Who Are the Gurung?
The Gurung (Tamu) are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group of the Gandaki region in central Nepal, numbering approximately 700,000-800,000. They speak Gurung (Tamu Kyui), a Tibeto-Burman language with several dialects. The Gurung inhabit the mid-hills and slopes of the Annapurna Himalaya, centered around the Gandaki Zone. They are famous as one of the "martial races" recruited into British and Indian Gurkha regiments, a tradition dating to the 19th century. Gurung religion blends Buddhism, Hinduism, and indigenous shamanic practices. Their homeland is now a major trekking destination, with the Annapurna Circuit passing through Gurung villages.
Gurkha Military Tradition
The Gurung are one of the principal ethnic groups recruited into Gurkha regiments—elite soldiers renowned for bravery and skill. British recruitment of Gurkhas began after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816), when the British were impressed by their fierce resistance. Gurung men have served in the British Indian Army, the post-independence Indian and British armies, and the Nepalese Army. The khukuri knife and the battle cry "Ayo Gorkhali!" ("The Gurkhas are coming!") symbolize this tradition. Military service has brought income and prestige; pensions from foreign armies support many Gurung villages. This military identity coexists with pastoral and agricultural traditions.
Religious Syncretism
Gurung religion blends multiple traditions. Buddhist monasteries dot the landscape, particularly in higher villages; lamas perform rituals at important life events. Hindu temples and Brahmin priests are also present, especially in lower villages. Underlying both is the indigenous shamanic tradition—poju (shamans) communicate with spirits, heal illness, and guide souls of the deceased. Death rituals (pae or arghaun) are elaborate multi-day ceremonies combining elements from all traditions. This religious layering reflects the Gurung position between Hindu-Nepali lowlands and Buddhist highlands, creating a distinctive syncretic practice.
Contemporary Gurung
Modern Gurung have become prominent in Nepal's national life—politicians, professionals, and artists from Gurung backgrounds contribute to Nepali society. Tourism has transformed the Annapurna region, with Gurung villages providing lodges, guides, and services for trekkers. Foreign military pensions provide substantial income. However, younger Gurung increasingly migrate to Kathmandu, India, and the Gulf for employment. The Gurung language faces pressure from Nepali. How the Gurung balance military tradition, tourism development, and cultural preservation while adapting to Nepal's changing political landscape shapes their future.
References
- Pettigrew, J. (2003). Maoists at the Hearth: Everyday Life in Nepal's Civil War
- McHugh, E. (2001). Love and Honor in the Himalayas: Coming to Know Another Culture
- Pignède, B. (1966). Les Gurungs, une population himalayenne du Népal