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Gorkha Regiment Complete Guide – History, Motto, Khukri & Role in Indian Army | UPSC Notes

 

Indian Army Gorkha Regiment – Complete UPSC Prelims Notes

1. Who are the Gorkhas? – Background & Identity

  • Gorkhas are ethnic groups originally from Nepal.

  • Also settled in India in areas like:

    • Darjeeling (West Bengal)

    • Uttarakhand

    • Sikkim

    • Assam

  • Speak Nepali language.

  • Strong martial tradition influenced by Guru Gorakhnath.

  • Known globally for:

    • Courage

    • Loyalty

    • Discipline

    • Physical endurance

UPSC Keywords: Nepal origin, martial race, ethnic recruitment.

2. Origin of Gorkha Recruitment

  • Recruitment started after Anglo-Nepal War (1814–1816).

  • British East India Company impressed by Gorkha bravery.

  • First Gorkha battalion formed in 1815.

  • Gorkhas later served in:

    • 1857 Revolt (on British side)

    • World War I

    • World War II

    • Various colonial campaigns in Asia & Africa.

Important Fact: Over 200,000 Gorkhas fought in World War I.

UPSC Keywords: Anglo-Nepal War, British recruitment policy.

3. Tripartite Agreement of 1947

After Indian independence:

Agreement between:

  • India

  • Nepal

  • United Kingdom

Purpose → Division of Gorkha regiments.

  • 6 regiments → Indian Army

  • 4 regiments → British Army

Still today:

  • India recruits Gorkhas from Nepal under this agreement.

UPSC Keywords: Tripartite Agreement 1947, India-Nepal-UK.

4. Gorkha Regiments in Indian Army

Currently 7 Gorkha regiments:

  1. 1 Gorkha Rifles

  2. 3 Gorkha Rifles

  3. 4 Gorkha Rifles

  4. 5 Gorkha Rifles

  5. 8 Gorkha Rifles

  6. 9 Gorkha Rifles

  7. 11 Gorkha Rifles

These regiments have multiple battalions.

Note: 2nd, 6th, 7th, 10th Gorkha Rifles → went to British Army.

UPSC Keywords: Number of regiments, Rifles units.

5. Regimental Motto & War Cry

  • Motto:
    “Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro”
    Meaning → Better to die than live like a coward.

  • War Cry:
    “Jai Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali!”

Reflects fearless fighting spirit.

UPSC Keywords: Motto, War Cry.

6. Unique Weapon – Khukri

  • Traditional curved knife used by Gorkha soldiers.

  • Effective in close combat.

  • Symbol of honour and identity.

  • Still carried in ceremonial uniform.

UPSC Keywords: Khukri, curved combat knife.

7. Battle Specialisation of Gorkha Soldiers

Gorkhas are experts in:

  • High-altitude warfare

  • Mountain warfare

  • Jungle warfare

  • Close-combat fighting

  • Counter-insurgency operations

Reason:

  • Many come from Himalayan terrain → natural adaptation.

They serve in areas like:

  • Ladakh

  • Siachen

  • Northeast India

  • UN peacekeeping missions.

UPSC Keywords: High altitude, mountain warfare.

8. Gallantry Awards Won by Gorkhas

Gorkha soldiers are highly decorated.

Important awardees:

  • Major Dhan Singh Thapa – Param Vir Chakra (1962 Indo-China War).

  • Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey – Param Vir Chakra (Kargil War 1999).

Other awards received:

  • Ashok Chakra

  • Maha Vir Chakra

  • Vir Chakra

  • Sena Medal

UPSC Keywords: PVC awardees, Kargil War hero.

9. Role in Modern Indian Army

Gorkha regiments are involved in:

  • Border security

  • Counter-terror operations

  • UN Peacekeeping missions

  • Disaster relief operations

  • Strategic high-altitude defence

They are considered among the most reliable infantry units.

UPSC Keywords: UN missions, counter-insurgency.

10. Gorkhas in British Army

  • Brigade of Gurkhas exists in British Army.

  • Recruited from Nepal.

  • Famous worldwide for discipline and loyalty.

  • Participate in NATO and UN missions.

UPSC Keywords: British Gurkha Brigade.

11. Important Locations Linked to Gorkhas

  • Gorkha district – Nepal

  • Darjeeling – India

  • Dehradun – Gorkha training centres

  • Shillong – Gorkha units presence.

UPSC Keywords: Recruitment regions.

Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. The Tripartite Agreement (1947) on Gorkha regiments was between:

A) India-China-Nepal
B) India-Nepal-UK
C) India-Pakistan-UK
D) Nepal-China-UK

Answer → B

Q2. “Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro” is related to:

A) Sikh Regiment
B) Rajputana Rifles
C) Gorkha Regiment
D) Jat Regiment

Answer → C

Q3. Khukri is associated with:

A) Assam Rifles
B) Gorkha Regiment
C) Sikh Regiment
D) Dogra Regiment

Answer → B

Quick Revision Table

TopicKey Fact
OriginAnglo-Nepal War
AgreementTripartite Agreement 1947
Regiments7 in Indian Army
WeaponKhukri
MottoBetter to die than live like a coward
Famous PVCManoj Kumar Pandey

How UPSC Can Ask Questions

  • Match the following → Regiment & Motto

  • Year of Tripartite Agreement

  • Identify weapon of Gorkhas

  • Identify famous PVC awardee

  • High-altitude warfare regiments.

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