Q. What religion do the Gurungs practice?

A majority of Gurungs of Nepal do not follow only one religion. Long ago, they believed in nature and spirits, worshipping their ancestors and local gods with the help of shamans (traditional priests). Later, many Gurungs came under the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism, so their religion today is a mix of these traditions.

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In many Gurung villages, both Buddhist lamas (monks) and shamans still perform rituals. Some Gurungs celebrate Buddhist festivals, while others also join in Hindu festivals like Dashain and Tihar. This shows that their faith is not strict or single, but a combination of different beliefs.

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In short, the Gurungs practice a blended religion of Buddhism, Hinduism, and old shaman traditions, with their spirituality strongly connected to nature, ancestors, and community life.

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Q. Do Gurungs practice endogamy or exogamy?

Traditionally, the Gurung people practice both endogamy and exogamy, depending on the context of the group or clan.

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Caste Endogamy:

Gurungs are a specific caste within Nepalese society. Traditionally, they are expected to marry within the Gurung caste, a practice known as caste endogamy.

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Clan Exogamy:

Within the Gurung caste, there are numerous subgroups or clans, including Ghotane, Lama, Ghale, and many others. Members of these clans are strictly required to marry someone from a different Gurung clan. This practice, known as clan exogamy, is a fundamental rule. Marrying within one's own clan is considered incestuous and is strictly forbidden. For example, a boy from the Ghotane clan must marry a girl from a different clan, like a Ghale or a Lamchhane.

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​While clan exogamy is still widely and strictly observed, caste endogamy is becoming less common due to increased globalization and changing social attitudes.

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Q. What are 'char jaat' and 'sorah jaat' in the Gurung social structure?

The Gurung social structure may seem somewhat complex. The Gurung community is traditionally divided into two main groups or clans: the Char Jat (Four Clans) and the Sorah Jat (Sixteen Clans). The four clans are Ghale, Ghotane, Lama, and Lamchhane. Each of these clans also has its own smaller sub-groups. The Sorah Jat, on the other hand, is a broader category that includes a larger number of Gurung clans, though not literally sixteen. Regardless of clan, every Gurung shares the same heritage and continues to live together in harmony, guided by their rich culture and age-old traditions.

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Q. Is a Ghale the same as a Gurung? Why does a Ghale not use the name 'Gurung'?

A Gurung and a Ghale belong to the same ethnic community. A Ghale is simply one of several subgroups within the Gurung ethnic group. While each subgroup has its own name, most traditionally use “Gurung” as their last name. A Ghale, however, is an exception, choosing to retain “Ghale” as the last name. Despite this distinction, a Ghale is fully recognized as part of the broader Gurung community. Other prominent subgroups, similar to a Ghale, include the Ghotane, Lama, and Lamchhane. These subgroups again have their own further divisions.

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Q. How long have the Gurungs been serving in the British and Indian armies and the Singapore Police Force?

The Gurung people have been serving in the British and Indian armies for over 200 years, a tradition that began in 1815.

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British and Indian Armies:

The military service of the Gurungs and other Nepalese ethnic groups, collectively known as the Gurkhas, began during the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816). Impressed by the Gurkhas' bravery, tenacity, and fighting skills, the British East India Company began recruiting them into its army after the war ended with the 'Treaty of Sugauli' in 1816.

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After India gained its independence in 1947, the original Gurkha regiments were divided between the British Army and the new Indian Army. Four regiments were transferred to the British, forming the Brigade of Gurkhas, while six others became a part of the Indian Army. Gurung men continue to be recruited into both forces today, upholding a tradition of distinguished service that has spanned two centuries and multiple conflicts, including both World Wars, the Falklands War, and operations in Afghanistan.

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Singapore Police Force:

The Gurungs have also been serving in the Singapore Police Force for over 75 years. The Gurkha Contingent of the Singapore Police Force has been recruiting Gurkhas from Nepal since its formation on April 9, 1949. The decision to recruit Gurkhas was driven by a need for an impartial, honest, and highly disciplined force to maintain law and order in the then multi-ethnic society in Singapore.

 

Driven by globalization, today Gurung people are serving in the armed forces of various countries around the world, including the United States, extending their legacy of military service beyond the traditional British and Indian armies.