Nilamber Chhetri
Journal of Studies in History& Culture JSHC / Paper / F-W 2016 Interrogating Gorkha as Martial Race: Category based on Discrete Identities by Nilamber Chhetri Abstract: Drawing from the review of existing literatures on Gorkhas this paper charts the historical genealogy of the Gorkha identity and its evolution from a martial race category to a social and cultural identity. The paper draws attention to the constructed nature of Gorkha identity as martial race, and highlights how this martial category subsumed many discreet ethnic groups within its fold, while providing minimal space for perpetuation of cultural differences. The paper argues that the collective nature of Gorkha identity was structured in the past through the martial thinking and is still perpetuated in the present context but in a renewed and reinvigorated form. Keywords: martial race, Gorkha, identity, army, culture, ethnic groups. ‘In my humble opinion they are by far the best soldiers in India, and if they are made participators of our renown in arms, I conceive that their gallant spirit and unadultered military habits might be relied on for fidelity; and that our good and regular pay, and noble pension establishment, would serve to counterpoise the influence of nationality especially in the Magar and Gurungs.’ Brian Houghton Hodgson (1833) JSHC | Issue 2 | Vol. 2 | Fall Winter 2016 Journal of Studies in History& Culture ‘The Gurkha, from the warlike qualities of his forefathers, and the traditions handed down to him of their military prowess as conquerors of Nepal, is imbued with and cherishes the true military spirit.’ Eden Vansittart (1896) The study of groups and communities in a post-colonial country like India poses great challenges, as the structures of group identities and boundaries underwent systematic changes within the structures of colonial governmentality.
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