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Burmese Gurkha

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Burmese Gurkha
Regions with significant populations
Myanmar, Yangon, Mandalay, Mandalay Division, Shan State, Kachin State
Languages
Burmese, Gurkhali
Religion
Hinduism, Buddhism

Burmese Gurkha (ေဂၚရခါး) are a group of people of Gurkha origin living in the Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar. 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 to Burma.

The majority of Gurkha now reside in Yangon (Rangoon), Mandalay, Pyin U Lwin, Mandalay Division, Kachin State and Shan State.

History and Demography

Like many people who now reside in Myanmar who are of origin from the Indian subcontinent, the majority of Gurkhas came along with the British administration. Many Gurkhas served during the Second World War in the Burma Campaign, especially especially as rear guard units for the British retreat from Burma.

After Burma's independence in 1948, the Gurkhas also joined up in the infant Burma Army. Many Gurkhas served with great distinction in the new Republic's various campaigns against ethnic insurgents and the Kuomintang invasions.

The Burmese Gurkha were considered key assets of the Burmese Army in the 1950s.

Culture

Many Gurkhas in Myanmar practice Hinduism and Buddhism. There are a few Gurkha Buddhist and Hindu temples in the key cities of Yangon and Mandalay. Gurkhas form a large minority in the hill station of Pyin U Lwin. Gurkhas still serve in all branches of the modern Myanmar Armed Forces, although their brave contributions have faded from public memory.

Language

Most Burmese Gurkha typically speak Burmese as their mother tongue. Those with higher education also speak Gurkhali and English.

Education

The Burmese Gurkha place a high importance on education, and represent a disproportionately high share of those with advanced (medical, engineering or doctorate) degrees in Burma.

Notable Burmese Gurkha

See also

References

  1. ^ Defence Museum,Yangon

Further reading

  • May Myo Chit Swe,"Myanmar Pyi Phwar Gurkha",Printed at 2000,November,(In Burmese)
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