Burmese Gurkha

Gurkha People

Regions with significant populations
Myanmar, Yangon, Mandalay, Mandalay Division, Shan State, Kachin State
Languages
Burmese, Gurkhali
Religion
Hinduism, Buddhism

Gurkha People (Burmese:ဂေါ်ရခါးလူမျိုး) are a group of people of Gurkha ethnic origin living in the Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar (formerly Burma). While the Gurkhas have lived in Burma for many centuries, it was during the British rule in Burma that the majority of the Gurkha migrated to Burma.

The majority of Gurkha now reside in Yangon (Rangoon), Mandalay, Pyin U Lwin, Mogok, Mandalay Division, Kachin State and Shan State.

History and demography

Like many other people who reside in Myanmar and who have their origin in the Indian subcontinent, the majority of Gurkha came along with the British administration. Many Gurkhas served during the Second World War in the Burma Campaign, especially especially as rear guard units for the British retreat from Burma.

After Burma's independence in 1948, the Gurkhas joined the infant Burma Army. Many Gurkhas served in the new republic's various campaigns against ethnic insurgents and the Kuomintang invasions. The Gurkha were considered key assets of the Burmese Army in the 1950s.

Culture

Many Gurkha in Myanmar practice Hinduism and Buddhism. There are a few Gurkha Buddhist and Hindu temples in the cities of Yangon and Mandalay. Gurkha form a large minority in the hill station of Pyin U Lwin. Gurkhas still serve in all branches of the modern Myanmar Armed Forces.

Language

Most Gurkha typically speak Burmese as their mother tongue. Those with higher education also speak Gurkhali and English.

Education

The Gurkha place high importance on education, and they represent a disproportionately high share of those with advanced (medical, engineering or doctorate) degrees in Burma. - recipient of the Aung San Thuriya award, the highest award in the Myanmar army

• Corporal Thiha Thura Man Bahadur Thapa - No.4 Infantry Battalion (4th Gurkha) Myanmar Army
• Lt. Colonel Zeya Kyawhtin Thura Lachhuman Rai- No.4 Infantry Battalion (4th Gurkha), Myanmar Army
• Colonel Zeya Kyawhtin Tanka Dhoj -Director General of Hotel and Tourism Department under Ne Win's government
• Major Zeyakyawhtin Bhagiman Subba - No.4 Infantry Battalion (4th Gurkha), Myanmar Army
• Professor of Chemistry Attar Singh Chettry (M.Sc.), Mandalay University, Myanmar
• Laxminarai (Cherry Myae Maung Tin Tun) (Writer)
• Nyein Thazin (Taekwando) two gold, three silver and two bronze medals
• Ms. Lily Limbu (UN Second Secretory of Burma)
• Ms. Batty Limbu (ILBC school of Head Officer)

Further reading

• May Myo Chit Swe, "Myanmar Pyi Phwar Gurkha", 2000 November (in Burmese).

External links

• Nanda NayUparnay Dhammasala