Gorkha

Source: PIB

Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs held a tripartite meeting with Gorkha representatives and the West Bengal government to address the long-standing identity and citizenship concerns of Indian Gorkhas.

About Gorkha:

• Who are the Gorkhas?

• Gorkhas are ethnic Nepali-speaking Indians, distinct from citizens of Nepal. The term “Gorkha” refers to a martial race with a legacy rooted in bravery, especially due to their service in the British and Indian armies.

• Gorkhas are ethnic Nepali-speaking Indians, distinct from citizens of Nepal.

• The term “Gorkha” refers to a martial race with a legacy rooted in bravery, especially due to their service in the British and Indian armies.

• Historical Origins:

• Descended from Rajputs and Brahmins who migrated from India to Nepal in ancient times. The name “Gorkha” originates from Guru Gorakhnath, with the town of Gorkha in Nepal central to their historical identity. The community spread widely post the Anglo-Gorkha War (1814–16) and after the Treaty of Sugauli.

• Descended from Rajputs and Brahmins who migrated from India to Nepal in ancient times.

• The name “Gorkha” originates from Guru Gorakhnath, with the town of Gorkha in Nepal central to their historical identity.

• The community spread widely post the Anglo-Gorkha War (1814–16) and after the Treaty of Sugauli.

• Settlement Regions:

• Major settlements include Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Assam, Sikkim, Dehradun, and Northeast India. Many Gorkhas settled in India during British rule as soldiers, miners, and plantation workers.

• Major settlements include Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Assam, Sikkim, Dehradun, and Northeast India.

• Many Gorkhas settled in India during British rule as soldiers, miners, and plantation workers.

• Key Characteristics:

• Known for discipline, military service, and resilience. Socially diverse, comprising groups like Tamang, Gurung, Rai, Limbu, Magar, Chhetri, and Bahun communities. Speak Nepali, which is part of the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

• Known for discipline, military service, and resilience.

• Socially diverse, comprising groups like Tamang, Gurung, Rai, Limbu, Magar, Chhetri, and Bahun communities.

• Speak Nepali, which is part of the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

• Citizenship and Legal Status:

• Gorkhas settled before 1950 and their descendants are legal Indian citizens. Despite this, they face periodic identity crises, often being wrongly labelled as foreigners or outsiders. The Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950) between India and Nepal created confusion over nationality and rights.

• Gorkhas settled before 1950 and their descendants are legal Indian citizens.

• Despite this, they face periodic identity crises, often being wrongly labelled as foreigners or outsiders.

• The Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950) between India and Nepal created confusion over nationality and rights.