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History of Gurkhas

 
Gurkhas are the part of British army. “Better to die than be a coward” is the motto of Nepalese Gurkha soldiers. They use to carry traditional weapon an 18 inch long curved knife known as kukri during battle. During past it was said that once a kukri was drawn out in battle it had to taste blood if not its owner had to cut himself before putting it to its sheath. Now the gurkhas say that it is used mainly for cooking.
 
Gurkhas have loyally fought for the British all over the world receiving 13 Victoria crosses between them. In the two world wars more than 200,000 fought and in the past 50 years they have served Hong Kong, Malaysia, Borneo, Cyprus, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. During the two world wars 43000 men lost their lives.
 
Four ethnic groups Gurungs and Magars from central Nepal and rais and Limbus from the east who live in the village of improvised hills farmers have always dominated the ranks. They also follow Nepalese customs and beliefs, brigades follows religious festivals such as Dashain, in which goats and buffalos are sacrificed. The numbers of gorkhali have been sharply reduced from World War II peak of 112,000 men now stands at about 3500.
 
The soldiers are still selected from young men living in the hills of Nepal with about 28000 youth tackling the selection procedure for just over 200 places each year. The selection of soldier process has been described as one of the toughest in the world and is fiercely contested. During selection process, young people have to run uphill for 40 minutes carrying a basket on their back, which is filled with rocks weighting 70IBS. 
 
Historically Gurkhas who have served their time in the army for a maximum of 30 years and minimum of 15 years to secure a pension were discharged back to Nepal. All retired Gurkha won the right to live in Uk, following high profile campaign. Gurkha veterans have also continued to fight for the equal pension with the soldiers they have served alongside. In 2007 they won a partial victory when the pension rules were changed to give equal pension right with other service personnel in the UK.
 
 

Gurkhas and Kukris

 
Probably the most renowned fighting knife in the world is kukri, wickedly curved knife of Nepal. Wherever gorkhali gone for battle, their kukris have carved a wide swath among the enemy gorkhali loves kukri so whenever action seemed imminent, even though they were armed with small sterling gun, they would draw their kukris and move towards enemy. 

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