Gorkha Identity Through History: Narratives Of Courage,Resistance, And Change

Abstract

A diverse, multifaceted, and dynamic social and political entity, the Gorkha identity is sometimes reduced to the stereotypical “martial race” From Nepal’s unification in the 18th century to the current South Asian geopolitical situation in Darjeeling and northeastern India, this book captures its historical backdrop. It traces the development of Gorkhas as significant geopolitical actors and their subsequent marginalisation as subjects and political activists, challenging imperial valorisation and subaltern resistance as binary narratives. The study challenges the static colonial image, arguing that Gorkha identity is dynamic and dependent on location, politics, and history. Historically, the warrior image of the Gorkhas, forged through recruitment practices inherited through British colonial rule, hid their different social, political, and cultural roles. The picture was global, but knowledge in Gorkha was restricted. The qualitative historical methods are used in the study of major historical events such as the unification of Nepal, colonial army recruitment, migration, anti-colonial movement, and modern political movements. Results indicate that Gorkha identity is not only military service; it includes social flexibility, political action, and cultural transformation. Hence, the study brings together the history of the Gorkhas with its study of identities to contribute to discussions related to ethnicity, nationalism, and belonging studies in South Asia, which is far away from colonial studies.