A exploration of the Kukri in 18th century Nepali history;

through the work of Col. William Kirkpatrick,

“An Account of the Kingdom of Nepaul, Being the Substance of Observations Made During a
Mission to that Country, in the Year 1793,”
London, W. Miller, 1811.

By:
Viking K Kunwor, 2012 ©.

Part I – The Kukri.

“The kukri is at the very heart of the tradition and culture of Nepal, and, as a very good friend or deadly foe, it mirrors
the duality of human nature and the nature of mankind.”
-Bob Crew, Gurkhas at War, 2004.

The focus of this article is firstly to examine some aspects of the Kukri in relation to Col. Kirkpatrick´s mission to
Nepal (Nepaul) in 1793. In doing this I´ll attempt to place it in a historical context and briefly discuss the Kukris
meaning in Nepal. Using original observations made by Col. Kirkpatrick during his journey to Nepal regarding the
Kukri is the base for further exploration. Any quotes or images unless further information is given is taken from his
work published in 1811.
His illustration, on page 118/119 (as shown below in reduced size), of the Kukri (Khookeri) and
Kora (Kohara) is the very first illustration of a Kukri knife and some of the weapons used by the hill-men of Nepal we
have record of, published in 1811. It is through Col. Kirkpatrick´s work that the Kukri could for the first time in history
be seen in a book and would thus allow the British public and of course the World at large to gain knowledge about it.

To achieve desired purpose of this article it is important to examine the Kukri depicted in his work and also to explore
some of the events during the time he visited Nepal. Part I will largely only deal with the subject of the Kukri and
information relating to gaining a wider understanding of this knife par excellence in the time of Col. Kirkpatricks visit.

as shown in Col. Kirkpatricks book, page 118/119.

A most beautiful Kukri & Kora is shown to the world for the first time in a published book. As you may notice the word
“Kohara” is used instead of “Khorda”, the latter is more similar to the Nepali word itself and often also written
“Kora”. Similarly “Khookeri” is used based on the Nepali word “Khukhuri” but I have in this article chosen to use the
word “Kukri” and “Kora” as these two are more widely used terms among collectors & researchers. Nepali is a
language written in the Deva-nagri script and can create differences of transliteration possibilities when done out of a
standardized system. At the time of Col. Kirkpatrick such a system was not available so he was left to use his own way
to write down the Nepali words and terms he heard.

Certainly the Kukri and other traditional weapons of the Himalayas were less seen on the Indian plains, south of the
Nepal highlands, would have been of interest and why some are mentioned and depicted. Col. Kirkpatrick was a
military man and certainly shared a interest in the cultures and military traditions of the East but also as a first
Englishman (and for that sake a European) to visit the newly established Shah dynasty´s Gorkhali Courts summer
residence at Nuwakot he wrote down many of his observations. One of these observations include a stop made 23 rd
February 1793, at Cheesapany Fort in Nepal, he writes “their arms consist of matchlocks, broad-swords, bows, and
arrows, and their class is determined by the number of Kohras, or swords, which they muster (p.55).” It must have been
a rather fascinating visit to the Fort and in comparison to what he was used to in India a large difference between the
Nepali hill forts and those of the Indian plains. The Kukri is mentioned more as a tool similar to the machete by
mentioning “it is in felling small trees or shrubs, and lopping the branches of others for this purpose, that the dagger,
or knife worn by every Nepaulian, called Khookheri, is cheifly employed; it is also of very great use, as I repeatedly
experienced, in clearing away the road when obstructed by the low hanging boughs of trees, and other similar
impediments. (p.118)”. It would have been a common sight to see some of these weapons, it still is and specially so the
Kukri that has become the National weapon of Nepal.

The Kora is more of a weapon similar to the sword and somewhat limited in its use to the military traditions and
religious affairs (nowadays and for that sake in 1793), and would have been found mainly in the military which Capt.
Kirkpatrick observed as noted. Yet of our immediate interest here is that he mentions that the Kukri is carried by every
Nepali, indicating he would have seen quite a lot of Kukri knifes over his seven week journey. He was well liked by the
Nepali Envoy and would have in the course of making the journey up to Nuwakot been able to closely interact with
various members of this party allowing him to closer inspect and study the Kukri if he so wished. The Nepali Envoy
consisted of among others porters, soldiers of the Royal Guards, higher Officers of the military, a provincial Governor,
Ministers, the Kings half brother and other close relatives. A variety of Kukris would have been seen, from the people
he meet when travelling through the hills, making camp close to villages, those of the Royal Nepali Envoy and of the
Royal Court itself. The use of the word “every” can perhaps be somewhat misleading and in my thinking this would
mean the majority of adult men, a tradition that continued well into the 21st century.

Gorkhali soldiers and chiefs 1815.

Ali Khan Ghulam, 1815, displayed at The Gurkha Museum, Winchester, UK.
As seen each person carries a Kukri in their front, the traditional way. Tulwar and rifle is also seen.
Most likely the artist based the illustration on contemporary people (soldiers) he saw from Nepal in ca 1815.
These weapons, the Kukri and Kora, Col. Kirkpatrick illustrated belonged to person of high rank, probably a Noble or
Royal attached to the Nepal palace. This conclusion is based on two reasons:

1. The overall design and specially the fine artwork on both scabbards and handles, specially the detailed metal work on
the Kukri scabbard (could be silver or gold thread embroidery as it this is also found) and on the handle of the Kora.
Unlike the Kora the Kukri is only shown in scabbard and we will have to leave how the Kukri looks like to imagination.

2.The majority of the native people Col. Kirkpatrick interacted with would have been those of the Royal Nepali
delegation that met his envoy in India and those attached to the Court (of Nepal) once he reached location. This would
then mean in majority those belonging to the Nobility or Royal family.

He witnessed the Kukri and Kora with his own eyes and must have drawn his attention and interest as its depicted and
mentioned in his book. If it was from personal fascination, the usefulness of information about these weapons to the
Honourable (British) East India Company (henceforth E.I.C will be used) or something else we can only speculate
about. The information of his observations contained and highlighted matters that would be of interest to the E.I.C
firstly and it must then be valid that Col. Kirkpatrick found it fit to show the Kukri and Kora to them and latter to the
World. Of interest to note is that in his over 30 years on the Indian subcontinent he only published one book, towards
the end of his life, about Nepal, which concludes me to believe the journey he made in 1793 had a strong impact on
him.

The Kothimora Kukri.

The type of Kukri shown in the illustration is called “Kothimora” from the Nepali words “Kothi” meaning “Chape,” a
mounted part and/or tip of the scabbard, and “Mora” meaning “Mould / Mold”, thus the words combined directly
translated would mean “Chape Mould”, a scabbard with a mounting and/or tip that has been moulded1. Before
continuing we must recognize that there is no set official standard for the classification of all Kukris but have been
loosely agreed on mainly among collectors and other passionate people, thus if I step on some toes my apologies. These
attempts of “labelling” the Kothimora Kukri is not a set standard that is commonly recognized, there is no such rules
that are set, its always through research, comparison and discussion we find what it may be. It is only recently, in the
past 5 years that 20th Century British Military Kukris have been classified and agreed by most collectors and scholars 2.
In Ron Flook´s “British and Commonwealth Military Knifes” which is a informative work on Kukris, is largely limited
to the markings, basic character and some of the history and use of various military models found mainly in the 20 th
century. He does not label or categorize them into models. Neither does Philip S. Rawson in “The Indian Sword” which
otherwise deals with the history of weaponry in Nepal and some of the weapons used. The Kothimora Kukri fall under a
different category and difficult to standardize or label and thus may I be wrong in some of my findings but have done
the best I could.

The general observations from my studies confirm that most Kothimora Kukris complete with scabbard has a moulded
chape. I call this for the Classical Kothimora, even though it comes in several models/styles, it has the classical feature
of the moulded chape that is in accordance with the words meaning. The scabbard has a top portion by the mouth of the
scabbard and a bottom piece and inbetween the scabbard is shown undecorated, only seeing its leather, skin, velvet,
wood or what material it may be. Historically it is perhaps the most commonly found among Kothimoras. The material
used for the moulded chape can vary, often it is in silver though there is a variety of options including gold. The chape
is often finely engraved with symbols or intricate patterns. The scabbard under the chape is usually in leather, animal
skin or velvet that covers the traditional wooden base, similar to both village and military kukris that most often is
found in leather covered wood scabbard.

There is also scabbards that come without a moulded chape and have instead been either decorated directly to the
wooden scabbard with engravings or the use of stones, corals, other semi precious, metals or precious stones. The
question then remains if it actually can be called a Kothimora at all. Surely there will be different meanings about this
among collectors. I suggest it could be called a Hybrid Kothimora as its scabbard is (highly) decorated and different
then the military or village scabbard, usually found in plain leather covered wood. There has been something done to
the scabbard that in several ways has similarities to the Kothimora but no chape that has been moulded. It is thus not
true to the literal meaning of Kothimora as but has some similarities. Most simply it is in one or another way decorated,
a eye catcher and possibly some used in the same manner as a Classical Kothimora. The Kukri in itself may be more
similar to the non-Kothimora models or not, and the combination of these factors regarding the Kukri itself and the

1 The idea has been suggested by among others Saroj T Lama, a Kukri researcher and supplier based in Nepal.
2 See the must read article by JRS “Spiral” titled “20th Century British Military Gurkha Issue Kukri -09” found in:
www.ikrhs.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=479 or
www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?77657-The-20th-Century-British-Military-Pattern-Gurkha-Issue-Kukri .
scabbard makes it a alteration and thus a hybrid.

Images of The Classical Kothimora:

Top left side:Two ca. early 19th century Classical Kotimoras.

Image from: www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/
910000-What-exactly-is-a-Hanshe

Top right side: first half 20th Century Classical Kothimora.

Bottom right side: Mid 20th Century Classical Kothimora.

As noted all four have the moulded chape and a space inbetween
showing the material of the scabbard.

The Hybrid Kothimora:

Top left: Wooden scabbard with highly decorated carvings, Classical Kothimora style Kukri, but combination and lack of proper moulded chape to the
scabbard makes it a Hybrid Kothimora.
Image from: Oriental Arms, As found in: www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?88102-Old-Military
Top right: Fully covered (perhaps mounted) scabbard, but no seperation of chape`s top and bottom as found in the Classical.
Image from: www.ramanon.com/forum/showthread.php?67262-Kukri-Knife-Help
Bottom left: Cloth (probably velvet) coverd scabbard with regimental decoration and insignia. No properly moulded chape (specially top), not
standard issue military nor villager but most likely for presentation/as a gift, and scabbard is decorated thus considered Kothimora. Would
according to the divisions earlier here suggested be a Hybrid Kothimora due to the mix.
Image from: Gurkha Museum, Winchester, UK by “Spiraltwista” as found in: http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?
91094-indian-army-nepal-army-kukris
Bottom right: Fully mounted scabbard covering the original leather covered wooden scabbard, no seperation of the chape as found in the Classical.
Image from: George Kidner, UK

I have not been able to find a standard pattern of the design nor of the motives used at a given date but several
variations that have changed throughout time. Many different variations have been used, some being more similar
others more different but the creativity, skills, cultural heritage of the region and even the intended owners Official
affiliation is commonly seen. Traditionally the Kothimora is made of higher quality materials; from the metal for the
blade, the material for the handle which often is found in wood, metal, buffalo horn, ivory and rhino horn and lastly the
scabbard itself will differ. It can on a general basis be concluded that the Kothimora Kukri often can be placed in the
Crème de la Crème of Kukris from a specific given time, at least until quite recently.

Most Kukris are not Kothimoras but rather have a wood and leather covered scabbard without the molded chape. The
Kothimora Kukri is often found in relation to a Office, Rank, Regiment or Title of either the person carrying it or from
whom the person received it from. The main difference between the traditional village, military issue and the Kothimora
Kukri is its overall appearance & quality, and particularly the materials used for it. A village Kukri has its main function
as a multi tool that can be used for a variety of purposes around the village or home, from chopping wood to general
protection. Military issue, are generally well made among other reasons due to its use in times of war or conflict and
often in the 20th century officially inspected and approved. The Kothimora as earlier explained is different and easily
seen as it is different then both the military issue and villager. The first and major difference is the scabbard, due to its
decoration on the scabbard not otherwise found in the military or village Kukri usually. The Kukri knife itself is to the
trained eye also different due to the materials used for the blade and handle (hilt). Though it is possible to find some of
the Official 20th Century Standard pattern Kukri blades on ivory handles and not only in wood or horn as it would be
originally issued. These are often believed to be Officers Kukris or for “Mess” use.
Even here its somewhat vague but a educated collector will be able to differentiate between possible models yet it is to
be expected some bumps on the road, we are all still learning.

The Classical Kothimora can be divided into following categories based on the Kukri itself and the Scabbard , specially
the moulded chape will cast some light:

Official; carries the mark of a Official institution, i.e. Regiment Insignia, Government symbol, Coat of Arms or alike.
The Regimental Kothimora falls under this category as it carries the Regimental insignia.

Religious; main motive is of a religious nature/tradition, i.e. a Hindu god, some of the eight Auspicious symbols of
Tibetan Buddhism or a Shamanistic element/image.

Decorative; no motive of any image and usually floral or other detailed beautiful patterns, can be civilian, military or
official in origin. The Kukri as shown by Col. Kirkpatrick would fall into this category.

The Kothimora is also a common gift and it can be speculated if Capt. Kirkpatrick received a Kukri or not. Kukris of
the Kothimora style have been carried by most of the Kings of Nepal at least since the 18 th century, many Officers of the
British, Indian and Nepali Army as well and other important figures in the course of history, or been given as gifts to, or
from them. But Kothimoras are not limited to the military but have been used by civilians of high social rank also.

Images of various current political parties in Nepal, of interest is that ca. 10% of the listed parties use some form of a traditional weapon in their
election symbol.
Images from: http://www.election.gov.np/EN/legal/list.php
 Variations of the Kothimora Kukri (left image);
Differences in Scabbard, Blade and Handle.
From left to right:
A. Decorative with floral pattern mould in
silver, black leather on scabbard, Walnut wood
handle with carving, Sirupate blade.
B. Decorative with floral pattern mould in
silver with copper/brass inlay, red velvet on
scabbard, green horn handle, 2 chirra blade.
C. Official with old Nepali Coat of Arms in
silver and copper/brass, black horn handle,
Bhojpure blade.
D. Religious with motive of Krishna, Box
scabbard with silver work on black velvet,
white bone / Ivory handle, 4 chirra blade.

Image from collection of V.K. Kunwor.

Variations of the Kothimora Kukri ( right ):

Listed top to bottom:

1. ca. 1920 – 1930´s. India / Nepal.

2. ca. 1905 – 1945. Nepal.

Given as gifts to foreign dignitaries and
carried by several top Nepali government
and military officials.

3. 1933. Sikkim.
Inscribed in front, in between chapes
“Presented by High School
Gangtok 22.5.33”

4. 1931. Possibly N.E. India /Darjeeling.

Inscribed on back of top chape “Presented
by Gurkha Officers TCBG Bde of Gurkhas
1931.”
Image from collection of V.K. Kunwor.

Until 1811 the Kukri was rather unknown outside Nepal, the furthest would be in the neighbouring areas and would
have been carried by the Gorkahlis in their expansion to Tibet (1788-1792) and east towards Gharwal and Kumaon
(1790-1816)3. Thus in the time of Col. Kirkpatrick it would have been able to find the Kukri in a small extent in Tibet
and the Indian states bordering Nepal to the east and west, largely among the Gorkhalis who had pushed their borders
to range between the Sutlej river in the west to the Teesta river in the east. In its heyday of the early 19 th Century the
Gorkhali empire stretched from Kashmir and Punjab to Bhutan, covering a large part of the Himalayas. The Kukri
seems for some reasons to have been a weapon that remained in the hills among the various groups residing there,
perhaps because of the geography that differs from the Indian plains and Tibetan plateau and also Nepals relative
isolation from the events that shaped much of the history of India and Tibet.

The Kukri and Kora is found in villages and cities, among Farmers, in the Military and among the Nobility, Royalty &
Maharajahs of Nepal, from the west to the east, from the south to the north of Nepal. It differs in design accordance to
its intended main purpose, geographical location, the skills of the blacksmith and time of production
3 With the word “Gorkhali” originally means from Gorkha, due to the conquests of King Prithwi Narayan Shah in the mid 18th Century who unified
the country it came to mean the People, Military, Government, and State from Nepal. Until the mid 20th Century mostly the word Gorkhali was
used over Nepal / Nepali / Nepalese. The word Gurkha is a later creation and usually refers to the soldiers and regiments drawn from Nepal from
the early 19th Century. It is discussed in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurkha , which also briefly mentions some of the different variations. I use
the following terms; Gorkhali to mean as above explained. Gurkha the British Army Brigade of Gurkhas and with Gorkha either the town itself or
the Indian Army Gorkha Regiments. If Gurkha/Gorkha is used it means pre 1947 when the British Indian Army existed and variations of Gurkha,
Gorkha, Goorkhas were used. Post 1947 these regiments divided between Britain and India.
 The meaning of the Kukri in Nepal.

Two different “Mohar” coins from the late 18th Century with sword (khadka) and trident on each side.
Left: From reign of Prithwi Narayan Shah, ca 1760-1775. Right: From reign of Jaya Vishnu Malla, ca 1722 – 29.
http://explow.com/prithvi_narayan www.hubert-herald.nl/Nepal.htm
Similar coins are still used in Nepal, almost 300 years later and the Kukri has also been used.
We shall now go a little bit away from Col. Kirkpatrick but only for the purpose of gaining a better understanding of the
Kukri in Nepal. Both the Kukri and Kora fill a important space in the traditional weapons of Nepal and can be a reason
why they are found illustrated in Col. Kirkpatricks work. Using the Coat of Arms, Coins, Stamps and Royal seals we
will here see how the Kukri and other traditional weapons have since before the Gorkhali conquest of Kathmandu in
1768 been used which then also tells us a little bit more about the importance of these and some of the traditional
weapons and its symbolic significance to the nation.

In the religious sphere the Kukri importance must be recognized as its widely used in religious ceremonies, among
others its key role as a sacrificial weapon during the Hindu Durga puja (Dashain) festival but also its symbolism and for
example being used traditionally in marriage ceremonies among various ethnic groups of Nepal. In the Shamanistic
traditions of the hills the Kukri is of vital importance in several rituals. In many family shrines and temples (old) kukris
and traditional weapons can be found and are daily included in the worship of the gods, honouring and invoking the
spirits of the forefathers. To most Nepalis the Kukri is a important link to their culture, family history, heritage and
strongly identified with (though times are changing). When someone in the family is leaving for a longer journey a
Kukri is placed either on top of the main door or by its side, allowing the person to cross the Kukris “sphere” and thus
removing any obstacles on the way, both practical and spiritual and thus ensuring a safe journey for the traveller. More
then a weapon or object the Kukri is a symbol that partly represents themselves and the nation.

Royal seals / Lal Mohur.

Ca. 1820. Ca. 1848. Ca.1916.

King Rajendra Bikram Shah. King Surrendra Bikram Shah. King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah.
www.bilder-aus-nepal.de/Pages/Geschichte/Siegel-Rajendra.html
(1848) http://banknotes.nepalexpo.com/gallery/album/Stamps/1848_shortest_Lal_mohar_doc.jpg.html
(1916) www.ebay.com.sg/itm/Nepal-1916-7-Royal-document-red-Zodiac-Royal-Seal-/330422102437
(all photos have been edited by author to fit and focus on the seals)

Please note the use of the Khadka sword (similar to the Khanda) in all three Lal Mohurs and also in the coins on
previous page. The Khadka is a popular sword in Nepal and often used in the military and used by the former Royal
House also as its symbol.
 Stamps:
1890 1899 1970
www.bilder-aus-nepal.de/Pages/Philatelie/Wertstempel-ABC.html www.bilder-aus-nepal.de/Pages/Allgemein/index2.html own collection.

Take note in the use of the 1890 stamp of the crossed Kukris and the crossed Kukris and three shields ontop. In 1899 the
use of the crossed Kukri in a different way and the Bow and Arrow (somewhat unclear) and lastly in 1970 of Bir
Balbhadra Kunwar carring Bow and Arrows and on side the image of a Kukri and Rifle. A good discussion of Nepali
stamps in regards to the Kukri is found in: http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?101886-The-Kukri-
and-Nepalese-Postage-stamps .

The Kukris importance as a symbol is closely linked to Nepal, its former Royal house, State and multi ethnic and
multi religious population. The Kukri has successively been used in the Coat of Arms / National emblem and/or other
symbols of State since at least the establishment of the Gorkhali State by King Prithwi Narayan Shah in 1768 and used
until 2006 when a Maoist inspired motive replaced a over 100 year old tradition which carries non of the traditional
weapons of the country.

Four different Coat of Arms of Nepal

Top right: ca 1928; www.hubert-herald.nl/Nepal.htm

Top left: ca 1945; www.hubert-herald.nl/Nepal.htm
Bottom right: since 1962-2006; www.hubert-herald.nl/Nepal.htm
Bottom left: since 30 Dec. 2006; http://flagspot.net/flags/np.html#emb
As seen until 2006 several symbols have been used repeatedly in these Coat of Arms, some of them being; The modern
soldier (according to the time of the emblems creation) with a Rifle; the traditional warrior/hunter with Bow/Arrow,
Spear and Kukri in waist; the feet mark of Gorkahnath; the sun and moon on each side; the god Pashupati in first two on
top and in right bottom replaced by the temple of Pashupatinath; the crossed Kukris are until 2006 found in all three.

During Col. Kirkpatrick´s stay in Nuwakot, between 2-15th of March, 1793, he visited the Maha Mai temple and writes
about some of the decoration of the temple“...and weapons of various sorts. Among the latter were several trophies
acquired during the recent contest with the Chinese. I had been told, previously to my visit, that this temple was also
decorated by some arms lost by Captain Kinloch´s detachment; but either my information was not correct, or they had
been removed in compliment to me (p. 116).” This shows the importance of traditional weapons as a symbol of power in
Nepal and its close relation to the religion from the start of the Shah dynasty´s conquests in the 18 th Century if not even
from earlier times as shown also by the coin of Jaya Vishnu Malla.
Col.Kirkpatrick not only spent time dealing in matters of diplomacy but also made observations regarding the culture
and traditions of the hills. Similar style of temples exist in other places around the Kathmandu valley, among others in
Kirtipur showing a wide display and variations of traditional weapons both native and foreign. Other temples with
weapons can be found throughout Nepal.

A chart of forward curving weapons including the Nepali weapons as found in P. S.

Rawson,”The Indian Sword,” p. 68-69 and
www.himalayan-imports.com/khukuri-history.html

Unknown source at present displaying some of

the traditional forward curved and angled weapons
found in Nepal; Ram Dao, Kora and Kukri.

Since the then the Kukri can be found from along the Himalayas, from Burma to Afghanistan, usually brought there
through Nepali immigrants and specially through the Gurkha/Gorkha regiments drawn originally from the Gorkhalis
military and country in the early 19th Century. Quickly the Gurkha/Gorkha regiments became a integral part of the
British Indian military and gained a very high reputation for their courage and loyalty4. Throughout history they have
been some of the highest decorated regiments of the British and Indian Army. These regiments soldiers from the hills of
Nepal were sent across the British colonies in Asia and battles around the world to fight for the British Crown and the
Kukri at the hand of a Gurkha/Gorkha soldier slowly became widespread and more known, specially in WW1 and
WW2. From whence the Kukri was used in a area stretching from the Pacific islands to western Europe and far away
from its original homeland. The motto and battle cry of the Gurkhas/Gorkhas and the (earlier) Gorkhalis “ Ayo
Gorkhali” meaning “The Gurkhas/Gorkhas are coming” has been shouted out since the days prior to Col. Kirkpatrick
and is much celebrated in Nepal, India, Great Britain and in places where these brave men have been or currently are

4.Throughout history the courage of these hill-men has been a recognized, some of the more famous quotes include:
"If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha.” - Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw (1914-
2008, served with the 5th and 8th Gurkha Rifles in and after WW 2),
“Bravest of the brave, most generous of the generous, never had country more faithful friends than you.” - Professor
Sir Ralph L. Turner (1888-1983, served with the 3rd Gurkha Rifles in WW 1),
"as a tribute of respect for our gallant adversary Bulbudder Commander of the fort and his brave Gorkhas...” -
inscription on the war pillar raised by the British Indian army following the battle of Nalapani Fort during the
Anglo-Nepal war 1814-1816. With Balbudder is meant Bir Balbhadra Kunwar, the Gurkhali commander of the fort. It
is during this time that the first Gurkha/Gorkha regiments are formed in the British Indian Army and now almost
200 years old.
stationed5. The Kukri is found in each and every Regimental Insignia of the various Gurkha and Gorkha Regiments. The
Nepal Army and Police more often carry images of Hindu gods or symbol in the battalion flags but the Kukri is found in
the rank insignia of Officers, in Army from 2nd Lt., and in Police from rank of Inspector.

The first Kukri we have record of is from ca.1550 and belonged to King Drabya Shah, the forefather of Prithiwi
Narayan Shah it is today found in the National History Museum of Nepal in Kathmandu. Thus the Kukri as a weapon is
at least over 450 years old but existed before and has been a matter of speculation as to its true origins which range from
native Nepali to Greek or Egyptian. Nepali tradition attributes the origins to be from the Kirat people in the eastern part.

3 various knifes belonging to Rajah (king) Dravya Shah, mid

16th Century, Gorkha, Nepal.

National Museum of Nepal. Chauni, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Photo taken by Jonathan Sedwell.

Various collection of traditional weapons belonging tp Rajah Dravya Shah, mind 16 th

Century, Gorkha, Nepal.
As seen a Bow, Shield, Arrows, Katar are displayed on the wall, below Tulwar, Khadka
(Khunda), Kukri and Kora.

National Musuem of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Photo taken by Jonathan Sedwell.

We have now seen that Col. Kirkpatrick showed a interest in the Kukri and made valuable observations regarding it.
Even though not detailed or specifically about the Kukri, his work contains some information about the hill-men of
Nepal and their traditional weapons helping us to form a better understanding of this knife some 220 years back.
Certainly it may be argued that these observations are not of much value but being the first and only major work written
in the 18th century about Nepal it has a importance in terms of history and early knowledge of the secrets of the hills. Its
importance must also be recognized in the fields of other disciplines as it sheds light on several subjects not only
history. It may contain some faults but we must then put ourselves in Col. Kirkpatrick´s position, it can not have been a
easy task and the information is based on what experiences he had or was told by the members of his team or his hosts.
Travelling in a rather unknown and unexplored region with limited information some faults are easy to draw. More then
anything he did a marvelous job on composing this great work for us some 220 years later to enjoy and learn from.
We have also seen that the Kukri comes in several models and that the Kothimora can be divided into Classical and
Hybrid, and then into Official, Religious and Decorative more specifically. The Kukri has been a important and still is a
important symbol in Nepal.
5. For more info please read: www.ayo-gorkhali.org/ ,
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-20/all-that-matters/30421957_1_gorkha-soldier-gorkha-brigade-frontier-force .
Brigade of Gurkhas (British Army): www.army.mod.uk/gurkhas/7544.aspx and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurkha .
Indian Army Gorkha Rifles: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorkha_regiments_%28India%29 and
www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Units/Infantry.html (specially Garwal Rifles, Kumaon Regiment, 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 11 Gorkha Rifles.)
Nepali political discussion from March 2012 with Maoist led Government:
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-20/india/31214331_1_rais-and-limbus-nepal-s-foreign-baburam-bhattarai
also to mention is the Assam Rifles and their close history to the Gurkha/Gorkhas, Nepal and the Kukri. See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assam_Rifles and http://assamrifles.gov.in/
Today most persons with a knowledge of ethnic and/or military knifes or whom has visited Nepal will know what a
Kukri is. In the 19th century many other works about Nepal was published and many serious collectors of Oriental Arms
would by the turn of the 19th / 20th century have a Kukri in their collection. Some of these early collectors include Lord
Egerton of Tatton (Earl Wilbraham, 1832-1909), Colonel Hamilton (mentioned in Lord Egertons book “Indian and
Oriental Arms and Armour,” page 160; to have formed his collection after the siege of Delhi 1857) and King Carol 1 of
Romania (1839-1914).

Often going about history where few records exist, as in the case with a large part of Nepali history and of the Kukri,
we should follow a conclusion based on most likely possibility of things being in a particular way based on research,
non the less keep possibilities open for further research and study.
As far as my own hopes go, is that you as a reader have gained some valuable insights into the Kukri and its early
history as told through the work and times of Col. Kirkpatrick. In going about this I have used a variety of other sources
and illustrations to explain more about the importance of the Kukri as a symbol in Nepal. As a collector and researcher I
am very grateful for Col. Kirkpatricks early contributions to the subject in hand.

THE END / JAI KUKRI!

A special thanks goes out to all those who have assisted in one way or another and further expanding the knowledge
through various forums, internet sites, emails, books, articles and talks. You all know who you are! Special
acknowledgement particularly to: Mr. Jonathan Sedwell, Col. Prem Singh Basnyat, Mr. Ashok Nath, Mr. Saroj Lama
and Ms. Natalia Lauda for believing and guiding across the stormy ocean of ignorance!

Bibliography:

Primary:

Kirkpatrick, Col. W, “An Account of the Kingdom of Nepaul, Being the Substance of Observations Made During a
Mission to that Country, in the Year 1793,” London: W. Miller, 1811.
Reprint: Rupa & Co, 2007 (all quotes and images have been checked against the original work, found in Google Books)

Secondary:

Egerton of Tatton, Lord, “Indian and Oriental Arms and Armour,” London, 1896.
Reprint used: Dover Pulications, 2002.

Flook, Ron, “British and Commonwealth Military Knifes,” United Kingdom: Airlife Pub, 1999.

Rawson, Philip. S., “The Indian Sword,” London: Jenkins, 1968.

Internet Sources:

All internet sources have been listed as used, special use of:

The Antique Kukri Forum / Sword Forum International:

http://www.swordforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?137-The-Antique-Kukri-Forum

The International Kukri Research & Historical Society: http://www.ikrhs.com

http://www.hubert-herald.nl/Nepal.htm

http://www.bilder-aus-nepal.de/Pages/Allgemein/index2.html

www.wikipedia.org