Gorkha

Gorkha

The Gurkhas (Nepali : गोर्खा) ( /ˈɡɜrkə/ or /ˈɡʊərkə/) are military units in the British or the Indian army (Gorkhas) enlisted in Nepal. Although they meet many of the requirements of Article 47 of Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions defining mercenaries, they are exempt under clauses 47(a)(c)(d)(e)&(f), as is the French Foreign Legion.

Gurkha units are closely associated with the khukuri, a forward-curving Nepalese knife. Former Chief of Staff of the Indian Army, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, once famously said about Gurkhas: "If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha."

Read more about Gorkha:  Background, British East India Company Army, British Indian Army (c. 1857–1947), Regiments of The Gurkha Rifles (c.1815–1947), Post-independence (1947–present)