Gorkha Regiments

Gorkha regiments (India)

Since the independence of India in 1947, as per the terms of the Britain–India–Nepal Tripartite Agreement, six Gorkha regiments, formerly part of the British Indian Army, became part of the Indian Army and have served ever since. The troops are mainly from ethnic Gorkha community of Nepal. They have a history of courage in battle, evident from the gallantry awards won by Gorkha soldiers and battle honours awarded to Gorkha both before and after joining the Indian Army. They carry their signature, a Khukri knife with them. A seventh Gorkha Rifles regiment was re-raised in the Indian Army after Independence to accommodate Gorkha soldiers of 7th Gurkha Rifles and the 10th Gurkha Rifles who chose not to transfer to the British Army.

The regiments of the Gorkhas Rifles collectively and more popularly known as the 'Gorkha Brigade', form a pivotal element of the Infantry (Combat Arm) of the Indian Army. Approximately 45000 Gurkhas serve in 40-odd battalions spread across 7 Gurkha Rifles regiments and other arms of the Indian Army

Origins

Impressed by the fighting qualities displayed by the Gorkhas during the Gurkha War, Sir David Ochterlony was quick to realise the potential of the Gorkhas in the British Indian Army. Until then, Gorkha defectors were generally used as irregular forces. In 24 April 1815, the first battalion of the Gorkha Regiment, was raised as the Nasiri regiment. This regiment later became the 1st King George’s Own Gurkha Rifles, and saw action at the Maulun fort under Lieutenant Lawtie.

They were instrumental in the expansion of the British East India Company throughout the subcontinent. The Gorkhas took part in the Gurkha-Sikh War, Anglo-Sikh wars, Afghan wars, and in suppressing the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Throughout these years, the British continued to recruit the Gorkhas and kept increasing the number of Gorkha regiments.

By the time First World War started, there were 10 Gorkha (spelt Gurkha at the time) regiments in the British Indian Army.^[1]

The Gorkha regiments played a major role as part of the Commonwealth armies during both World Wars seeing action from Monte Cassino in the west to Rangoon in the east, and earning extensive battle honours. During the North African campaign, the German Afrikakorps accorded respect to the Nepalese knife khukri-wielding Gorkhas.

A General Background

Gorkha Rifles - One of Indian Army's Highly Acclaimed and Decorated Infantry Regiments

The regiments of the Gorkhas Rifles collectively and more popularly known as the 'Gorkha Brigade', form a pivotal element of the Infantry (Combat Arm) of the Indian Army. Approximately 45000 Gurkhas serve in 40-odd battalions spread across 7 Gurkha Rifles regiments and other arms of the Indian Army.                    

The brave Gurkha soldiers have etched their names in the golden annals of Indian Army with almost all their regiments actively taking part in all of India's wars post independence, namely the Indo-Pak 1965 and 1971 Wars, 1962 Indo-China Conflict, 1999 Kargil War and peace keeping missions in Sri Lanka.

The Gurkha battalions showcased their undeterred spirit, Indomitable courage and valour at various battles, which earned them numerous battle and theatre honours - Gurais, Bilafond La, Shingo, Phillora, Dera Baba Nanak, Kargil, Bogra, Battalik to name a few ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytdC9pT5RY4

 

So here is a brief into the history of the Gorkha Rifles and their notable achievements

Boys from the hills of Nepal who are trained, polished and refined by armies to become the consummate soldier ..Gurkhas.. The mere mention of the name Gurkhas / Gorkhas sends down chills in the spines of those who have fought them or faced them in various battle fronts all through the course of military warfare..

 

The bravado and valiance of the Gurkhas has become somewhat a folklore and finds a noteworthy place in military history.There could not be a more fearsome sight on the battlefield when the steadfast Gurkhas ferociously charging with their Khukris,  curved blade knives, unleash sheer carnage into enemy territory slashing the throats of the enemies. The brave tales of the Gurkha soldier are stuff of legends and have earned them the title of the Bravest of the Brave. The regimental Motto of most of the Gurkha Rifles (GR) regiments say it all -Kayar Hunu Banda Marna Ramro (It Is Better To Die In War Than Live Like A Coward)

Perhaps there isn't a better way to describe the valour and courage of the Gurkhas which came from none other than one of the finest ever military commanders, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. who had the privilege of serving with the Gurkhas during his stellar military career“If anyone tells you he is never afraid, he is a liar or he is a Gurkha.” -  Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.  

Born and raised amid the lofty mountain ranges of the Himalayan region in Nepal and India, the rugged terrain and the harsh climatic conditions of the highlands make the Gurkhas naturally adept to enduring all odds to survive till the very last bullet is fired in the battlefield. Stockily built with tremendous endurance and physical prowess, Gurkhas are tailor-made to excel as a lethal combat soldier.The Anglo Gurkha Wars And Raising Of Gurkha Rifles By The Britishers

The British fought against the Gurkhas in the Anglo Gurkha Wars (Nov, 1814 – Mar, 1816), and though victorious , it left them impressed with the sheer resistance and tenacity of the fierce hillmen under their iconic military commander General Amar Bahadur Thapa. Much lesser in numbers, the Gurkhas inflicted some heavy damages on a much more formidable British Army, giving an exhibiting of their bravery.

While the East India Company who were on an expansion mode, faced adversaries like the Sikhs, Afghans, Jats and Marathas, they envisaged a game changing strategy to recruit the ferocious Gurkhas into their army, thus marking the beginning and formation of the much famed Gurkha Rifles regiments. In 1815, The first battalion of the Gurkha Rifles regiment more popularly known as the 'Nasiri regiment' (later become 1st Gorkha Rifles) was raised.

The Gurkhas went onto become the most trusted, dependable fighting force spearheading successful campaigns in the Gurkha-Sikh War, Anglo-Sikh wars, Afghan wars and Indian's rebellion in 1857.

During the World Wars, the Gurkhas turned the tide of various battles fighting for the Commonwealth Armies, deep entrenched into the deadliest of battles in Falkland Islands, Africa, Cyprus, Mesopotamia, Rangoon to name a few .

Fighting under the British flag, Gurkha regiment showcased exemplary bravery during the World Wars, earning 26 Victoria Crosses (the highest war time gallantry award accorded by the erstwhile British forces), the highest by any regiments under the British fold.

The Tripartite Agreement Between India, Nepal and United Kingdom In 1947- Re-organisation and Formation of Gurkha Regiments Serving In Indian Army Post Independence

When India's independence took place in 1947, a major decision had to be made with regards to the Gurkha regiments serving in the erstwhile British Army. So a Tripartite agreement was signed between India, United Kingdom and Nepal; resulting in the original ten Gurkha regiments being split between the British Army and the newly independent Indian Army.

Out of the 10 Gurkha Rifles regiments, four were transferred to the British Army and six formed part of the post independence Indian army. The regiments to join the British Army were 2 GR, 6 GR, 7 GR, and 10 GR.

The regiments which were transferred to Indian Army were 1 GR, 3 GR, 4 GR , 5 GR, 8 GR, 9 GR. Another Gorkha Rifles regiment was raised post independence from the volunteers (non-optees_ who did not wish to serve with the British Army , thereby raising the 11th Gorkha Rifles (11 GR).

 

Gorkha Rifles Have Won Three Param Vir Chakras

The Gorkha Rifles has the proud distinction of  winning three Param Vir Chakras (PVC) with Captain GS Salaria (3/1 GR) posthumously, Subedar Major Dhan Singh Thapa (3/8 GR), Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey (1/11 GR, posthumously) being the proud recipients of the nation's highest gallantry award.

 Gorkha Rifles Have The Unique Distinction of Producing Three Army Chiefs And One Field Marshal

 The Gorkha Rifles have the honour of producing three Indian Army Chiefs. Former Army Chiefs - General SHFJ Manekshaw (Originally 12th Frontier Force Regiment later transferred to 8 GR), General Dalbir Singh (4/5 GR) and General Bipin Rawat (5/11 GR) were all commissioned into the Gurkha Rifles.

 The 8th Gorkha Rifles has the unique distinction of producing one of the two Field Marshals of the Indian Army, Field Marshal Sam 'Bahadur' Manekshaw.

General Bipin Rawat Appointed As Indian Army's First Chief Of Defence Staff

The Gorkha Rifles added another path breaking chapter in their glorious regimental history when General Bipin Rawat (Belongs To 5/11 Gorkha Rifles), was appointed as the first ever Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Indian Army.