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{{Short description|Indian and Nepalese national soldiers}}
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{{redirect2|Gorkha|Gorkhali|the early modern state|Gorkha Kingdom|the modern day Nepalese district|Gorkha District|other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
[[File:Nepali soldiers Le Bon 1885.jpg|thumb|Nepali soldiers; drawing by [[Gustave Le Bon]], 1885]]
[[File:Gurkha Soldier Monument, London - April 2008.jpg|thumb|Monument to the Gurkha Soldier in [[Horse Guards Avenue]], outside the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]], [[City of Westminster]], London]]
[[File:Khukri-knife.jpg|thumb|A [[Kukri|khukuri]], the signature weapon of the Gurkhas]]
[[File:Kalu Pande.jpg|thumb|[[Kaji (Nepal)|Kaji]] (equivalent to [[Prime Minister]] of [[Gorkha Kingdom]]) [[Kalu Pande|Vamshidhar "Kalu" Pande]] and [[Chief of the Nepalese Army|Chief of the Gorkhali Army]]; one of the most highly decorated Gorkhali commanders]]

The '''Gurkhas''' or '''Gorkhas''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɡ|ɜːr|k|ə|,_|ˈ|g|ʊər|-}}), with the [[endonym]] '''Gorkhali''' ([[Nepali language|Nepali]]: गोर्खाली {{IPA|ne|ɡoɾkʰaːliː|}}), are soldiers native to the [[Indian subcontinent]], chiefly residing within [[Nepal]] and some parts of [[North India]].<ref name="Minahan2002">{{cite book |last1=Minahan |first1=James |title=Encyclopedia of the Stateless Nations: Ethnic and National Groups Around the World A-Z [4 Volumes] |date=30 May 2002 |publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]] |isbn=978-0-313-07696-1 |page=679 |language=English |quote=British military pay and pensions became the primary source of income for the Gurkha peoples of Nepal and north-eastern India.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Who are Gurkhas?|url=https://www.gwt.org.uk/about-the-gurkhas/gurkhas/|access-date=2022-01-27|website=www.gwt.org.uk|archive-date=6 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306042726/https://www.gwt.org.uk/about-the-gurkhas/gurkhas/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Gurkha units consist of Nepali and (in India) [[Indian Gorkha]], Nepali-speaking Indian people. They are recruited for the [[Nepali Army]] (96,000),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sureis |date=2018-08-09 |title=Thapa to take charge of Nepali Army as acting CoAS |url=https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/lieutenant-general-purna-chandra-thapa-to-take-charge-of-nepali-army-as-acting-chief-of-army-staff |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=The Himalayan Times |language=en |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407102644/https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/lieutenant-general-purna-chandra-thapa-to-take-charge-of-nepali-army-as-acting-chief-of-army-staff/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the [[Indian Army]] (42,000), the [[British Army]] (4,010),<ref>{{Cite news |title=Number of Gurkha |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/990125/SPS_1_Apr_2021.pdf |access-date=17 March 2022 |archive-date=30 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530204313/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/990125/SPS_1_Apr_2021.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> the [[Gurkha Contingent]] in [[Singapore]], the [[Gurkha Reserve Unit]] in [[Brunei]], and for UN peacekeeping forces and in war zones around the world.<ref>{{Cite web|title=» About the Gurkhas|url=https://www.gwt.org.uk/about-the-gurkhas/|access-date=2022-01-29|website=www.gwt.org.uk|archive-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229201148/https://www.gwt.org.uk/about-the-gurkhas/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ordinary citizens of the two demographic groups become a Gurkha by applying for, and passing, the selection and training process.<ref>{{cite web |title=How to apply to become a Gurkha |url=https://www.gurkhabde.com/becoming-a-gurkha/ |website=Gurkha Brigade Association |language=en}}</ref>

Gurkhas are closely associated with the ''[[khukuri]]'', a forward-curving knife, and have a reputation for fearless military prowess. Former [[Indian Army]] Chief of Staff [[Field Marshal]] [[Sam Manekshaw]] once stated that: {{Blockquote|"If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or he is a Gurkha."|Sam Manekshaw<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gwt.org.uk/about-the-gurkhas/gurkhas/ | title = Who Are Gurkhas? | website = Gurkha Welfare Trust | access-date = 23 June 2011 | archive-date = 6 March 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190306042726/https://www.gwt.org.uk/about-the-gurkhas/gurkhas/ | url-status = live }}</ref>}}

== Origins ==
Historically, the terms "Gurkha" and "Gorkhali" were synonymous with "Nepali", which originates from the hill principality [[Gorkha Kingdom]], from which the [[Kingdom of Nepal]] expanded under [[Prithvi Narayan Shah]], who was the last ruler of the Gorkha Kingdom and first monarch of the Kingdom of Nepal.<ref name="BBC-2010">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-10782099|title=Who are the Gurkhas?|work=[[BBC News]]|date=27 July 2010|access-date=27 January 2021|archive-date=6 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506195218/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-10782099|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Land of the Gurkhas; or, the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal, p. 44, by W.B. Northy (London, 1937)</ref> In fact, the Gorkhas' impressive conquests of the Kathmandu Valley supplied the British with an exaggerated view of Nepal’s strength, ultimately helping lead to the [[Anglo-Nepalese War|Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816)]].<ref> Rose, Leo E. Nepal: Strategy for Survival. 1st ed. University of California Press, 1971.</ref> The name may be traced to the medieval [[Hindu]] warrior-saint Guru [[Gorakhnath]]<ref>[http://asianhistory.about.com/od/glossaryfj/g/GlosGurkha.htm asianhistory.about.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017000403/http://asianhistory.about.com/od/glossaryfj/g/GlosGurkha.htm |date=17 October 2011 }} ''Who are the Gorkha?''</ref> who has a historic shrine in [[Gorkha District]]. The word itself derived from ''Go-Raksha'' ({{Langx|ne|गोरक्षा}} i.e., 'Protector (रक्षा) of cows (गो')), ''raksha'' becoming ''rakha'' (रखा). ''Rakhawala'' means 'protector' and is derived from ''raksha'' as well.

There are Gurkha military units in the [[Nepalese Army|Nepalese]], [[British army|British]] and [[Indian army|Indian]] armies enlisted in Nepal, United Kingdom, India and Singapore. Although they meet many of the criteria of Article 47<ref>{{cite journal |last=Kinsey |first=Christopher |url=http://journals.openedition.org/conflits/11502 |title=International Law and the Control of Mercenaries and Private Military Companies |journal=Cultures & Conflits |date=26 June 2008 |issue=52 |doi=10.4000/conflits.11502 |s2cid=152676827 |access-date=27 January 2021 |archive-date=9 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209201311/https://journals.openedition.org/conflits/11502 |url-status=live |doi-access=free }}</ref> of [[Protocol I]] of the [[Geneva Conventions]] regarding [[mercenary|mercenaries]], they are exempt under clauses [[s:Protocol I#Art 47. Mercenaries|47(e) and (f)]], similar to the [[French Foreign Legion]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Wither |first=James |url=http://da.mod.uk/defac/colleges/csrc/document-listings/special/05(04)-JW.doc |title=Expeditionary Forces for Post Modern Europe: Will European Military Weakness Provide an Opportunity for the New Condottieri? |website=Conflict Studies Research Centre |date=January 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021003627/http://da.mod.uk/defac/colleges/csrc/document-listings/special/05%2804%29-JW.doc |page=11 |archive-date=21 October 2007}}</ref>

[[File:Prithvi Narayan Shah with Senapati Shivaram Singh Basnyat.jpg|thumb|King of [[Gorkha Kingdom]] and founder of modern Gorkhali Force ''[[Maharajadhiraja]]'' [[Prithvi Narayan Shah]], (1743–1775) consulting with his first Army Chief ''Senapati'' [[Shivaram Singh Basnyat]] (d. 1747)]]

During the 1814–16 Anglo-Nepalese War between the [[Kingdom of Nepal|Gorkha Kingdom]] and the [[British East India Company|East India Company]], the Gorkhali soldiers impressed the British, who called them ''Gurkhas''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.photius.com/countries/nepal/national_security/nepal_national_security_origins_of_the_legen~10146.html|title=Nepal Origins of the Legendary Gurkha – Flags, Maps, Economy, History, Climate, Natural Resources, Current Issues, International Agreements, Population, Social Statistics, Political System|publisher=Photius.com|access-date=2014-01-03|archive-date=27 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927001937/http://www.photius.com/countries/nepal/national_security/nepal_national_security_origins_of_the_legen~10146.html|url-status=live}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=January 2021}}

== British East India Company army ==
[[File:Eight Gurkha men depicted in a British Indian painting, 1815.jpg|thumb|Gurkha soldiers during the [[Anglo-Nepalese War]], 1815]]

The Anglo-Nepalese War was fought between the Gurkha [[Kingdom of Nepal]] and the [[British East India Company]] as a result of border disputes and ambitious expansionism of both belligerents. The war ended with the signing of the [[Sugauli Treaty|Treaty of Sugauli]] in 1816.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

[[David Ochterlony]] and British political agent [[William Fraser (British administrator)|William Fraser]] were among the first to recognize the potential of Gurkha soldiers. During the war the British used defectors from the Gurkha army and employed them as [[Irregular military|irregular forces]]. Fraser's confidence in their loyalty was such that in April 1815 he proposed forming them into a battalion under Lt. Ross called the Nasiri Regiment. This regiment, which later became the [[1GR|1st King George's Own Gurkha Rifles]], saw action at Malaun Fort under the leadership of Lt. Lawtie, who reported to Ochterlony that he "had the greatest reason to be satisfied with their exertions".{{cn|date=August 2023}}

About 5,000 men entered British service in 1815, most of whom were not just Gorkhalis, but Kumaonis, Garhwalis and other Himalayan hill men. These groups, eventually lumped together under the term ''Gurkha'', became the backbone of British Indian forces.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

As well as Ochterlony's Gurkha battalions, Fraser and [[Frederick Young (soldier)|Lt. Frederick Young]] raised the Sirmoor Battalion, later to become the [[2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles)|2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles]]. An additional battalion—the Kumaon—was also raised, eventually becoming the [[3rd Queen Alexandra's Own Gurkha Rifles]]. None of these units fought in the second campaign.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

Gurkhas served as troops under contract to the British East India Company in the [[Pindaree War]] of 1817, in [[Bharatpur, India|Bharatpur]] in 1826, and the [[First Anglo-Sikh War|First]] and [[Second Anglo-Sikh War|Second]] Anglo-Sikh Wars in 1846 and 1848.<ref name="BBC-2010" />

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|8th (Sirmoor) Local Battalion]] made a notable contribution during the conflict, and 25 [[Indian Order of Merit]] awards were made to men from that regiment during the Siege of Delhi.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=58}}

Three days after the rebellion began, the Sirmoor Battalion was ordered to move to Meerut, where the British garrison was barely holding on, and in doing so they had to march up to 48 kilometres a day.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=57}} Later, during the four-month Siege of Delhi, they defended [[Raja Hindu Rao|Hindu Rao]]'s house, losing 327 of 490 men. During this action they fought side by side with the [[60th Rifles]] and a strong bond developed.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.army.mod.uk/gurkhas/history.aspx | title = History of the Brigade of Gurkhas | website=Brigade of Gurkhas |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120403165108/http://www.army.mod.uk/gurkhas/history.aspx |archive-date= 3 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first=Heather |last=Streets |year=2004 |title=Martial races: the military, race and masculinity in British imperial culture, 1857–1914 |publisher=Manchester University Press |isbn=0-7190-6962-9 |page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=BscnZT_1po8C&pg=PA79 79] }}</ref>

Twelve regiments from the Nepalese Army also took part in the relief of [[Lucknow]]{{sfn|Parker|2005|pp=62–63}} under the command of Shri Teen (3) Maharaja [[Jung Bahadur Rana]] of Nepal and his older brother C-in-C [[Ranodip Singh Kunwar]] (Ranaudip Singh Bahadur Rana) (later to succeed Jung Bahadur and become Sri Teen Maharaja Ranodip Singh of Nepal).{{cn|date=August 2023}}

After the rebellion the [[King's Royal Rifle Corps|60th Rifles]] pressed for the Sirmoor Battalion to become a rifle regiment. This honour was granted in 1858 when the battalion was renamed the [[2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles)|Sirmoor Rifle Regiment]] and awarded a third colour.{{sfn|Chappell|1993|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=rZ9HeuRZvTMC&pg=PA13 13]}} In 1863, [[Queen Victoria]] presented the regiment with the [[Queen's Truncheon]], as a replacement for the colours that rifle regiments do not usually have.<ref>{{cite book |last=Baker |first=Margaret |year=2008 |title=Discovering London Statues and Monuments |volume=42 of Shire Discovering |edition=5, illustrated |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=978-0-7478-0495-6 |pages=[https://books.google.com/books?id=pVJLa5jgzQ4C&pg=PA18 18] }}</ref>

== British Indian Army (c. 1857–1947) ==
[[File:The Nusseree Battalion.JPG|thumb|The Nusseree Battalion, later known as the ''1st Gurkha Rifles'', {{c.|1857}}]]
[[File:1857 hindu raos house2.jpg|thumb|left|[[Hindu Rao]]'s house shortly after the siege]]
[[File:Gurkhas NavyAndArmyIllustrated1896.jpg|thumb|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 [[World War I]], the Gurkha Regiments saw active service in [[Burma]], [[Afghanistan]], [[Northeast India]] and the [[Military history of the North-West Frontier|North-West Frontier]] of India, Malta (the [[Russo-Turkish War, 1877–78]]), Cyprus, Malaya, China (the [[Boxer Rebellion]] of 1900) and Tibet ([[British expedition to Tibet|Younghusband's Expedition]] of 1905).

After the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857]], the [[British Raj|British authorities in India]] feared the inclusion of [[Hindu]] castes in the army. They discouraged [[Brahmin]]ical influence in the military and considered the Hindu castes more susceptible to Brahminical values.{{sfn|Singh|1997|p=221}} As a result, they discouraged the inclusion of [[Thakuri]] and [[Khas]] groups in the Gorkha units{{sfn|Singh|1997|p=221}} and refused to recruit tribes other than [[Gurung]]s and [[Magars]] for Gorkha units.{{sfn|Singh|1997|pp=220–221}} They also exerted diplomatic pressure on Prime Minister [[Bir Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana]] to ensure that at least 75% of new recruits were [[Gurung]]s and [[Magars]].{{sfn|Singh|1997|p=221}}

Between 1901 and 1906, the Gurkha regiments were renumbered from the 1st to the 10th and re-designated as the Gurkha Rifles. In this time the Brigade of Gurkhas, as the regiments came to be collectively known, was expanded to 20 battalions in the ten regiments.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=79}}

[[File:5thRoyalGurkhaRiflesNorth-WestFrontier1923.JPG|thumb|left|2nd/5th [[Royal Gurkha Rifles]], North-West Frontier 1923]]

During [[World War I]] (1914–1918) more than 200,000 Gurkhas served in the British Army, suffering approximately 20,000 casualties and receiving almost 2,000 gallantry awards.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=xvii}} The number of Gurkha battalions was increased to 33, and Gurkha units were placed at the disposal of the British high command by the Gurkha government for service on all fronts. Many Gurkha volunteers served in non-combatant roles, serving in units such as the Army Bearer Corps and the labour battalions.

A large number also served in combat in France, Turkey, Palestine, and Iraq.{{sfn|Chappell|1993|p=9}} They served on the battlefields of [[France]] in the battles of [[Battle of Loos|Loos]], [[Battle of Givenchy|Givenchy]], and [[Battle of Neuve Chapelle|Neuve Chapelle]]; in [[Belgium]] at the battle of [[Ypres]]; in [[Iraq]], [[Iran|Persia]], [[Suez Canal]] and [[Palestine (region)|Palestine]] against Turkish advance, [[Battle of Gallipoli|Gallipoli]] and [[Salonika]].{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=99}} One detachment served with [[Lawrence of Arabia]]. During the Battle of Loos (June–December 1915) a battalion of the 8th Gurkhas fought to the last man, hurling themselves time after time against the weight of the German defences, and in the words of the Indian Corps commander, Lt. Gen. Sir [[James Willcocks]], "found its Valhalla".<ref>Sengupta 2007.</ref>

During the unsuccessful [[Gallipoli Campaign]] in 1915, the Gurkhas were among the first to arrive and the last to leave. The 1st/6th Gurkhas, having landed at [[Cape Helles]], led the assault during the first major operation to take a Turkish high point, and in doing so captured a feature that later became known as "Gurkha Bluff".{{sfn|Parker|2005|pp=117–118}} 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.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=121}} The 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Gurkha Rifles (2nd/3rd Gurkha Rifles) fought in the conquest of [[Baghdad]].

Following the end of the war, the Gurkhas were returned to India, and during the inter-war years were largely kept away from the internal strife and urban conflicts of the sub-continent, instead being employed largely on the frontiers and in the hills where fiercely independent tribesmen were a constant source of trouble.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=150}}

As such, between the World Wars the Gurkha regiments fought in the [[Third Afghan War]] in 1919. The regiments then participated in numerous campaigns on the North-West Frontier, mainly in [[Waziristan]], where they were employed as garrison troops defending the frontier. They kept the peace among the local populace and engaged with the lawless and often openly hostile [[Pashtun people|Pathan tribesmen]].{{citation needed|date=September 2017}}

During this time the North-West Frontier was the scene of considerable political and civil unrest and troops stationed at Razmak, Bannu, and Wanna saw extensive action.<ref>For more detail see {{harvnb|Barthorp|2002|p=}}.{{page needed|date=June 2011}}</ref>

[[File:Ghurkas in action with a 6-pdr anti-tank gun in Tunisia, 16 March 1943. NA1103.jpg|thumb|right|Gurkhas in action with a [[Ordnance QF 6-pounder|six-pounder anti-tank gun]] in Tunisia, 16 March 1943]]

During [[World War II]] (1939–1945) there were ten Gurkha regiments, with two battalions each, making a total of 20 pre-war battalions.<ref name="Cross31">Cross & Gurung 2002, p. 31.</ref> Following the [[Dunkirk evacuation]] of the [[British Expeditionary Force (World War II)|British Expeditionary Force]] (BEF) in 1940, the Nepalese government offered to increase recruitment to enlarge the number of Gurkha battalions in British service to 35.{{sfn|Parker|2005|pp=157–158}} This would eventually rise to 43 battalions.

In order to achieve the increased number of battalions, third and fourth battalions were raised for all ten regiments, with fifth battalions also being raised for 1 GR, 2 GR and 9 GR.<ref name="Cross31" /> This expansion required ten training centers to be established for basic training and regimental records across India. In addition, five training battalions (14 GR, 29 GR, 38 GR, 56 GR and 710 GR) were raised, while other units (25 GR and 26 GR) were raised as garrison battalions for keeping the peace in India and defending rear areas.<ref name="Cross32">Cross & Gurung 2002, p. 32.</ref> Large numbers of Gurkha men were also recruited for non-Gurkha units, and other specialized duties such as paratroops, signals, engineers and military police.

A total of 250,280<ref name="Cross32" /> Gurkhas served in 40 battalions, plus eight [[Nepalese Army]] battalions, parachute, training, garrison and porter units during the war,<ref>Osprey Military Elite Series #49 The Gurkhas by Mike Chappell 1993 {{ISBN|1-85532-357-5}}</ref> in almost all theatres. In addition to keeping peace in India, Gurkhas fought in [[Syria]], [[North Africa]], [[Italy]], [[Greece]] and against the Japanese in the jungles of [[Burma Campaign|Burma]], [[Battle of Imphal|northeast India]] and also [[Battle of Singapore|Singapore]].<ref name="PARTICIPANTS-INDIAN-SUBCONTINENT">{{cite web|title=Participants from the Indian subcontinent in the Second World War|url=http://www.mgtrust.org/ind2.htm|access-date=27 February 2007|archive-date=13 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070113150835/http://www.mgtrust.org/ind2.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> They did so with distinction, earning 2,734 bravery awards in the process<ref name="Cross32" /> and suffering around 32,000 casualties in all theatres.<ref>See {{harvnb|Parker|2005|p=xvii}}. Gurkha casualties in the Second World War were 8,985 killed or missing and 23,655 wounded.</ref>

=== Gurkha military rank system in the British Indian Army ===
Gurkha ranks in the British Indian Army followed the same pattern as those used throughout the rest of the Indian Army at that time.<ref>Cross & Gurung 2002, p. 33.</ref> As in the British Army itself, there were three distinct levels: private soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and commissioned officers. Gurkha commissioned officers in Gurkha regiments held a "Viceroy's Commission", distinct from the King's or Queen's Commission that British officers serving with a Gurkha regiment held. Any Gurkha holding a commission was technically subordinate to any British officer, regardless of rank.<ref name="Cross34">Cross & Gurung 2002, p. 34.</ref>

[[File:5th Gurkha Rifles, Japan 1946.jpg|thumb|The 2nd/5th Royal Gurkha Rifles marching through Kure soon after their arrival in Japan in May 1946 as part of the Allied forces of occupation]]

==== Rank equivalents in modern Indian and British Armies ====
{|class=wikitable
|-
! British Indian Army !! Modern Indian Army !! British Army<ref>Source: Cross & Gurung 2002, pp.&nbsp;33–34</ref> !! [[Ranks and insignia of NATO|NATO code]]
|-
!colspan=4|[[Viceroy's commissioned officer|Viceroy Commissioned Officer]]s (VCOs, &ndash;1947) and [[Junior commissioned officer|Junior Commissioned Officer]]s (JCOs, 1947&ndash;)
|-
| [[Subedar Major]]||[[Subedar Major]]||no equivalent||{{N/A}}
|-
| [[Subedar]] || [[Subedar]]||no equivalent||{{N/A}}
|-
| [[Jemadar]] || [[Naib Subedar]]||no equivalent||{{N/A}}
|-
!colspan=4|Warrant officers
|-
| [[Regimental Havildar Major]]||[[Regimental Havildar Major]]||[[Warrant Officer Class 1]]||OR-9
|-
| [[Company Havildar Major]]||[[Company Havildar Major]]||[[Warrant Officer Class 2]]||OR-8
|-
!colspan=4|Non-commissioned officers
|-
| [[Company Quartermaster Havildar]]||[[Company Quartermaster Havildar]]||[[Colour Sergeant]]||OR-7
|-
| [[Havildar]]||[[Havildar]]||[[Sergeant]]||OR-6, OR-5
|-
| [[Naik (military rank)|Naik]]|| [[Naik (military rank)|Naik]]||[[Corporal]]||OR-4
|-
| [[Lance Naik]]||[[Lance Naik]]||[[Lance Corporal]]||OR-3
|-
!colspan=4|Enlisted
|-
| (no rank)||(no rank)||[[Other ranks|Private]]||OR-2, OR-1
|}
'''Notes'''
* British Army officers received Queen's or King's Commissions, but Gurkha officers in this system received the Viceroy's Commission. After Indian independence in 1947, Gurkha officers in regiments which became part of the British Army received the King's (later Queen's) Gurkha Commission, and were known as King's/Queen's Gurkha Officers (KGO/QGO). Gurkha officers had no authority to command troops of British regiments. The QGO Commission was abolished in 2007.
* [[Jemadar]]s and [[subedar]]s normally served as platoon commanders and company 2ICs but were junior to all British officers, while the subedar major was the Commanding Officer's advisor on the men and their welfare. For a long time it was impossible for Gurkhas to progress further, except that an honorary lieutenancy or captaincy was (very rarely) bestowed upon a Gurkha on retirement.<ref name="Cross34" />
* 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, Gurkhas cannot. 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.<ref name="Cross34" />
* 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 officers commissioned from the [[Royal Military Academy Sandhurst]] and Short Service Officers regularly fill appointments up to the rank of major. At least two Gurkhas have been promoted to lieutenant colonel and there is theoretically now no bar to further progression.<ref name="Cross34" />
* After 1948, the [[Brigade of Gurkhas]] (part of the British Army) was formed and adopted standard British Army rank structure and nomenclature, except for the three Viceroy Commission ranks between Warrant Officer 1 and Second Lieutenant (jemadar, subedar and subedar major) which remained, albeit with different rank titles Lieutenant (Queens Gurkha Officer), Captain (QGO) and Major (QGO). The QGO commission was abolished in 2007; Gurkha soldiers are currently commissioned as Late Entry Officers (as above).<ref name="Cross34" />

=== Regiments of the Gurkha Rifles (c.&nbsp;1815–1947) ===
[[File:Gurkha Memorial, Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire.jpg|thumb|upright|Memorial of [[10th Princess Mary's Own Gurkha Rifles]], [[Winchester Cathedral]], [[Hampshire]]]]
[[File:Princess Mary's Own.JPG|thumb|Princess Mary's Own|300px]]

* [[1GR|1st King George V's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Malaun Regiment)]] (raised 1815, allocated to Indian Army at independence in 1947)
* [[2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles)]] (raised 1815, allocated to British Army in 1948)
* [[3GR|3rd Queen Alexandra's Own Gurkha Rifles]] (raised 1815, allocated to Indian Army at independence in 1947)
* [[4 Gorkha Rifles|4th Prince of Wales's Own Gurkha Rifles]] (raised 1857, allocated to Indian Army at independence in 1947)
* [[5GR|5th Royal Gurkha Rifles (Frontier Force)]] (raised 1858, allocated to Indian Army at independence in 1947)
* [[6th Gurkha Rifles]], renamed [[6th Queen Elizabeth's Own Gurkha Rifles]] in 1959 (raised 1817, allocated to British Army in 1948)
* [[7th Gurkha Rifles]], renamed [[7th Duke of Edinburgh's Own Gurkha Rifles]] in 1959 (raised 1902, allocated to British Army in 1948)
* [[8th Gurkha Rifles]] (raised 1824, allocated to Indian Army at independence in 1947)
* [[9th Gurkha Rifles]] (raised 1817, allocated to Indian Army at independence in 1947)
* [[10th Princess Mary's Own Gurkha Rifles]] (raised 1890, allocated to British Army in 1948)
* [[11th Gurkha Rifles]] (1918–1922; raised again by India{{snd}}[[11 Gorkha Rifles]]{{snd}}following independence in 1947)
* [[25th Gurkha Rifles]] (1942–1946)
* [[26th Gurkha Rifles]] (1943–1946)
* [[29th Gurkha Rifles]] (1943–1946)
* [[42nd Gurkha Rifles]] (raised 1817 as the [[Cuttack Legion]], renamed 6th Gurkha Rifles in 1903)
* [[44th Gurkha Rifles]] (raised 1824 as the [[16th (Sylhet) Local Battalion]], renamed 8th Gurkha Rifles in 1903)

=== Second World War training battalions ===
* 14th Gurkha Rifles Training Battalion<ref name="oob115" />
* 29th Gurkha Rifles Training Battalion
* 38th Gurkha Rifles Training Battalion<ref name="oob115" />
* 56th Gurkha Rifles Training Battalion<ref name="oob115" />
* 710th Gurkha Rifles Training Battalion<ref name="oob115">{{cite web |access-date=19 October 2009 |publisher=Order of Battle |title=115 Infantry Brigade Subordanates |url=http://www.ordersofbattle.com/UnitData.aspx?UniX=63267&Tab=Sub |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120225212041/http://www.ordersofbattle.com/UnitData.aspx?UniX=63267&Tab=Sub |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 February 2012 }}</ref>

== Post-independence (1947–present) ==
[[File:Gurkha inscription.JPG|thumb|
<div class="center">
THE GURKHA SOLDIER
{{Poem quote|1=
''Bravest of the brave,''
''most generous of the generous,''
''never had country''
''more faithful friends''
''than you.''}}
<small>Professor Sir [[Ralph Lilley Turner]] MC: Inscription on a monument to Gurkha soldiers (unveiled 1997, [[Whitehall]], London)<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Not stated--> |title=The Gurkhas - Britain's oldest allies |work=BBC News |date=4 December 1997 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/special_report/1997/gurkhas/36397.stm |access-date=30 December 2006 |archive-date=19 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219004652/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/special_report/1997/gurkhas/36397.stm |url-status=live }}</ref></small></div>]]

Under the [[Britain-India-Nepal Tripartite Agreement|Tripartite Agreement]] signed between the governments of the United Kingdom, India and Nepal after [[Indian independence movement|Indian independence]] and the [[partition of India]], the original ten Gurkha regiments consisting of the 20 pre-war battalions were split between the British Army and the newly independent [[Indian Army]].<ref name="Cross32" /> Six Gurkha regiments (12 battalions) were transferred to the post-independence Indian Army, while four regiments (eight battalions) were transferred to the British Army.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=224}}

To the disappointment of many 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.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=226}} 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, initially in [[Malayan Union|Malaya]] - a region where relatively few Gurkhas had previously served. The four regiments (or eight battalions) in British service were subsequently reduced to a single regiment of two battalions. The Indian units have been expanded beyond their pre-Independence establishment of 12 battalions.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=229}}

The principal aim of the Tripartite 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.{{sfn|Parker|2005|pp=322–323}} 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.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=323}}

With the abolition of the Nepalese monarchy in 2008, the future recruitment of Gurkhas for British and Indian service was initially put into doubt. A spokesperson for the [[Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre)|Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist)]] (later the "Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre)"), which was expected to play a major role in the new secular republic, stated that recruitment as mercenaries was degrading to the [[Demographics of Nepal|Nepalese people]] and would be banned.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=344}} However, as of 2023, Gurkha recruitment for foreign service continues.

===British Army Gurkhas===
{{Main|Brigade of Gurkhas}}
[[File:Gurkhas on Patrol in Helmand MOD 45151723.jpg|thumb|Soldiers from 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles on patrol in [[Helmand Province]] in [[Afghanistan]] in 2010.]]
Four Gurkha regiments were transferred to the British Army on 1 January 1948:
* [[2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles)]]
* [[6th Queen Elizabeth's Own Gurkha Rifles]]
* [[7th Duke of Edinburgh's Own Gurkha Rifles]]
* [[10th Princess Mary's Own Gurkha Rifles]]

They formed the '''Brigade of Gurkhas''' and were initially stationed in [[Federation of Malaya|Malaya]]. There were also a number of additional Gurkha units including the 69th and 70th Gurkha Field Squadrons, both included in the 36th Engineer Regiment. Since then, British Gurkhas have served in [[Borneo]] during the [[Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation|confrontation]] with Indonesia, in the [[Falklands War]] and on various peacekeeping missions in [[Sierra Leone]], [[East Timor]], [[Bosnia]] and [[Kosovo]].{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=360}}

Major Gurkha Formations:
* [[43rd Independent Gurkha Infantry Brigade]] (Italy, circa 1943)
* 26th Gurkha Brigade (Hong Kong, 1948–1950)
* [[17th Gurkha Division]] (Malaya, 1952–1970)
* 51st Infantry Brigade (Hong Kong disbanded 1976)
* 48th Gurkha Infantry Brigade (Hong Kong, 1957–1976; renamed Gurkha Field Force 1976–1997; returned to old title {{nowrap|1987 – c. 1992)}}

As of August 2021, the ''Brigade of Gurkhas'' in the British Army has the following units:
* 1st Battalion, [[The Royal Gurkha Rifles]] (1RGR)
* 2nd Battalion, [[The Royal Gurkha Rifles]] (2RGR)
* 3rd Battalion, [[The Royal Gurkha Rifles]] (3RGR)
*[[Gurkha Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Support Battalion]]{{efn|In August 2021, the battalion added the subtitle 'Gurkha'. Though the battalion has had Gurkhas for many years, it is now officially been subsumed into the Brigade of Gurkhas.}}<ref>British Army, ''[https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=0377652b-c123-4bff-8806-61b9af842025 August 2021 Soldier Magazine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802104915/https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=0377652b-c123-4bff-8806-61b9af842025 |date=2 August 2021 }}''. Retrieved 13 August 2021.</ref>
* [[Queen's Gurkha Signals]] which includes:
** 250 Gurkha Signal Squadron, 30 Signal Regiment
** 246 Gurkha Signal Squadron, [[2 Signal Regiment (United Kingdom)|2 Signal Regiment]]
** 247 Gurkha Signal Squadron, 16 Signal Regiment
** 248 Gurkha Signal Squadron, 22 Signal Regiment
** 249 Gurkha Signal Squadron, [[3rd (UK) Division Signal Regiment]]
* [[10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment RLC]]
* Queen's Gurkha Engineers, which includes:
** 69th Gurkha Field Squadron, [[36 Engineer Regiment (United Kingdom)|36 Engineer Regiment]]
** 70th Gurkha Field Squadron, [[36 Engineer Regiment (United Kingdom)|36 Engineer Regiment]]
*[[Gurkha Staff and Personnel Support Company]]
*[[Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas]]
*Gurkha Company (Sittang), [[Royal Military Academy Sandhurst]]
*Gurkha Wing (Mandalay), [[Infantry Battle School]]
*Gurkha Company (Tavoleto), [[Waterloo Lines|Land Warfare Centre]]

The Brigade of Gurkhas also has its own chefs posted among the above-mentioned units. Gurkhas were among the troops who retook the [[Falklands]] in 1982 and have served a number of tours of duty in the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]].<ref>{{cite news|date=1 June 2011|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13619825|title=Bravery medal for Gurkha who fought Taliban|newspaper=BBC|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-date=5 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905193408/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13619825|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |first1=Anup |last1=Kaphle |first2=Graeme |last2=Wood |date=10 May 2010 |url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/keyword/Gurkhas |title=Back to the Afghan Future: The return of the Gurkhas |volume=15 |number=32 |journal=The Weekly Standard |access-date=1 November 2012 |archive-date=3 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603083305/http://www.weeklystandard.com/keyword/Gurkhas |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Ben |last=Farmer |date=31 October 2012 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/9646824/British-Gurkhas-shot-dead-in-Afghanistan-attack-named.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/9646824/British-Gurkhas-shot-dead-in-Afghanistan-attack-named.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=British Gurkhas shot dead in Afghanistan attack named |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=== Indian Army Gurkhas ===
[[File:Indian Army soldiers move into position while demonstrating a platoon-level ambush to U.S. Army paratroopers during Yudh Abhyas 2013.jpg|thumb|The soldiers of 5th Gurkha Rifles of the [[Indian Army]] take position during a training exercise.]]
{{Main|Gorkha regiments (India)}}

Upon independence in 1947, six of the original ten Gurkha regiments remained with the [[Indian Army]].{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=224}} These regiments were:
* [[1 Gorkha Rifles|1st King George V's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Malaun Regiment)]]
* [[3 Gorkha Rifles|3rd Queen Alexandra's Own Gurkha Rifles]]
* [[4 Gorkha Rifles|4th Prince of Wales's Own Gurkha Rifles]]
* [[5 Gorkha Rifles|5th Royal Gurkha Rifles (Frontier Force)]]
* [[8 Gorkha Rifles|8th Gurkha Rifles]]
* [[9 Gorkha Rifles|9th Gurkha Rifles]]

Additionally, a further regiment, [[11 Gorkha Rifles]], was raised. In 1949 the spelling was changed from "Gurkha" to the original "Gorkha".{{sfn|Chappell|1993|p=12}} All royal titles were dropped when India became a republic in 1950.{{sfn|Chappell|1993|p=12}}

Since partition, the Gurkha regiments that were transferred to the Indian Army have established themselves as a permanent and vital part of the newly independent Indian Army. Indeed, while Britain has reduced its Gurkha contingent, India has continued to recruit Gorkhas of Nepal into Gorkha regiments in large numbers, as well as Indian Gorkhas.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=229}} In 2009 the Indian Army had a Gorkha contingent that numbered around 42,000 men in 46 battalions, spread across seven regiments.

Although their deployment is still governed by the 1947 Tripartite Agreement, in the post-1947 conflicts India has fought in, Gorkhas have served in almost all of them, including the wars with Pakistan in 1947, 1965, 1971 and 1999 and also against China in 1962.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=230}} They have also been used in peacekeeping operations around the world.{{sfn|Chappell|1993|p=12}} They have also served in Sri Lanka conducting operations against the [[Tamil Tigers]].{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=203}}

=== Singapore Gurkha Contingent ===
[[File:Gurkha IOC 4.jpg|thumb|A trooper of the Gurkha Contingent of the Singapore Police Force gives directions to a civilian.]]
The [[Gurkha Contingent]] (GC) of the [[Singapore Police Force]] was formed on 9 April 1949 from selected ex-British Army Gurkhas. It is an integral part of the police force and was raised to replace a [[Sikh]] unit that had existed prior to the Japanese occupation during the [[Second World War]].{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=390}}

The GC is a well trained, dedicated and disciplined body whose principal role is as [[riot police]] and counter-terrorism force. In times of crisis it can be deployed as a reaction force. During the turbulent years before and after independence, the GC acquitted itself well on several occasions 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.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=390}}

=== Brunei Gurkha Reserve Unit ===
The [[Gurkha Reserve Unit]] (GRU) is a special guard and elite shock-troop force in the [[Sultanate of Brunei]]. The Brunei Reserve Unit employs about 500 Gurkhas. The majority are veterans of the British Army and the [[Singapore Police Force|Singaporean Police]], who have joined the GRU as a second career.

=== Indian Special Frontier Force ===
The [[Special Frontier Force]] (SFF) is an Indian paramilitary organization consisting of Tibetan refugees, Nepali Gurkhas, and other ethnic groups from mountainous areas. The SFF is tasked with conducting covert actions against China in the event of another Sino-Indian war. The SFF was originally intended to exclusively consist of Tibetan refugees living in India, however, the SFF began recruiting Nepali Gurkhas and hill tribesmen in 1965 to make up for a declining recruitment rate among Tibetans. It is believed there are around 700 Gurkhas serving in the SFF.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.thedefencearchive.com/post/special-frontier-force|title = Special Frontier Force: Invaluable yet Inconspicuous|date = 17 November 2020|access-date = 24 September 2021|archive-date = 24 September 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210924004349/https://www.thedefencearchive.com/post/special-frontier-force|url-status = usurped}}</ref>

== Other ==

=== Victoria Cross recipients ===
{{Main|List of Brigade of Gurkhas recipients of the Victoria Cross}}

There have been 26 [[Victoria Cross]]es (VC) awarded to soldiers of Gurkha regiments.{{sfn|Parker|2005|pp=391–393}} The first was awarded in 1858 and the last in 1965.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brigade of Gurkhas; Honours and Awards: Victoria Cross |url=http://army.mod.uk/gurkhas/7561.aspx |website=British Army |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=27 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205193507/http://army.mod.uk/gurkhas/7561.aspx |archive-date=5 February 2009}}</ref> Thirteen of the recipients have been British officers serving with Gurkha regiments. Since 1915, the majority have been awarded to Gurkhas serving in the ranks as private soldiers or NCOs.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=xvii}} Since Indian independence in 1947, Gurkhas serving in the Indian Army have been awarded three ''[[Param Vir Chakra]]s'', which are equivalent to the Victoria Cross.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prideofindia.net/param.html|title=Param Vir Chakra|work=Pride of India.net|access-date=29 May 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525075456/http://prideofindia.net/param.html|archive-date=25 May 2011}}</ref>

Two [[George Cross]] (GC) medals have been awarded to Gurkha soldiers for acts of bravery.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=xvii}} The George Cross (GC) is the highest award bestowed by the British government for non-operational gallantry or gallantry not in the presence of an enemy. In the UK honours system, the George Cross is equal in stature to the Victoria Cross. This has been the case since the introduction of the George Cross in 1940.<ref>{{cite web |title=Decorations, Gallantry and Distinguished Conduct medals: George Cross |url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/medals-campaigns-descriptions-and-eligibility |website=UK Government |access-date=27 January 2021 |archive-date=23 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623150944/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/medals-campaigns-descriptions-and-eligibility |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Treatment of Gurkhas in the United Kingdom ===
[[File:Nick Clegg being presented a Gurkha Hat, by a Gurkha veteran.jpg|thumb|left|[[Nick Clegg]] being presented a Gurkha Hat by a Gurkha veteran during his [[Maidstone]] visit, to celebrate the success of their joint campaign for the right to live in the UK, 2009]]

The treatment of Gurkhas and their families was the subject of controversy in the United Kingdom once it became widely known that Gurkhas received smaller pensions than their British counterparts.{{sfn|Parker|2005|p=334}} The nationality status of Gurkhas and their families was also an area of dispute, with claims that some ex-army Nepali families were being denied residency and forced to leave Britain. On 8 March 2007 the [[British Government]] announced that all Gurkhas who signed up after 1 July 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 five years' service and women would also be allowed to join, although not in first-line units, conforming to the British Army's policy. The act also guaranteed residency rights in the UK for retired Gurkhas and their families.

Despite the changes, many Gurkhas who had not served long enough to entitle them to a pension faced hardship on their return to Nepal, and some critics derided the government's decision to only award the new pension and citizenship entitlement to those joining after 1 July 1997, claiming that this left many ex-Gurkha servicemen still facing a financially uncertain retirement. An advocacy group, [[Gurkha Justice Campaign]],<ref name="gurkha justice">{{cite web |url=http://gurkhajustice.org.uk/ |title=Gurkha Justice Campaign |access-date=31 January 2011 |last=Lumley |first=Joanna |author-link=Joanna Lumley |publisher=Gurkha Justice Campaign |archive-date=23 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723232706/http://gurkhajustice.org.uk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> joined the debate in support of the Gurkhas.

In a landmark ruling on 30 September 2008, [[Nicholas Blake (judge)|Mr Justice Blake]] in the High Court in London decided that the Home Secretary's policy allowing Gurkhas who left the Army before 1997 to apply for settlement in the United Kingdom was irrationally restrictive in its criteria, and overturned it. He upheld the claim of six Gurkha soldiers for the right to settle in Britain at the end of their service, reciting the Military Covenant and observing that granting them residence in Britain "would, in my judgment, be a vindication and an enhancement of this covenant".<ref name="Gurkha judgement">Paragraph 72, Limbu & Ors, R (on the application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department & Ors [http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2008/2261.html 2008 EWHC 2261] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017165920/http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2008/2261.html |date=17 October 2019 }} (Admin) (30 September 2008).</ref> In response to the decision of the High Court, the Home Office said it would review all cases that were affected by it.<ref name="bbc_764">{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7644441.stm | title = Gurkhas win right to stay in UK | access-date = 2 September 2011 | date = 30 September 2008 | work = BBC News | archive-date = 1 August 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200801111643/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7644441.stm | url-status = live }}</ref>

On 29 April 2009 a motion introduced by the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]] that all Gurkhas be offered equal right of residence was passed in the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]] by 267 votes to 246. This was the only first-day motion defeat for a government since 1978. [[Nick Clegg]], the Liberal Democrat leader, stated that "this is an immense victory ... for the rights of Gurkhas who have been waiting so long for justice, a victory for Parliament, a victory for decency." He added that it was "the kind of thing people want this country to do".<ref name="bbc_802">{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8023882.stm | title = Brown defeated over Gurkha rules | access-date = 31 January 2011 | date = 29 April 2009 | work = BBC News | quote = Gordon Brown's government has suffered a shock defeat in the Commons on its policy of restricting the right of many former Gurkhas to settle in the UK. MPs voted by 267 to 246 for a Lib Dem motion offering all Gurkhas equal right of residence, with the Tories and 27 Labour rebels backing it. | archive-date = 26 February 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210226224824/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8023882.stm | url-status = live }}</ref>

On 21 May 2009 Home Secretary [[Jacqui Smith]] announced that all Gurkha veterans who retired before 1997 with at least four years service would be allowed to settle in the UK. Actress [[Joanna Lumley]], daughter of Gurkha corps Major James Lumley who had highlighted the treatment of the Gurkhas and campaigned for their rights, commented, "This is the welcome we have always longed to give".<ref name="bbc_806">{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8060607.stm | title = Gurkhas win right to settle in UK | access-date = 31 January 2011 | date = 21 May 2009 | work = BBC News | quote = All Gurkha veterans who retired before 1997 with at least four years' service will be allowed to settle in the UK, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has said. Ms Smith told MPs she was 'proud to offer this country's welcome to all who have served in the brigade of Gurkhas'. It comes after a high-profile campaign by Joanna Lumley and other supporters of Gurkha rights&nbsp;– and an embarrassing Commons defeat for the government. | archive-date = 31 October 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211031114509/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8060607.stm | url-status = live }}</ref>

A charity, [[Gurkha Welfare Trust|The Gurkha Welfare Trust]], provides aid to alleviate hardship and distress among Gurkha ex-servicemen.{{sfn|Parker|2005|pp=379–383}}

On 9 June 2015, a celebration called the Gurkha 200, held at The Royal Hospital Chelsea and attended by members of the royal family, commemorated the bicentennial of the Gurkha Welfare Trust by paying tribute to Gurkha culture and military service.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Gurkha 200|url = http://www.gurkha200.co.uk/|website = Gurkha 200|access-date = 2015-06-09|archive-date = 30 May 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150530025326/http://www.gurkha200.co.uk/|url-status = live}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=April 2017}}

Gurkha Square in [[Fleet, Hampshire|Fleet]], Hampshire, which contains the Fleet war memorial, is named after the Gurkhas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fleethants.com/allhistory/gurkhas/main1.htm|title=The Brigade of Gurkhas|website=www.fleethants.com|access-date=2019-07-16|archive-date=13 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913185226/http://www.fleethants.com/allhistory/gurkhas/main1.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Settlement rights====
A 2008 [[High Court of Justice|UK High Court]] decision on a test case in London, ''R. (on the application of Limbu) v Secretary of State for the Home Department'' [2008] EWHC 2261 (Admin), acknowledged the "debt of honour" to Gurkhas discharged before 1997. The Home Secretary's policy allowing veterans to apply on a limited set of criteria (such as connection to the United Kingdom) was quashed as being unduly restrictive. The Court found that the Gurkhas had suffered a "historic injustice" and that the policy was irrational in failing to take into account factors such as length of service or particularly meritorious conduct.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7644441.stm | work=BBC News | title=Gurkhas win right to stay in UK | date=30 September 2008 | access-date=30 September 2008 | archive-date=2 October 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002005652/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7644441.stm | url-status=live }}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Military of Nepal]]
* [[Sino-Nepalese War|Sino-Gurkha War]]
* [[Anglo-Nepalese War]]
* [[The Gurkha Welfare Trust]]
* [[The Gurkha Museum]]
* [[History of Nepal]]
* [[Ethnic groups in Nepal]]
* [[Nepali language]]

== Notes==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{notelist}}

==References==
* {{cite book |last=Barthorp |first=Michael |year=2002 |title=Afghan Wars and the North-West Frontier 1839–1947 |publisher=Cassell |isbn=0-304-36294-8 }}
* {{cite book |last=Chappell |first=Mike |year=1993 |title=The Gurkhas |volume=49 of Elite series |edition=illustrated |publisher=Osprey Publishing |location=Oxford |isbn=978-1-85532-357-5 }}
* Chauhan, Dr. Sumerendra Vir Singh (1996). ''The Way of Sacrifice: The Rajputs'', pp.&nbsp;28–30, Graduate Thesis, South Asian Studies Department, Dr. Joseph T. O'Connell, Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada.
* Cross, J.P & Buddhiman Gurung (2002) ''Gurkhas at War: Eyewitness Accounts from World War II to Iraq''. Greenhill Books. {{ISBN|978-1-85367-727-4}}.
* Ember, Carol & Ember, Melvin. (2003). ''Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender: Men and Women in the World's Cultures''. Springer. {{ISBN|0-306-47770-X}}.
* {{cite book |last=Parker |first=John |year=2005 |title=The Gurkhas: The Inside Story of the World's Most Feared Soldiers |publisher=Headline Book Publishing |isbn=978-0-7553-1415-7 }}
* Poddar, Prem and Anmole Prasad (2009). ''Gorkhas Imagined: I.B. Rai in Translation''. Mukti Prakashan. {{ISBN|978-81-909354-0-1}}
* Purushottam Sham Shere J B Rana (1998). ''Jung Bahadur Rana-The Story of His Rise and Glory''. {{ISBN|81-7303-087-1}}
* {{cite news |last=Sengupta |first=Kim |title=The Battle for Parity: Victory for the Gurkhas |newspaper=The Independent |date=9 March 2007 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/the-battle-for-parity-victory-for-the-gurkhas-439464.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090724210035/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/the-battle-for-parity-victory-for-the-gurkhas-439464.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 July 2009 |location=London}}
* {{cite book | first=Nagendra Kr |last= Singh |title= Nepal: Refugee to Ruler: A Militant Race of Nepal | publisher = APH Publishing | year = 1997 | isbn = 978-8170248477 | page = 125 | access-date = 7 November 2012 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Aaog6bnQlNYC }}
* Tod, James & Crooke, William (eds.) (1920). ''Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan''. 3 Volumes. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd., Delhi. Reprinted 1994.
 
==Further reading==
* Austin, Ian and Thakur Nahar Singh Jasol. (eds.) ''The Mewar Encyclopedia''.{{ISBN?}}
* Austin, Ian (1999). ''Mewar – The World's Longest Serving Dynasty''. Roli Books, Delhi/The House of Mewar.
* {{cite news |author=BBC staff |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6715743.stm |title=Gurkha tells of citizenship joy |work=BBC News |access-date=31 May 2009 |date=2 June 2007 }}
* Davenport, Hugh (1975). ''The Trials and Triumphs of the Mewar Kingdom''. Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation, Udaipur.
* Farwell, Byron (1985). ''The Gurkhas.'' W.W. Norton & Co. {{ISBN|0-393-30714-X}}
* Goswami, C.G. and M.N. Mathur. ''Mewar and Udaipur''. Himnashu Publications, Udaipur-New Delhi.{{ISBN?}}
* Griffiths, Neil. Gurkha Walking books: [https://web.archive.org/web/20061208165044/http://www.cualann-scottish-books.co.uk/books/hebgurkha.htm 'Hebridean Gurkha]; [https://web.archive.org/web/20061208164541/http://www.cualann-scottish-books.co.uk/books/ghigh.htm 'Gurkha Highlander']; [https://web.archive.org/web/20070801202220/http://www.cualann-scottish-books.co.uk/books/greiver.htm 'Gurkha Reiver']. Neil takes a Scottish cross-country walk with Gurkhas every year to raise funds for the Gurkha Welfare Trust.
* Latimer, Jon (2004). ''Burma: The Forgotten War'', London: John Murray. {{ISBN|978-0-7195-6576-2}}.
* [[John Masters|Masters, John]] (1956). '' Bugles and a Tiger'' – autobiography of the life and times of a British officer serving with a Gurkha regiment in India in the run up to World War II
* {{cite journal |doi=10.1080/03068370903195154 |last=Pemble |first=John |year=2009 |title=Forgetting and Remembering Britain's Gurkha War |journal=Asian Affairs |volume=40 |issue=3 |pages=361–376 |s2cid=159606340 }} Contains a historiographical analysis of the Gurkha "legend".
* Seear, Mike (2002). ''With The Gurkhas in the Falklands''. {{ISBN|978-0-9556237-0-7}}
* Tucci, Sandro (1985). ''Gurkhas''. H. Hamilton. {{ISBN|0-241-11690-2}}.

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
*{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Gurkha |volume=12 |short=x}}
* [http://www.gurkhakukriknife.com/ Gurkha kukri Knife: The traditional lethal Gurkha weapon.]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170425012732/http://nepalkhukurihouse.com/ About Gurkhas and Gurkha Knives]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190502192752/http://www.thegurkhamuseum.co.uk/ Gurkha Museum]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040529161508/http://www.army.mod.uk/brigade_of_gurkhas/gurkha_employment/tpa/ The Tripartite Agreement (TPA) 1947], British Ministry of Defence
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040805213553/http://www.nepalesekhukuri.com/vcs.html Twenty-Six Victoria Crosses have been won by Gurkha Regiments]
* [http://www.thecosmosphere.com/land-of-the-gurkhas/ Land of Gurkhas, a video footage from 1957]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121230172355/http://www.lionheartedboys.com/ British, Indian, France Army training]

{{Nepal topics}}
{{Gurkha|state=expanded}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Brigade of Gurkhas]]
[[Category:Royal Gurkha Rifles]]
[[Category:Military of Nepal]]
[[Category:British Indian Army personnel]]
[[Category:Gurkhas| ]]
[[Category:British Army personnel]]
[[Category:Colonial troops]]
[[Category:Infantry]]
[[Category:Commonwealth of Nations]]