A Complete History of the Brave and Loyal Soldiers from Nepal

by Arjun Satyal on Oct 17, 2025

A Complete History of the Brave and Loyal Soldiers from Nepal: The Gurkhas

In the rugged hills of Nepal, a legacy of unparalleled bravery and unwavering loyalty has been forged over centuries. The Gurkha soldiers, hailed as the world's fiercest warriors, have made a mark through heroic acts in global conflicts. This complete history explores the brave and loyal soldiers from Nepal, their origins, and legendary battles. It also highlights iconic equipment, such as the Khukuri, and their role in modern armies. Whether researching the history of Gurkha soldiers in the British Army or Famous Nepalese warriors, this guide covers it all. For those interested in authentic Nepalese heritage, check out our collection of authentic Khukuri knives that pay homage to these legendary fighters.

History of gurkha soldiers fighting with legendary gurkha khukuri against soldiers with gun

Origins of the Gurkhas: From the Gorkha Kingdom to Nepalese Warriors

The history of brave and loyal soldiers begins in the mid-18th century with the rise of the Gorkha Kingdom in Nepal. King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the last ruler of Gorkha and first monarch of unified Nepal (1743–1775), consolidated small principalities. This era marked a turning point, as Nepalese warriors gained recognition for their courage and discipline.

The name Gurkha or Gorkhali derives from the hill town of Gorkha, about 120 km northwest of Kathmandu, and is linked to the Hindu warrior-saint Gorakhnath, symbolizing protector of cows or Go-Raksha. The history of brave and loyal soldiers is deeply tied to these roots of spirituality and valor. These early Nepalese soldiers were primarily from ethnic groups like the Magar, Gurung, Rai, and Limbu groups hardy hill people known for their farming skills and religious devotion.

Over generations, their legacy became the foundation of the history of brave and loyal soldiers, representing not just martial skill but loyalty and national pride. Even today, the history of brave and loyal soldiers continues to inspire respect worldwide as Gurkhas remain a symbol of courage, honor, and commitment.

Gurkhas were not just soldiers; they embodied a warrior ethos rooted in Nepal's mountainous terrain, which honed their resilience and combat prowess. Their early expansions led to territorial disputes with neighboring powers, setting the stage for their fateful encounter with the British East India Company. For more on legendary gurkha blade that shaped these warriors, read our blog on The Gurkha khukuri the legendary blade.

The Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816): Birth of a Legendary Alliance

The turning point in Gurkha history came during the Anglo-Nepalese War from 1814 to 1816. It was also called the Gurkha War. Border disputes and Nepal's expansion into northern India triggered the conflict. The British East India Company fought against the fierce Gorkha forces. Despite the British advantage in technology and numbers, the Gurkhas' knowledge of the Himalayan terrain and guerrilla tactics inflicted heavy losses. Battles like Nalapani Fort showcased their bravery, where Gurkha commander Balbhadra Kunwar defended against overwhelming odds.

anglo war history of brave and loyal soldiers

The war ended with the Treaty of Sugauli (or Segauli) in 1816. It ceded territories to the British but allowed Gurkha recruitment. British officers like David Ochterlony and William Fraser were impressed by Gurkha valor. They began enlisting Gurkhas voluntarily.
About 5,000 men, including Gorkhalis, Kumaonis, and Garhwalis, formed the first units.
These included the Nasiri Regiment, later the 1st King George's Own Gurkha Rifles.This marked the beginning of over 200 years of service, transforming these brave soldiers from Nepal into integral parts of foreign armies.

Recruitment and Early Service: Building the Gurkha Legacy

Post-war recruitment formalized under the British Indian Army, drawing from Nepal's hill group. By 1817, Gurkhas participated in the Pindari War, defeating marauding horsemen in Gujarat and Mirzapur. Their loyalty shone during the Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845-1846 and 1848-1849), where they fought valiantly at Aliwal and Sobraon, earning praise for their ardent courage.

The Indian Rebellion of 1857 (Sepoy Mutiny) was a defining moment. While many Indian units rebelled, Gurkhas remained steadfastly loyal. The Sirmoor Battalion (later 2nd Gurkha Rifles) defended Hindu Rao's house in Delhi for three months, repelling 26 attacks and suffering 327 casualties out of 490 men. Queen Victoria honored them with the Queen's Truncheon, a unique regimental color still carried today. Twelve Nepalese Army regiments also aided the British at Lucknow under Jung Bahadur Rana.

In the late 19th century, Gurkhas served in the Second Afghan War (1878-1880), Burma Wars, and the Boxer Rebellion (1900) in China, as well as the Tibet Expedition (1904), where Lieutenant J.D. Grant earned a Victoria Cross. Their recruitment process emphasized physical endurance, with annual selections in Nepal yielding elite fighters.

Training the Himalayan Warriors

The grueling selection process for elite units like the British Brigade of Gurkhas accepts only 1 in 300 applicants, creating the world's most selective military intake. Learn more detailed about gurkha selection process. Candidates endure:

Doko endurance trials (5.4km uphill run with 35kg stone load)
Vertical obstacle coursesong at 8,000+ ft altitude
Psychological resilience tests under extreme fatigue
Combat aptitude assessments with unfamiliar equipments.

This produces soldiers with extraordinary physical resilience and unmatched mental fortitude qualities consistently demonstrated from the jungles of Burma to the deserts of Iraq. Modern Gurkha training regimens combine traditional techniques with cutting-edge combat methodology, maintaining their edge as premier fighting forces.. Gurkhas serve in the British Indian Army, with 20,000 casualties and nearly 2,000 gallantry awards. They fought in France (Battles of Loos, Neuve Chapelle), Gallipoli capturing Sari Bair, renamed Gurkha Bluff, Mesopotamia, Palestine, and more. Rifleman Kulbir Thapa became the first Gurkha Victoria Cross recipient in 1915 at Fauquissart, France, for rescuing wounded comrades under fire. Post-war, they quelled the Third Afghan War (1919) and maintained peace on India's North-West Frontier. Their motto, Better to die than be a coward, exemplified their spirit history of brave and loyal soldiers World War II: The Pinnacle of Gurkha Bravery

With 40 battalions, suffering 32,000 casualties and earning 2,734 bravery awards, including 10 Victoria Crosses. In Burma, Field Marshal Slim's 14th Army deployed them in Chindit operations, where they excelled. Lachhiman Gurung fought off 200 Japanese soldiers despite losing a hand, earning the Victoria Cross. Bhanbhagta Gurung single-handedly cleared enemy positions, also receiving the Victoria Cross. Their actions significantly helped the Allies achieve victory.

Post-1947: Partition, Modern Conflicts, and Global Service

After India's independence in 1947, the Tripartite Agreement divided Gurkha regiments: four (2nd, 6th, 7th, 10th) to the British Army, six to India. Indian Gorkhas (now around 42,000 in 46 battalions) fought in Indo-Pak Wars (1947, 1965, 1971, 1999), the Sino-Indian War (1962), and UN peacekeeping.

British Gurkhas, forming the Brigade of Gurkhas, served in the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960), Borneo Confrontation (1962-1966), Cyprus (1974), Falklands War (1982), Gulf War (1991), Balkans, Sierra Leone, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In 1994, they consolidated into the Royal Gurkha Rifles. Today, about 4,010 serve in the British Army, with recruitment still from Nepal. Controversies include pension disparities, resolved partly in 2009 when Gurkha veterans won UK settlement rights, thanks to campaigns by actress Joanna Lumley.

The Iconic Khukuri: Symbol of Gurkha Valor

No history of Nepalese soldiers is complete without the Khukuri, the forward-curving knife synonymous with Gurkha bravery. Used in close combat, it's a tool of legend stories abound of Gurkhas drawing it only to draw blood. Explore our Gurkha memorabilia collection for replicas and stories behind this iconic equipment.

Legendary Gurkha warriors showcasing their victoria cross award

Frequently Asked Questions About Gurkha Soldiers

What makes Gurkha soldiers so special and feared in combat?

Gurkha soldiers are renowned for their exceptional bravery, loyalty, and combat skills. Their reputation stems from centuries of proven valor in battles worldwide. Furthermore, their rigorous training in Nepal's harsh Himalayan terrain creates warriors with extraordinary physical and mental resilience. The Gurkha motto Better to die than be a coward perfectly captures their fearless approach to combat.

How were Gurkha soldiers first recruited by the British Army?

The Gurkha-British alliance began after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816).British officers were so impressed by the Gurkhas' fighting spirit that they began recruiting them voluntarily. The Treaty of Sugauli formalized this relationship, leading to the first Gurkha regiments in British service. This marked the beginning of over 200 years of distinguished service.

What is the Gurkha selection process like today?

Candidates must endure:

Doko endurance trials - 5.4km uphill run carrying 35kg of stones
Vertical obstacle courses at high altitude (8,000+ feet)
Psychological resilience testing under extreme fatigue
Combat aptitude assessments with unfamiliar equipment

This grueling process ensures only the most capable candidates become Gurkha soldiers.

Conclusion: The Enduring History of Brave and Loyal Soldiers from Nepal

The Gurkhas' journey from Nepalese hill warriors to global icons of bravery is a testament to their indomitable spirit. From the Anglo-Nepalese War to modern deployments, these loyal soldiers have served with distinction, embodying courage in every battle. As we celebrate their history, consider supporting Nepalese heritage through our Nepal inspired products.

If you’d like to own a piece of this enduring heritage, explore our exclusive Khukuri Collection inspired by the iconic blade of Nepali warriors, or discover artisan craftsmanship in our Damascus Knife Collection and Sword Collection. For more background on Nepalese culture and Gurkha khukuri read our in-depth why Gurkha Khukuri is more than equipment Blog and perfect guide on how to take care of your blade.

Why Choose Our Authentic Handcrafted Gurkha Khukuri

When you choose our Gurkha Khukuri, you're not just buying a blade you're embracing centuries of tradition, cultural heritage, and battle-tested craftsmanship. Each knife is a tribute to the Gurkha legacy, meticulously crafted to be both functional and symbolic. Here's what sets us apart:

Mastery of Traditional Craft:
Field Ready Design for Every Use:
Every Khukuri comes with a karda (small utility blade) and chakmak (sharpening/fire striking tool), packed in a durable leather-bound sheath. Choose between full or partial tang construction for balance and safety ideal for trekking, camping, home use, or ceremonial display.
More Than a Tool A Cultural Artifact
This isn’t just a blade it's a living piece of Nepal’s soul. Owning one means carrying the valor of Gurkhas, the devotion of the Kami caste, and the spiritual symbolism that protects and empowers. A timeless artifact for warriors and collectors alike.
Versatile & Respectful:
Designed for utility, legacy, and respect our Khukuris are at home in the jungles of survivalists, the temples of monks, and the display cases of collectors. Whether gifted, used, or passed down, these blades honor the cultural and spiritual traditions of Nepal.