Gurkha units are closely associated with the khukuri, a forward-curving Nepalese knife. Former Chief of Staff of the Indian Army, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, once famously said^[2] about Gurkhas: "If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha."
              In the Gurkha War (1814–1816) between the Kingdom of Gorkha (Nepal) and the British East India Company the British were impressed by the Gorkhali soldiers which they called Gurkhas.^[3] Their war cry was and is to this very day: Jaya Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali (Glory to Great Kali, Gorkhas approach)! In the Peace Treaty it was agreed that Gorkhalis could be recruited to serve under contract in the East India Company's army.

Until this very day recruitement is mainly from Nepali hill tribes such as the Magar, Gurung, Tamang, Rai and Limbu^[4] though original Gurkhali soldiers were comprised mainly of Rai, Gurung, Magar and Limbu ehtnics. Gurkhas were thought to be a martial race because they were considered to be naturally warlike and aggressive in battle to possess qualities of courage, loyalty, self sufficiency, physical strength, resilience, orderliness, to be able to work hard for long periods of time and to fight with tenacity and military strength.^[5]

Professor Sir Ralph Lilley Turner, MC, who served with the 3rd Queen Alexandra's Own Gurkha Rifles in the First World War, wrote of Gurkhas:

As I write these last words, my thoughts return to you who were my comrades, the stubborn and indomitable peasants of Nepal. Once more I hear the laughter with which you greeted every hardship. Once more I see you in your bivouacs or about your fires, on forced march or in the trenches, now shivering with wet and cold, now scorched by a pitiless and burning sun. Uncomplaining you endure hunger and thirst and wounds; and at the last your unwavering lines disappear into the smoke and wrath of battle. Bravest of the brave most generous of the generous, never had country more faithful friends than you.

       There have been twenty-six Victoria Crosses awarded to members of the Gurkha regiments. The first was awarded in 1858 and the last in 1965. Thirteen of the recipients have been British officers serving with Gurkha regiments, although since 1915 the majority have been received by Gurkhas serving in the ranks as private soldiers or as NCOs.In addition, since Indian independence in 1947, Gurkhas serving in the Indian Army have also been awarded three Param Vir Chakras, which are roughly equivalent.

Of note also, there have been two George Cross medals awarded to Gurkha soldiers, for acts of bravery in situations that have not involved combat.