Re: [Leica] Gurkhas & khukuris - off topic.

[Ian Stanley <ian@mos.com.np>]

At 09:33 PM 99-01-20 -0800, you wrote:
>Hi James,
>
>it's my understanding that the Ghurka's of India, incredible soldiers, you
>really want then on your side in a fight.  Always draw blood when they take
>their knives from the scabard, even if they nick themselves on the hand or
>wherever to draw blood on the blade.
>I beleive it has something to do with their religion and ancient customs.
>ted
>
Hello Ted and greetings all,

	Sorry Ted, but the Gurkha regiments are from Nepal not India and the story
about the blood is one of many tall tales told of them.  The knives are
called khukuri and are used by farmers, guards, regular military and just
about anyone else who chooses to.  There are thousands of them for sale on
the streets of Kathmandu and every customers is assured that the knife is a
genuine Gurkha khukuri.  If this were actually the case not a single member
of the various regiments would have any knives left at all.  The name
Gurkha was originally Gorhka after the soldiers from the Bahun, Thakuris,
Chhetris, Magars and Gurungs - this was later changed to Gurkha and applied
to all Nepalese soldiers no matter where they were recruited from or what
group they belonged to.  The Gurkhas are going through some tough times of
late as less countries are maintaining the regiments.  For a long time one
of the main sources of income for Nepal was regular pay and pensions from
the Gurkhas.  Quite a few of the folks I know here are ex Gurkha and have
some very interesting tales to tell.  As usual though many of the stories
told about the various deeds are in fact based on myth.  Despite all of
this they have fought in many wars and distinguished themselves admirably
for the most part.

	Most of this war stuff I don't understand anyway though as fighting for
peace to me seems to make as much sense as fornicating for virginity.  To
keep this ever so slightly on topic I have photographed Gurkhas with a
Leica and lived to tell the tale.

	I am just emerging from many days in the darkroom - I have finally
finished processing film from my trip out and have started on some print
making.  Unfortunately I am almost completely out of chemicals now so the
printing will have to wait until we are set up in Bangkok.  I still have a
good stock of Velvia and the spring wheat, rice and mustard should be out
soon so I'll spend the rest of my time here cruising for snaps.

Ian Stanley,

Kathmandu, Nepal