Gurkhas: Skt. goraksa, “cowherd”), Tibeto-Mongolian Hindus of Nepal. The Gurkhas first came to Nepal in the 12th century, when they were driven out of northern India by the Muslims. The Gurkhas claim descent from the warlike Rajputs of northern India in the present state of Rajasthan, and they speak a Rajasthani Sanskrit dialect. In physique they are short and stocky. An attempt to extend their power southward resulted in the Gurkha War (1814–16) against Great Britain, in which they were defeated. Since that time, many of the Gurkhas, who were known for their excellent fighting, were recruited by the British military service in India and in the British colonies, serving in separate Gurkha regiments. Many of the so-called Gurkha soldiers, however, have been Nepalese of other tribes. The Gurkha troops used to carry short, broad-bladed swords called kukri, which they used in close combat instead of bayonets.
(An article from Funk & Wagnalls® New Encyclopedia. © 2006 World Almanac Education Group. A WRC Media Company. All rights reserved. Except as otherwise permitted by written agreement, uses of the work inconsistent with U.S. and applicable foreign copyright and related laws are prohibited.
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They first became known to the Western World when British commanders clashed with them in the hills of Nepal in 1816. After the war ended, the victorious British actively recruited their former foe for their own forces, and a military legend was born. They have been called "the ideal infantrymen" by those fortunate enough to command them. Brave, tough, patient and fiercely loyal, Gurkhas served in both World Wars, in conditions from the blistering deserts to the steamy jungles of Asia. THE GURKHAS tells the remarkable story of these storied soldiers, from their 19th century battles against the English to their astonishing success fighting for the British Empire in history's greatest conflicts.
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(An article from Funk & Wagnalls® New Encyclopedia. © 2006 World Almanac Education Group. A WRC Media Company. All rights reserved. Except as otherwise permitted by written agreement, uses of the work inconsistent with U.S. and applicable foreign copyright and related laws are prohibited.
http://www.history.com/encyclopedia.do?articleId=211153
They first became known to the Western World when British commanders clashed with them in the hills of Nepal in 1816. After the war ended, the victorious British actively recruited their former foe for their own forces, and a military legend was born. They have been called "the ideal infantrymen" by those fortunate enough to command them. Brave, tough, patient and fiercely loyal, Gurkhas served in both World Wars, in conditions from the blistering deserts to the steamy jungles of Asia. THE GURKHAS tells the remarkable story of these storied soldiers, from their 19th century battles against the English to their astonishing success fighting for the British Empire in history's greatest conflicts.
http://shop.history.com/detail.php?a=75071
