History of Mediaeval Hindu India (being a History of India from 600 to 1200 A.D.) v1.c22.s1.5

v1.c22.s1.5

The Indo-Aryans have immigrated into Nepal within historical times. The latest invasion was that of the Gurkhas who claim descent from the Śisodias of Chitore whence after its fall before Allauddin some Rajputs migrated into a valley to the west of Nepal. There they appear to have mixed with the Himalayan people of the Mongolian race and formed the present Gurkha (or Gorkha) people. Their Aryan characteristics, however, are still apparent. Dr. Wright who has written a detailed history of Nepal from native chronicles says at page 25 in describing the Gurkhas “The Gorkhas or Gorkhālis formerly occupied the district round the town of Gorkha which is about 40 miles west of Kāthamāndu. They are said to be of Rajput descent and to have been driven out of Rajputana on the occasion of a Mahomedan invasion. They first settled near Pālpa having passed through the Kumaon hills and gradually extended their dominion to Gorkha. The Gorkhas are in general fine looking men. Some of the higher castes such as are found in regiments are tall and slim in figure and muscular and enduring and have high features like the natives of Hindustan.