History

2000-2009

Reviewing the most dramatic decade in Nepal's history

Boris

On his 100th birthday, Kathmandu pays tribute to Boris Lissanevitch, the legendary Russian who launched Nepal into the world

A bahun Gurkha

Jivanath Bhattarai lied about his age and caste to get into the British army and spent a decade fighting in Burma.

"We were not fighting for our own country"

Victoria Cross winner Ram Bahadur Limbu.

‘No room for fear’

This is a condensed version of Ganju Lama's testimony, based on the Sikkimese winner of the Victoria Cross' interview with Radio Sagarmatha in 1999.

"I faked my height"

Lal Singh Gurung-joined the British Gurkhas at 14

"If we didn’t kill them, they’d kill us."

Lachhuman Gurung-Victoria Cross for bravery in Burma.

"I did not feel the pain, and kept firing."

Lachhuman Gurung-Victoria Cross awarded

"Well done, Pun"

In his oral testimony, Tul Bahadur Pun recounts how he was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry in the battle for Mogaung in Burma in June 1944

"I beheaded him with my khukuri"

The British finally captured Mogaung in Burma after fierce fighting in May and June 1944.

History - Issue #189

Burmese days

Tul Bahadur Pun joined the British Army during the Second World War and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery in Burma.

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"Love is a triumphant ride in a chariot"

Gurkhas on gliders

Tul Bahadur Pun joined the British Army during the Second World War and was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery on the Burma front.

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One day in BP's life in jail

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BP Koirala is struggling against boredom, poor health and mental strain in near-solitary confinement at the Police Training Centre in Kathmandu.

Armistice and after

As the Second World War ends, ex-British Gurkha Bharati Gurung, 92, continues his recollection of the period after the war

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"The king's politics has ceased to be relevant"

Chasing the Germans across Europe

Bharati Gurung is part of the Gurkha units with the British Army advancing across Italy into Austria and Greece.

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"I am at the king's disposal"

70 years after

On 15 January it will be 70 years since the great 1934 earthquake killed 4,500 people in Kathmandu Valley. The next big one is due any day now.

Gurkhas invade Iraq!

In this second installment of the testimony of veteran Gurkhas, 89-year-old Bharati Gurung (left) recalls fighting on behalf of the British in Iraq.

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"The king is not going to take the initiative."

"Man-eating Gurkhas!"

In this installment of the memoirs of veteran Gurkhas we begin 89-year-old Bharati Gurung's story this week. He fought in the Northwest Frontier…