Burmese Gurkhas (Burmese: ဂေါ်ရခါးလူမျိုးများ; Nepali: गोरखाली) are a group of Nepali language speaking Burmese people of Khas/Gurkha ethnic group living in 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 from Nepal.[1][2]
 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Myanmar, Yangon, Mandalay, Mogok, Pyin Oo Lwin, Taunggyi, Mandalay Division, Shan State, Kachin State | |
| Languages | |
| Burmese and Nepalese | |
| Religion | |
 Hinduism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Nepalese peoples and Indian Gorkhas |
The estimated population of Gurkha is nearly 1 million. The majority of Gurkha now reside in Yangon (Rangoon), Mandalay, Pyin U Lwin, Mogok, Tamu, Kalaymyo, Taunggyi, and other parts of the country.[3]
History and demography
Like many other people who reside in Myanmar and who have their origin in Nepal, the majority of Gurkha came along with the British administration. Many Gurkhas served during the Second World War in the Burma Campaign, especially as rear guard units for the British retreat from Burma.[3]
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.[4] This was also the soldier named Suk Bahadur Rai † that won the highest honor of Tatmadaw, The Aung San Thuriya Medal.[5]
Culture
Many of Gurkha in Myanmar practice Hinduism.A very small number of them practice Christianity and Islam.There are a few Gurkha Hindu temples in the cities around Kachin State, Shan State, Yangon and Mandalay. Gurkha form a large minority in Myitkyina, Mogok and the hill station of Pyin U Lwin (Maymyo).[6]
Language
Most Gurkha typically speak Nepali and Burmese languages.
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.[7][8]
Notable Gurkha people in Burma
- Private Aung San Thuriya Suk Bahadur Rai – No.4 Burma Regiment (4th Gurkha) Myanmar Army.[9] – recipient of the Aung San Thuriya award, the highest gallantry award in Myanmar.[10]
- Suk Bahadur (Burmese: ဗဟာဒူး) is a Burmese footballer who served as the captain of Myanmar national football team (1952–1970). He is considered the greatest Burmese footballer that ever lived for the tremendous success he brought to country's football. He's also a major in Myanmar Army[11]
- Corporal Thiha Thura Man Bahadur Thapa – No.4 Burma Regiment (4th Gurkha) Myanmar Army
- Lt. Colonel Zeya Kyawhtin Thura Lachhuman Rai – No.4 Burma Regiment (4th Gurkha), Myanmar Army
- Colonel Zeya Kyawhtin Tanka Dhoj – Director General of Hotel and Tourism Department under Ne Win's government
- Lt. Colonel Raj Bahadhur Lama – (A 1) Eastern Command , Myanmar Army
- Major Zeyakyawhtin Bhagiman Subba – No.4 Burma Regiment (4th Gurkha), Myanmar Army
- Assistant Director Arun Kumar – Internal Revenue Department, Ministry of Finance, Union of Myanmar
- Professor of Chemistry Attar Singh Chettry (M.Sc.), Mandalay University, Myanmar
- Gannes Basnet (Advocate ) first Gurkha Candidate for Myanmar Parliament
- Cherry Myae Maung Tin Tun (Writer)
- Nyein Thazin (Taekwando) two gold, three silver and two bronze medals
- Nanda Soe Maha Nandar Gyawali Kick boxer
- Nandar Gyawali, Podcaster, human rights activist and feminist activist
References
Further reading
- May Myo Chit Swe, "Myanmar Pyi Phwar Gurkha", 2000 November (in Burmese).
- Scott of The Shan Hills, Edited by G. E. Mitton (Lady Scott)
- Report of Frontier Areas Committee of Enquiry, Part 2,1947
- Burma Gazetteer,28.6.1948
- Ruby Mines District Gazetteer
- New Times of Burma,7.6.1948
- New Times of Burma,10.6.1948
- The Hundred Days of Burma, Lt.MACHOTON