Gorkha Network
Gorkha is also spelled as Gurkha or Ghurka. Gorkhas are Nepali-speaking ethnic group, who take their name from the 8th century Hindu warrior-saint Guru Gorakhnath. Gorkha literally means cow-protector. Gorkhas are best known for their history of bravery and strength in the Indian Army's Gorkha regiments and the British Army's Brigade of Gurkhas.
Gorkhas are ethnic Nepalis who invaded what is now the Darjeeling district in 1780. Until then, the area had been ruled by the kings of Sikkim. After Indian independence, the Gorkhas became the main political force in Darjeeling and friction with the West Bengal government led to calls for a separate state of Gorkhaland. Gurkhaland is one example of secessionist movement in the Northeast.