The Gorkha Rifles, who have made a name for themselves across the globe with their exemplary courage and bravery, will complete 200 years of soldiering tomorrow, a feat that would be celebrated not only in India but also in the UK.
The history of the First Gorkha Rifles is a fascinating account of the campaigns and battles fought across three continents since its raising in 1815.
During the early eighteenth century, the Gorkhas from Nepal had extended their empire into Kumaon, Garhwal and Kangra Hills. This led to a confrontation with the British East India Company, resulting in the Gorkha War of 1815.
Impressed by the fighting qualities of the Gorkhas, the East India Company offered to raise a Gorkha Regiment from the remnants of General Amar Singh Thapa's army after the treaty of Sigauli.
Thus, the First Nusseree (meaning friendly or loyal) Battalion came into being on April 24, 1815 at Subathu in Shimla Hills, the present home of the 14 Gorkha Training Centre, Army officers said.
The 1/1 GR had a composition of 70 per cent Nepal domiciled Gorkhas and 30 per cent Indian domiciled Gorkhas.
The Third Gorkha Rifles was raised on April 24, 1815 at Hawalbagh near Almora by Lt Sir Robert Colquhuon.
Since its raising, the Regiment has undergone a number of changes in its titles, the present being Third Gorkha Rifles.
The war cry of the Battalion is "Aayo Gorkhali".
There are roughly around 30,000 Nepalese Gorkhas currently serving in the Indian Army's seven Gorkha Rifles or regiments (Ist, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, and 11th), each of which has five to six battalions (around 600 fighting soldiers each).
