Burmese Gurkha


Burmese Gurkhas are a group of Nepali language speaking Burmese people of Gurkha ethnic group living in 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 from Nepal.
The estimated population of Gurkha is approximately 310000.The majority of Gurkha now reside in Yangon, Mandalay, Pyin U Lwin, Mogok, Tamu, Kalaymyo, Mandalay Division, Kachin State, Chin State and Shan State.

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
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.

Culture

Many Gurkha in Myanmar practice Hinduism and Buddhism. There are a few Gurkha Buddhist and 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.

Language

Most Gurkha typically speak Nepali and Burmese languages. Those with higher education also speak English.

Education

The Gurkha place high importance on education, and they represent a disproportionately high share of those with advanced degrees in Burma.

Notable Gurkha people in Burma