Ayo Gorkhali by Tim I. Gurung

Ayo Gorkhali: The True Story of the Gurkhas by Tim I. Gurung
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The book started off with a lot of promise, intending to demystify the aura around the valiant Gurkhas. The questions remain answered to a large extent. Is it Gorkha or Gurkha? The author attributes the bravery of this rugged Himalayan community to strong filial ties and loyalty to the employer and a change of profession from farming to fighting; but then this is valid for any agricultural rural community – Sikhs, Jats etc.
There is no explanation about the religious choices the Gurkhas made – were they converted to Christianity on their own volition or offered inducements, like UK citizenship?
The mystique of the famed khukri remains a mystery; there is no explanation about the stylish slanting hats the Gurkha Regiment adopted; not a word about the potent drink rakshi.
Battle engagements could have been included at the end in an appendix - just a litany of numbers and places. In any case, there is a lot of repetition. What comes across clearly – and repeatedly – is the exploitation of the Gurkhas by Britain and Nepal.
The trivia at the end was the best part but sadly, rather brief.

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