu, although earlier British Gurkhas included Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Assamese and others as well.


After the British left India, Gorkhalis continued seeking employment in British and Indian forces, as officers and soldiers.


Under international law present-day British Gurkhas are not treated as mercenaries but are fully integrated soldiers of the British Army, operate in formed units of the Brigade of Gurkhas, and abide by the rules and regulations under which all British soldiers serve. Similar rules apply for Gurkhas serving in the Indian Army. The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ... This article is about the post-independence Indian Army. ...


The Gorkha war cry is "Jai Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali" which literally translates to "Glory be to the Goddess of War, here come the Gorkhas!"


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

“ s 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. ”

British East India Company army

Gurkhas served as troops under contract to the East India Company in the Pindaree War of 1817, in Bharatpur in 1826 and the First and Second Anglo-Sikh Wars in 1846 and 1848. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Gurkhas fought on the British side, and became part of the British Indian Army on its formation. The 2nd Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles) defended Hindu Rao's house for over three months, losing 327 out of 490 men. The 60th Rifles (later the Royal Green Jackets) fought alongside the Sirmoor Rifles and were so impressed that following the mutiny they insisted 2nd Gurkhas be awarded the honours of adopting their distinctive rifle green uniforms with scarlet edgings and rifle regiment traditions and that they should hold the title of riflemen rather than sepoys. Twelve Nepalese regiments also took part in the relief of Lucknow under the command of Shri Teen (3) Maharaja Maharana Jung Bahadur of Nepal. The British East India Company, sometimes referred to as John Company, was the first joint-stock company (the Dutch East India Company was the first to issue public stock). ... The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817 - 1818) was a final and decisive conflict between Britain and the Maratha empire in India, which left Britain in control of most of India. ... 1817 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... , Bharatpur (Hindi:भरतपुर) is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. ... The oldest surviving photograph, Nicéphore Niépce, circa 1826 1826 (MDCCCXXVI) was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... The First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–1846), resulted in partial subjugation of the Sikh kingdom by the British East India Company. ... The Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848–1849), resulted in the subjugation of the Sikh kingdom and absorption of the Punjab into lands controlled by the British East India Company. ... 1846 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Year 1848 (MDCCCXLVIII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a leap year starting on Monday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Combatants Rebellious East India Company Sepoys, 7 Indian princely states, deposed rulers of Oudh and Jhansi. ... A group of native Indian Muslim soldiers posing for volley firing orders. ... The 2nd Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles) was a British Indian Army then British Army regiment. ... The Royal Green Jackets (RGJ) is an infantry regiment of the British Army, one of two within the Light Division (the other being The Light Infantry). ... , Lucknow ( , Hindi: लखनऊ, Urdu: لکھنؤ, ) is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state of India. ... Jung Bahadur (or Jang Bahadur) was a ruler of Nepal and founder of the Rana dynasty of Nepal (originally descended from the family of Udaipur, the House of Mewar). ...


British Indian Army

Gurkha Soldiers (1896). The centre figure wears the dark green dress uniform worn by all Gurkhas in British service, with certain regimental distinctions
Gurkha Soldiers (1896). The centre figure wears the dark green dress uniform worn by all Gurkhas in British service, with certain regimental distinctions

From the end of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 until the start of the First World War the Gurkha Regiments saw active service in Burma, Afghanistan, the North-East and the North-West Frontiers of India, Malta (the Russo-Turkish War, 1877-78), Cyprus, Malaya, China (the Boxer Rebellion of 1900) and Tibet (Younghusband's Expedition of 1905). Old Photo with Gurkha Soldiers This photo is from the The Navy and Army Illustrated, July 24th, 1896, and therefore the copyrights have expired. ... Old Photo with Gurkha Soldiers This photo is from the The Navy and Army Illustrated, July 24th, 1896, and therefore the copyrights have expired. ... North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) is geographically the smallest of the four provinces of Pakistan. ... The Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878 had its origins in the Russian goal of gaining access to the Mediterranean Sea and dominating Constantinople (Istanbul) and the adjacent Turkish Straits. ... Combatants Eight-Nation Alliance (ordered by contribution): Empire of Japan Russian Empire British Empire France United States German Empire Kingdom of Italy Austro-Hungarian Empire Righteous Harmony Society Qing Dynasty (China) Commanders Edward Seymour Alfred Graf von Waldersee Ci Xi Strength 20,000 initially 49,000 total 50,000-100... Äž: For the film, see: 1900 (film). ... {{Warbox| conflict=The British Expedition to Tibet Tibet is kool ! ...


Between 1901 and 1906, the Gurkha regiments were renumbered from the 1st to the 10th and redesignated as the Gurkha Rifles. One hundred thousand Gurkhas fought in the First World War. They served in the battlefields of France in the Loos, Givenchy, Neuve Chapelle and Ypres; in Mesopotamia, Persia, Suez Canal and Palestine against Turkish advance, Gallipoli and Salonika. One detachment served with Lawrence of Arabia. Year 1901 (MCMI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday [1] of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... 1906 (MCMVI) was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... “The Great War ” redirects here. ... The Battle of Loos was one of the major British offensives mounted on the Western Front in 1915 during World War I. The battle was the British component of the combined Anglo-French offensive known as the Second Battle of Artois. ... Givenchy (pronounced ) is a French brand of clothing, accessories, perfumes and cosmetics. ... The Battles of Neuve Chapelle and Artois was a battle in the First World War. ... Geography Country Belgium Community Flemish Community Region Flemish Region Province West Flanders Arrondissement Ypres Coordinates , , Area 130. ... Mesopotamia was a cradle of civilization geographically located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, largely corresponding to modern-day Iraq. ... Anthem SorÅ«d-e MellÄ«-e Īrān Â² Capital (and largest city) Tehran Official languages Persian Demonym Iranian Government Islamic Republic  -  Supreme Leader  -  President Unification  -  Unified by Cyrus the Great 559 BCE   -  Parthian (Arsacid) dynastic empire (first reunification) 248 BCE-224 CE   -  Sassanid dynastic empire 224–651 CE   -  Safavid dynasty... For other uses, see Suez (disambiguation). ... A 2003 satellite image of the region. ... Combatants British Empire Australia British India Newfoundland New Zealand United Kingdom Egyptian labourers[1] France Senegal  Ottoman Empire Commanders Sir Ian Hamilton Lord Kitchener John de Robeck Otto von Sanders Mustafa Kemal Strength 5 divisions (initial) 16 divisions (final) 6 divisions (initial) 15 divisions (final) Casualties 252,000[2] 195... The White Tower The Arch of Galerius Map showing the Thessaloníki prefecture Thessaloníki (Θεσσαλονίκη) is the second-largest city of Greece and is the principal city and the capital of the Greek region of Macedonia. ... Thomas Edward Lawrence (August 16, 1888 – May 19, 1935), also known as Lawrence of Arabia, and (apparently, among his Arab allies) Aurens or El Aurens, became famous for his role as a British liaison officer during the Arab Revolt of 1916–1918. ...


During the Battle of Loos the 8th Gurkhas fought to the last, and in the words of the Indian Corps Commander, "found its Valhalla". During the Gallipoli Campaign the 6th Gurkhas captured a feature later known as "Gurkha Bluff". At Sari Bair they were the only troops in the whole campaign to reach and hold the crest line and look down on the Straits which was the ultimate objective. Second Battalion of the 3rd Gurkha Rifles was involved in the conquest of Baghdad. Baghdad (Arabic: ) is the capital of Iraq and of Baghdad Governorate. ...


In the interwar years, Gurkhas fought in the Third Afghan War in 1919 followed by numerous campaigns on the North-West Frontier, particularly in Waziristan. The Rise of Dost Mohammad It was not until 1826 that the energetic Dost Mohammad was able to exert sufficient control over his brothers to take over the throne in Kabul, where he proclaimed himself amir. ... Year 1919 (MCMXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar). ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ...


During World War II, the Gurkhas started with 8 one-battalion regiments and 2 two-battalion regiments; the Nepalese crown let the British recruit 40 extra battalions — 55 in total — and let them serve everywhere in the world. Nepalese Gurkhas numbered 250,000 in total.[2] In addition to keeping peace in India, Gurkhas fought in Syria, North Africa, Italy, Greece and against the Japanese in Singapore and the jungles of Burma. The 4th battalion of the 10th Gurkha Rifles became a nucleus for the Chindits. They fought in the Battle of Imphal. Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000...  Northern Africa (UN subregion)  geographic, including above North Africa or Northern Africa is the northernmost region of the African continent, separated by the Sahara from Sub-Saharan Africa. ... The Chindits (Officially in 1942 77th Indian Infantry Brigade and in 1943 Indian 3rd Infantry Division) were a British Indian Army Special Force that served in Burma and India from 1942 until 1945 during the Burma Campaign in World War II. They were formed into long range penetration groups trained... Combatants British Fourteenth Army Indian IV Corps Japanese 15th Division Japanese 33rd Division Japanese 31st Division Commanders Louis Mountbatten Geoffrey Scoones Renya Mutaguchi Masakasu Kawabe Strength 4 Infantry Divisions 1 Armoured Brigade 1 Parachute Brigade 3 Infamtry about 100,000 Japanese Army Casualties 17,500 53,879 The Battle of...


Gurkha military rank system in the British Indian Army

The 2/5th Royal Gurkha Rifles marching through Kure soon after their arrival in Japan in May 1946 as part of the Allied forces of occupation.
The 2/5th Royal Gurkha Rifles marching through Kure soon after their arrival in Japan in May 1946 as part of the Allied forces of occupation.

British Indian Army and Current Indian Army /Current British Army Equivalence Image File history File links Download high resolution version (800x667, 255 KB) Description: THE ALLIED OCCUPATION OF JAPAN. The 2/5th Royal Gurkha Rifles marching through Kure soon after their arrival in Japan as part of the Allied forces of occupation. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (800x667, 255 KB) Description: THE ALLIED OCCUPATION OF JAPAN. The 2/5th Royal Gurkha Rifles marching through Kure soon after their arrival in Japan as part of the Allied forces of occupation. ...

British Gurkha Victoria Cross Recipients: [1] Subedar-Major is the senior rank of Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian and Pakistani Armies, and formerly Viceroys Commissioned Officer in the British Indian Army. ... Subedar is a mid-level rank in the Indian Army. ... Jemadar was a rank used in the British Indian Army, where it was the was the lowest rank for a Viceroys Commissioned Officer (VCO). ... Havildar was the equivalent rank to Sergeant in the British Indian Army, next above Naik, and is still used in the modern Indian Army and Pakistan Army. ... Two Bermuda Regiment Warrant Officers, Second Class. ... Company Quartermaster Sergeant is a military rank or appointment. ... Havildar was the equivalent rank to Sergeant in the British Indian Army, next above Naik, and is still used in the modern Indian Army and Pakistan Armys. ... For other uses, see Sergeant (disambiguation). ... Naik (sometimes historically called Nayak) (Nk) is the equivalent rank to Corporal in the Indian Army and Pakistan Army, and previously in the British Indian Army, ranking between Lance Naik and Havildar. ... This article is about the military rank. ... Lance Naik (L/Nk) was the equivalent rank to Lance Corporal in the British Indian Army, ranking below Naik. ... Lance Corporal (LCpl or L/Cpl) is a military rank used by some elements of the British, Commonwealth, and U.S. armed forces. ... For other uses, see Rifleman (disambiguation). ...


Note:

  • As opposed to British army officers who received regular Queen's or King's Commissions, Gurkha officers in this system would receive the Viceroy's Commission. After Indian Independence, Gurkha officers in those regiments which became part of the British Army were known as King's Gurkha Officers and later Queen's Gurkha Officers (QGOs), receiving the King's and later Queen's Gurkha Commission. This distinction implied that Gurkha officers had no authority to command troops of British regiments.
  • The equivalent ranks in the post 1947 Indian Army were (and are) known as Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs). They retained the traditional rank titles used in the British Indian Army - Jemadar (later Naib Subedar), Subedar and Subedar Major.
  • While in principle any British subject may apply for a commission without having served in the ranks previously, the same cannot be said about Gurkha officers. It was customary for a Gurkha soldier to rise through the ranks and prove his ability before his regiment would consider offering him a commission.
  • From the 1920s, Gurkhas could also receive King's Indian Commissions, and later full King's or Queen's Commissions, which put them on a par with British officers. This was rare until after the Second World War.

Gurkha Rifle Regiments ca.1800-1946

The 1 Gorkha Rifles is a Regiment of the Indian Army and was transferred from the British Indian Army at the time of Indias independence in 1947. ... The 2nd King Edward VIIs Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles) was a regiment of the British Indian Army before being transferred to the British Army on Indias independence. ... The 3 Gorkha Rifles was one of the Gorkha regiments transferred to the Indian Army as part of the Tripartite Agreement signed between India, Nepal and Britain at the time of Indian independence. ... The 4 Gorkha Rifles is a regiment of the Indian Army and was transferred from the British Indian Army at the time of Indias independence in 1947. ... The 5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) is an infantry regiment of the Indian Army comprising of Gurkha soldiers of Nepalese origin. ... The 6th Queen Elizabeths Own Gurkha Rifles was a regiment of the British Indian Army, before being transferred to the British Army following Indias independence. ... The 6th Queen Elizabeths Own Gurkha Rifles was a regiment of the British Indian Army, before being transferred to the British Army following Indias independence. ... The 7th Duke of Edinburghs Own Gurkha Rifles started as a regiment of the British Indian Army, before being transferred to the British Army following Indias independence. ... The 7th Duke of Edinburghs Own Gurkha Rifles started as a regiment of the British Indian Army, before being transferred to the British Army following Indias independence. ... The 8 Gorkha Rifles is a Gorkha regiment of the Indian Army. ... The 9 Gorkha Rifles is a Gorkha regiment of the Indian Army. ... The 10th Princess Marys Own Gurkha Rifles was originally a regiment of the British Indian Army. ... The 11th Gorkha Rifles is a Gorkha regiment of the Indian Army. ...

Post independence

THE GURKHA SOLDIER Bravest of the brave, most generous of the generous, never had country more faithful friends than you. Professor Sir Ralph Turner MC
THE GURKHA
SOLDIER
Bravest of the brave,
most generous of the generous,
never had country
more faithful friends
than you.
Professor Sir Ralph Turner MC[3]

After Indian independence – and partition – in 1947 and under the Tripartite Agreement, six Gurkha regiments joined the post-independence Indian Army. Four Gurkha regiments were transferred to the British Army. To the disappointment of their British officers the majority of Gurkhas given a choice between British or Indian Army service opted for the latter. The reason appears to have been the pragmatic one that the Gurkha regiments of the Indian Army would continue to serve in their existing roles in familiar territory and under terms and conditions that were well established. The only substantial change was the substitution of Indian officers for British. By contrast the four regiments selected for British service faced an uncertain future in (initially) Malaya - a region where relatively few Gurkhas had previously served. The four regiments (or eight battalions) in British service have since been reduced to a single (two battalion) regiment while the Indian units have been expanded beyond their pre-Independence establishment of twelve battalions. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2112x2816, 3434 KB) Summary The inscription below Gurkha statue. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2112x2816, 3434 KB) Summary The inscription below Gurkha statue. ... THE GURKHA SOLDIER Bravest of the brave, most generous of the generous, never had country more faithful friends Professor Sir Ralph Turner MC Sir Ralph Lilley Turner MC (5 October 1888–22 April 1983) was an English Indian languages philologist and university administrator. ... Year 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1947 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Tripartite Agreement between the United Kingdom, India and Nepal was a treaty signed in 1947 concerning the rights of Gurkhas in military service. ...


The principal aim of the Tri-Partite Agreement was to ensure that Gurkhas serving under the Crown would be paid on the same scale as those serving in the new Indian Army. This was significantly lower than the standard British rates of pay. While the difference is made up through cost of living and location allowances during a Gurkha's actual period of service the pension payable on his return to Nepal is much lower than would be the case for his British counterparts.


British Army Gurkhas

Main article Brigade of Gurkhas for details of British Gurkhas since 1948

Four Gurkha regiments joined the British Army on January 1 1948: Gurkha Soldiers (1896) The Brigade of Gurkhas is the collective term for British Army units that are composed of Nepalese soldiers. ... Year 1948 (MCMXLVIII) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the 1948 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

They formed the Brigade of Gurkhas and were initially stationed in Malaya. There are also a number of additional Gurkha regiments including the 69th Gurkha Field Squadron and the 70th Gurkha Field Support Squadron, both of which are included in the 36th Engineer regiment. The 2nd King Edward VIIs Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles) was a regiment of the British Indian Army before being transferred to the British Army on Indias independence. ... The 6th Queen Elizabeths Own Gurkha Rifles was a regiment of the British Indian Army, before being transferred to the British Army following Indias independence. ... The 7th Duke of Edinburghs Own Gurkha Rifles started as a regiment of the British Indian Army, before being transferred to the British Army following Indias independence. ... The 10th Princess Marys Own Gurkha Rifles was originally a regiment of the British Indian Army. ... Map of Peninsular Malaysia Peninsular Malaysia (Malay: Semenanjung Malaysia) is the part of Malaysia which lies on the Malay Peninsula, and shares a land border with Thailand in the north. ...


Currently (Nov '06) "The Brigade of Gurkhas" in the British Army has the following regiments:


2 Infantry Battalions -

Queen's Gurkha Signals which includes - The Royal Gurkha Rifles Nicknames Motto Marches Quick: Black Bear Double Past: Keel Row Slow: God Bless the Prince of Wales Anniversaries Meiktila (1 March) Medicina (16 April) Gallipoli (7 August) Delhi Day (14 September) Description Gurkha Infantry regiment Creation date 1994 Reason for creation Formed by uniting the 4... The Royal Gurkha Rifles Nicknames Motto Marches Quick: Black Bear Double Past: Keel Row Slow: God Bless the Prince of Wales Anniversaries Meiktila (1 March) Medicina (16 April) Gallipoli (7 August) Delhi Day (14 September) Description Gurkha Infantry regiment Creation date 1994 Reason for creation Formed by uniting the 4...

  • 250 Gurkha Signal Squadron
  • 246 Gurkha Signal Squadron
  • 248 Gurkha Signal Squadron

Queen's own Gurkha Logistics Regiment


Queen's Gurkha Engineers -

  • 69th Gurkha Field Squadron
  • 70th Gurkha Field Squadron

In addition to these Regiments The Brigade of Gurkhas has its own Clerks and Chefs who are posted among the above mentioned units.


Gurkhas in Hong Kong -

  • 26th Gurkha Brigade (1948-1950)
  • 51st Infantry Brigade (disbanded 1976)
  • 48th Gurkha Infantry Brigade (1957-1976; renamed Gurkha Field Force 1976-97; returned to old title 1987-ca.1992)

Indian Army Gorkhas

Main article: Gorkha regiments (India) for details on Gorkha's in the Indian Army Gorkha regiments have been serving in the Indian Army ever since independence in 1947, when the Tripartite Agreement was signed. ...


Upon independence in 1947, the spelling was changed to Gorkha and six Gurkha regiments remained with the Indian Army: Year 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1947 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the post-independence Indian Army. ...

Additionally, a further regiment, 11 Gorkha Rifles, was raised. All royal titles were dropped when India became a republic in 1950,. The 1 Gorkha Rifles is a Regiment of the Indian Army and was transferred from the British Indian Army at the time of Indias independence in 1947. ... The 3 Gorkha Rifles was one of the Gorkha regiments transferred to the Indian Army as part of the Tripartite Agreement signed between India, Nepal and Britain at the time of Indian independence. ... The 4 Gorkha Rifles is a regiment of the Indian Army and was transferred from the British Indian Army at the time of Indias independence in 1947. ... The 5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) is an infantry regiment of the Indian Army comprising of Gurkha soldiers of Nepalese origin. ... The 8 Gorkha Rifles is a Gorkha regiment of the Indian Army. ... The 9 Gorkha Rifles is a Gorkha regiment of the Indian Army. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...


In 1999 5/8 Gorkha Rifles were sent as part of the Indian Army UN contingent of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) to secure the diamond fields against the Revolutionary United Front. This article is about the year. ... The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) is a United Nations peacekeeping operation in Sierra Leone. ... The Revolutionary United Front (RUF) was a rebel army that fought a failed ten-year insurrection in Sierra Leone, starting in 1991 and ending in 2002. ...


Singapore Gurkhas Contingent

Two Singapore Police Force's Gurkha Contingent troopers guarding a car park entrance to Raffles City where the 117th IOC Session was held in Singapore in July 2005. Dressed in their combat uniform, but with elements borrowed from the no. 3 dress, armed with a shotgun while the other handles a Heckler & Koch MP5.
Two Singapore Police Force's Gurkha Contingent troopers guarding a car park entrance to Raffles City where the 117th IOC Session was held in Singapore in July 2005. Dressed in their combat uniform, but with elements borrowed from the no. 3 dress, armed with a shotgun while the other handles a Heckler & Koch MP5.

The Gurkha Contingent (GC) of the Singapore Police Force was formed on 9th April 1949 from selected ex-British Army Gurkhas. It was raised to replace a Sikh unit which had disintegrated during the Second World War and is an integral part of the Police Force. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (873x1310, 237 KB) Description: Gurkha troopers on guard at a carpark entrance of Raffles City during the 117th IOC Session. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (873x1310, 237 KB) Description: Gurkha troopers on guard at a carpark entrance of Raffles City during the 117th IOC Session. ... The Jurong Police Division Headquarters at Jurong West Avenue 5. ... Gurkha Contingent troopers guarding a car park entrance to Raffles City where the 117th IOC Session was held. ... Raffles City is a major multiplex located in the civic district of Singapore. ... Tight security was highly visible during the 117th IOC Session. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Shotgun (disambiguation). ... The MP5 is a 9 mm submachine gun of German design, developed in the 1960s by a group of engineers from the West German arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH (HK). ... Gurkha Contingent troopers guarding a car park entrance to Raffles City where the 117th IOC Session was held. ... The Jurong Police Division Headquarters at Jurong West Avenue 5. ... April 9 is the 99th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (100th in leap years). ... Year 1949 (MCMXLIX) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Religions Sikhism Scriptures Guru Granth Sahib Languages English, Punjabi] A Sikh (English: or ; Punjabi: , , IPA: ) is an adherent to Sikhism. ... Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km into the air. ...


The GC is a well trained, dedicated and disciplined body whose principal role is as a specialist guard force. In times of crisis it can be deployed as an impartial reaction force. During the turbulent years before and after independence, the GC acquitted itself well a number of times during outbreaks of civil disorder. The Gurkhas displayed the courage, self restraint and professionalism for which they are famous and earned the respect of the society at large.


Recently the GC can be seen patrolling the streets and have replaced local policemen to guard key installations. Before the 9/11 attacks, they were seldom seen in public. The date that commonly refers to the attacks on United States citizens on September 11, 2001 (see the September 11, 2001 Attacks). ...


The most recent deployment of the GC was to guard Shang Ri-La hotel, the main venue for ASEAN 13th Summit in Singapore.


Other

Gurkha soldiers have won 13 Victoria Crosses, all but one (Rambahadur Limbu) were won when all Gurkha regiments were still part of the Indian Army. An additional 13 VCs have been awarded to British Officers in Gurkha regiments. Since Indian independence, Gurkhas have also won 3 Param Vir Chakras. Victoria Cross, Source: Veterans Affairs Canada The Victoria Cross (official post-nominal letters VC) is the highest award for valour that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces of any rank in any service and civilians under military command. ... Rambahadur Limbu VC MVO is a Nepalese recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. ... The Param Vir Chakra is an Indian military decoration given for valour in combat operations. ...


Ethnically, Gurkhas who are presently serving in the British armed forces are Indo-Tibeto-Mongolians. Gurkhas serving in the Indian Armed Forces are of both groups, Indo-Tibeto-Mongolian and ethnic Rajput. Gurkhas of Indo-Tibeto-Mongolian origin mostly belong to the Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Khasa and Kiranti origin, many of whom are adherents of Tibetan Buddhism and Shamanism. [2] Selected ethnic groups of Nepal; Bhotia, Sherpa, Thakali Gurung Kiranti, Rai, Limbu Newari Pahari Tamang The Gurung is an ethnic group from the Central region of Nepal. ... Magar is an ethnic group of Nepal and northern India whose homeland extends along the western and southern edges of the Dhaulagiri mountain range. ... The Tamang (also known as Murmi) are one of the several ethnic groups living in Nepal descended from Tibeto-Burman origins. ... The Khasas are an ancient people, believed to be a section of the Iranians who originally belonged to Central Asia from where they had penetrated, in remote antiquity, the Himalayas from Central Asia through Kashgar and Kashmir and dominated the whole hilly region. ... Kirant or Kirat refers to the Kiranti group or Kirat confederation that includes the Rai, Limbu and Sunuwar ethnic groups of Nepal. ... Tibetan Buddhism is the body of religious Buddhist doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet, the Himalayan region (including northern Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and Ladakh), Mongolia, Buryatia, Tuva and Kalmykia (Russia), and northeastern China (Manchuria: Heilongjiang, Jilin). ... This article is about the practice of shamanism; for other uses, see Shaman (disambiguation). ...


All Gurkhas, regardless of ethnic origin, speak Nepali, an Indo-Aryan language. They are also famous for their large knife called the khukuri. Nepali (Khaskura) is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in Nepal, Bhutan, and some parts of India and Myanmar (Burma). ... The Indo-Aryan languages form a subgroup of the Indo-Iranian languages, which belong to the Indo-European family of languages. ... Categories: Weapon stubs | Knives ...


In the mid 1980s some Nepali speaking groups in West Bengal began to organize under the Gorkhaland National Liberation Front, calling for their own Gurkha state. In 1988 they were given broader autonomy as the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. The 1980s refers to the years from 1980 to 1989. ... , West Bengal (Bengali: পশ্চিমবঙ্গ Poshchimbôŋgo) is a state in eastern India. ... Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) is a political party in northern West Bengal, India, formed in 1980. ... Year 1988 (MCMLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar). ... The Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) is an autonomous body that looks after the District of Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal, India. ...


The treatment of Gurkhas and their families has been the subject of controversy in the United Kingdom following revelations that Gurkhas received smaller pensions than their British equivalents. On the 8th March 2007, it was announced by the British Government that all Gurkhas who signed up after July 1st, 1997 would receive a pension equivalent to that of their British counterparts. In addition, Gurkhas would, for the first time, be able to transfer to another Army Unit after 5 years service to broaden their experience. It was also stated that, for the first time in the history of the Gurkhas, women would be allowed to join - although not in Infantry Units, in line with general British Army policy. [3] Despite this, many Gurkhas who have not served long enough to entitle them to a pension face severe hardship on their return to Nepal, and some critics have derided the Government's decision to only award the new pension to those joining after the 1st July, 1997, claiming that this leaves many ex-Gurkhas still facing a financially uncertain retirement. A charity, the Gurkha Welfare Trust, provides aid to alleviate hardship and distress among Gurkha ex-servicemen. The United Kingdom is a unitary state and a democratic constitutional monarchy. ... The Gurkha Welfare Trust is a British charity, established in 1969. ...


The nationality status of Gurkhas and their families was also previously an area of dispute, with claims that some ex-army Nepalese families were being denied residency and forced to leave Britain. The new policy on Gurkhas (announced by the British Government on 8th March, 2007) guarantees residency rights in Britain for retired Gurkhas and their families.


A considerable number of ex-Gurkhas and their families live in Hong Kong, where they are particularly well represented in the private security profession (G4S Gurkha Services Ltd, Pacific Crown Security Service, Sunkoshi Gurkha Security Limited) and among labourers.


In July 2006, British authorities granted full British citizenship to all Nepalese and their dependants serving the British army during its stays in Britain's former colonial territories, among them Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong, which fully entitles them to stay and work in the United Kingdom. According to the press secretary there are approximately 140,000 eligible to apply.


See also

The History of Nepal is characterized by its isolated position in the Himalayas and its two dominant neighbors, India and China. ... The Gurkha Welfare Trust is a British charity, established in 1969. ... Oxfam Trailwalker Logo Oxfam Trailwalker (Hong Kong) This is an event organised by Oxfam in various locations across the globe, including Hong Kong, Australia and the United Kingdom. ... Categories: Weapon stubs | Knives ...

Further reading

  • Purushottam Sham Shere J B Rana, chief Historian of Nepal, Jung bahadur rana-The story of his rise and glory, ISBN 81-7303-087-1
  • The Mewar Encyclopedia, Compiled, written and edited by Ian Austin and Thakur Nahar Singh Jasol http://www.mewarindia.com/ency/indexency.html
  • Chauhan, Dr. Sumerendra Vir Singh (Direct Descendant of Maharaj-Dhiraja Prithvi Naraya Shahdev and Sri Teen Maharaja Jung Bahadur), The Way of Sacrifice: The Rajputs, Pages 28-30, Graduate Thesis, South Asian Studies Department, Dr. Joseph T. O'Connell, Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada, 1996.
  • Goswami, C.G. and M.N. Mathur, Mewar and Udaipur, Himnashu Publicaitons, Udaipur-New Delhi
  • Davenport, Hugh, The Trials and Triumphs of the Mewar Kingdom, Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation, Udaipur
  • Latimer, Jon, Burma: The Forgotten War, London: John Murray, 2004
  • Tod, Lieut.-Col. James, edited by William Crooke, C.I.E., Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, 3 volumes, Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd., Delhi, reprint 1994
  • Austin, Ian, Mewar-The World’s Longest Serving Dynasty, Roli Books, Delhi/The House of Mewar, 1999
  • Gurkha Walking books by Neil Griffiths: 'Hebridean Gurkha; 'Gurkha Highlander'; 'Gurkha Reiver'. Neil takes a Scottish cross-country walk with Gurkhas every year to raise funds for the Gurkha Welfare Trust.
  • http://www.hindubooks.org/sudheer_birodkar/hindu_history/landrajput.html
  • Gurkhas by Sandro Tucci (ISBN 0-241-11690-2)
  • Staff. Gurkha tells of citizenship joy BBC, 2 June 2007. Tul Bahadur Pun a former Gurkha who won the Victoria Cross has told of his joy at being given the right to live in the UK.

For other uses, see BBC (disambiguation). ... is the 153rd day of the year (154th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Tul Bahadur Pun VC in 2007 Tul Bahadur Pun VC(born 23 March 1923) is a Nepalese recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. ...

References

  1. ^ Glossary of the tribes and castes of the Punjab and NWFP, H A Rose
  2. ^ Participants from the Indian subcontinent in the Second World War. Retrieved on 2007-02-27.
  3. ^ The inscription on a monument to Gurkha soldiers which was unveiled in 1997 in Whitehall, London (Staff.The Gurkhas - Britain's oldest allies BBC, 4 December, 1997).

North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) is geographically the smallest of the four provinces of Pakistan. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 58th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Whitehall, London, looking south towards the Houses of Parliament. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... is the 338th day of the year (339th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links


  Results from FactBites: