Gurung people

"Gurung" redirects here. For other uses, see Gurung (disambiguation).

Gurung

Gurung Ghatu Dance in Tamu Losar festival
Regions with significant populations
Manang, Parbat, Lamjung, Mustang, Gorkha, Kaski, Tanahun, Syangja and Dolpa
Nepal	543,790 (2021)
India	139,000 (above)
United States	17,000
United Kingdom	75,000
Languages
Nepali (Lingua Franca), Gurung (Tamu kyi, Manangi, Mustangi, Loki), Seke
Religion
Buddhism (62.72%), Hinduism (32.18%%), Bon (2.32%), Christianity (2.12%)
Related ethnic groups
Tibetan, Qiang, Tamang, Magar, Thakali, Sherpa

Gurung people
Tibetan name
Tibetan	ཏམུ
Transcriptions Tibetan Pinyin Tamu

Gurung (exonym; Nepali: गुरुङ) or Tamu (endonym; Gurung: རྟམུ) are a indigenious people of Nepal living in the hills and mountains of Gandaki Province of Nepal. Among Nepal's various ethnic groups the Gurung people known as an ancient community, are typically found in hilly and mountainous regions and are considered to be descendants of the Gurkha. The Gurung people are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group who trace their ancestry to the North in Tibet. They are one of the main Gurkha tribes. They believe that until the 15th century they were ruled by a Gurung king. Gurungs speak Tamu Kyi which is a Tibeto-Burman language derived from Sino-Tibetan language family, they have their own script called Kema Lipi though very few Gurung know about it, in recent time some Gurung organization are trying to revive Khema Lipi by teaching new generation, history and details related to their culture and tradition is passed on one generation to the other in oral form.

The majority of Gurung villages are found in the foothills of the Himalayas. The village of Lakpra, Barpak, Bhujung, sikcles, Ghandruk of Gandaki region apparently has a historical significance to the Gurungs. The Gurungs reside among the central hills at elevations ranging from 1,050 to 2,100 meters. Hence, it is only natural for Gurungs to inhabit the Annapurna region.

Gurung women in Tamu Lhosar celebrations

As mentioned before, it is believed that the Gurung people migrated from North. Their forefathers crossed Himilayan range before entering Nepal through Mustang. They arrived in Nepal before Buddhism spread to Tibet. Their religion combines Animistic rituals and Buddhist beliefs.

Society and Culture

1. Clan System: Gurung society was organized into clans (Ghyu) with a hierarchical structure. The clans were exogamous, and inter-clan marriage was common to maintain social cohesion.
2. Livelihood:
   • Pastoralism: Gurungs were traditionally semi-nomadic pastoralists, herding sheep and goats in the Himalayan highlands. They were skilled in transhumance, moving livestock seasonally between pastures.
   • Agriculture: In lower altitudes, they practiced subsistence farming, cultivating millet, barley, and maize.
   • Trade: Gurungs were engaged in trans-Himalayan trade, acting as intermediaries between Tibet and the lowlands of Nepal. They traded salt, wool, and grains, which established them as a significant community in the regional economy.
3. Religion and Spirituality:
   • Gurungs practiced a blend of Bon (an animistic and shamanistic tradition) and Buddhism. They worshiped nature deities, ancestors, and local spirits, and their rituals often involved shamans, called Pochyu, klepri and Lama
   • Over time, Tibetan Buddhism influenced their spiritual practices, with many Gurungs adopting Buddhist rituals and beliefs.

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Political Organization

1. Autonomous Villages: Before Nepal's unification, the Gurungs lived in autonomous villages governed by local chieftains or Mukhiya. These leaders resolved disputes, managed communal resources, and organized defense during conflicts.
2. Ghale Kingship: Some Gurung clans, particularly the Ghale, are believed to have established small principalities or tribal chiefdoms in the mid-hills. These chiefdoms maintained relative independence, though they occasionally formed alliances with neighboring kingdoms like Lamjung and Gorkha.

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Role in Regional Conflicts

1. Military Tradition: Even before Nepal's unification, the Gurungs were known for their martial skills. They were often recruited as soldiers by local kings in Lamjung, Gorkha, and Kaski, earning a reputation for bravery and loyalty.
2. Resistance and Alliances: The Gurungs played dual roles in the power struggles of the region. While some resisted the Gorkha state's expansion, others allied with Prithvi Narayan Shah, eventually becoming key contributors to the Gorkhali army.

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Interactions with Neighboring Groups

1. Newars and Magars: Gurungs traded and intermarried with neighboring ethnic groups like the Newars and Magars, sharing cultural practices and forging economic ties.
2. Tibetan Influence: Proximity to Tibet resulted in significant cultural and religious exchanges. Tibetan Buddhism left a lasting impact on Gurung spirituality, rituals, and language.

History

Gurung Role in Nepal's Unification:

1. Strategic Geographical Location: The Gurungs traditionally inhabited regions around the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, areas that were strategically significant during the unification campaign. Their settlements lay along key trade and military routes, making their territory vital for control and expansion.
2. Military Contribution:
   • The Gurungs were known for their bravery and martial skills. During the unification process, many Gurungs joined the Gorkha army, contributing significantly to Prithvi Narayan Shah's campaigns.
   • Gurung soldiers were part of the famed Gorkhali troops, which played a crucial role in conquering various principalities, including Kathmandu Valley in 1768–1769.
3. Alliances and Conflicts:
   • Gurung leaders often formed alliances with regional powers, sometimes resisting external forces, including the Gorkha Kingdom. However, their integration into the Gorkha state was eventually achieved through diplomacy and military strength.
   • Some Gurung communities negotiated autonomy or favorable terms with the Gorkha rulers in exchange for their allegiance.
4. Cultural Integration:
   • After the unification, Gurungs became an integral part of Nepal’s social fabric. They contributed to the cultural and military diversity of the emerging nation.
   • The Gorkha state's policy of inclusivity in its army helped ensure Gurung participation in subsequent military expeditions, including campaigns in India during the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816).
5. Legacy in the Gorkha Identity:
   • The Gurungs' martial legacy is closely tied to the identity of the Gorkha soldiers. Even today, many Gurungs serve in the Nepal Army, Indian Gorkha regiments, and British Gorkha regiments, carrying forward the legacy established during the unification era.

Challenges During and After Unification:

• Land and Autonomy: Gurung communities experienced changes in land ownership and governance as the Gorkha state centralized power. Traditional communal land systems were often disrupted.
• Cultural Marginalization: As the Gorkha state promoted a homogenized national identity, Gurung traditions and language faced marginalization in favor of Nepali (Khas) culture.

Today, the Gurung people take pride in their ancestors' contributions to Nepal's history, particularly their role in the unification process. At the same time, there is a growing emphasis on preserving their unique cultural identity and addressing historical injustices. Many Gurung organizations and scholars are actively working to document and celebrate their heritage.The Gurung community has contributed significantly to Nepal's military history, with many individuals achieving martyrdom during various campaigns. While specific records of individual Gurung martyrs during the unification period of Nepal may not be as well-documented due to the collective nature of historical accounts, there are some notable Gurung figures and general stories of their valor from later campaigns.

Battle of Sindhuli Gadhi

The Battle of Sindhuli Gadhi in 1767 was a pivotal moment in Nepal's unification efforts under King Prithvi Narayan Shah. This engagement showcased the strategic prowess of the Gorkhali forces, particularly under the leadership of commanders like Sardar Banshu Gurung.

Commander Banshu Gurung

Background of the Battle

As King Prithvi Narayan Shah sought to unify Nepal, he imposed an economic blockade around the Kathmandu Valley to weaken the Malla kingdoms. In response, Jaya Prakash Malla, the king of Kathmandu, sought military assistance from the British East India Company. The Company dispatched a force of approximately 2,400 soldiers under the command of Captain George Kinloch to support the Kathmandu Valley and counter the Gorkhali expansion.

The Battle

In August 1767, Captain Kinloch's forces advanced towards Sindhuli Gadhi, a strategically positioned fort atop a hill in eastern Nepal. The Gorkhali army, led by commanders including Sardar Banshu Gurung and Khajanchi Bir Bhadra Upadhyay, had fortified the area and prepared multiple ambushes along the British route.

The Gorkhalis employed guerrilla tactics, launching surprise attacks from advantageous positions in the rugged terrain. These assaults targeted the British vanguard and supply lines, causing significant disruption and casualties. The combination of the challenging landscape, effective ambushes, and the Gorkhali soldiers' intimate knowledge of the terrain led to the British forces' eventual retreat.

Role of Sardar Banshu Gurung

Sardar Banshu Gurung was instrumental in orchestrating the defense of Sindhuli Gadhi. His leadership in planning and executing the ambushes demonstrated a deep understanding of guerrilla warfare, which was crucial in neutralizing the technologically superior British forces. The victory at Sindhuli Gadhi not only halted the British advance but also boosted the morale of the Gorkhali army, reinforcing their resolve in the unification campaign.

Significance

The triumph at Sindhuli Gadhi was a testament to the effectiveness of unconventional warfare tactics against a formidable adversary. It underscored the importance of leadership, terrain advantage, and strategic planning in military success. This victory deterred further British intervention in Nepal's unification efforts for some time and remains a celebrated chapter in Nepalese history.

Kaji Narsingh Gurung: A Figure Bridging Nepal and China

Kaji Narsingh Gurung was a prominent Nepalese statesman and military leader who played a significant role in Nepal's diplomatic and military history during the late 18th century. His contributions were particularly notable in the context of Nepal's relations with Qing China, especially following the Sino-Nepalese War (1788–1792).

Role in the Sino-Nepalese War

The Sino-Nepalese War arose from disputes between Nepal and Tibet, then a Qing protectorate. Nepal had invaded Tibet in 1788 under King Prithvi Narayan Shah's successor, King Rana Bahadur Shah, aiming to secure economic and territorial advantages. However, the Qing Empire intervened on behalf of Tibet, leading to significant military engagements, including battles near Betrawati and other strategic points.

Diplomatic Envoy to China

Following the Treaty of Betrawati in 1792, which marked the end of the war, Nepal sought to solidify peaceful relations with the Qing Empire. Narsingh Gurung was sent as an envoy to China in 1789 to discuss terms and negotiate a resolution to the conflict. His mission was crucial in maintaining Nepal’s sovereignty while establishing a tributary relationship with China, a common diplomatic arrangement in East Asia during the time.

Recognition by the Qing Emperor

As part of his diplomatic mission, Narsingh Gurung was recognized and honored by the Qing court. In 1795, the Chinese emperor bestowed upon him the "red Tog" (a ceremonial crown) of the second rank, along with a plume of peacock feathers. This honor symbolized the emperor’s appreciation for his diplomatic efforts and signified the importance of Nepal’s role in regional geopolitics.

Later Years and Death

Narsingh Gurung’s career ended tragically during the Bhandarkhal Massacre in April 1806. This event was orchestrated by Bhimsen Thapa, who was consolidating power to become the Mukhtiyar (Prime Minister) of Nepal. Narsingh Gurung, along with other influential figures of the time, was killed during this political upheaval.

Legacy

Narsingh Gurung is remembered as a key figure in Nepal's diplomatic history. His ability to navigate complex relations with the powerful Qing Empire demonstrated his acumen as a statesman. Moreover, his role in maintaining Nepal’s sovereignty during a critical period of its history highlights his importance in the nation’s military and diplomatic annals.

The Gurung community, to which he belonged, continues to be celebrated for its contributions to Nepal’s military and governance, with Narsingh Gurung standing as one of its most notable historical figures.

Treaty of Betrawati

Many Gurung soldiers served under the Nepali Kingdom's banner, particularly during the military confrontations with Tibet before the signing of the treaty. Here are some key aspects of the Gurung role during this time:

1. Military Leadership and Tactics
   • Gurung warriors were known for their leadership and tactical acumen, which were crucial during military campaigns. They were often assigned to key positions in the Gorkhali army, which was involved in campaigns against Tibet and other neighboring regions.
   • The Gurung regiments were deployed during the initial confrontations with Tibet, contributing to the military pressure that eventually led to the signing of the Treaty of Betrawati.
2. Cultural Diplomacy and Influence
   • While most Gurung involvement was military, there is a possibility that their role also extended into diplomacy through their cultural connections with Tibet. The Gurung people shared religious and cultural ties with Tibetan Buddhism, which may have played a subtle but influential role in the negotiations.
   • Their understanding of Tibetan culture, language, and geography may have contributed to more favorable diplomatic outcomes during the treaty discussions.

Gurung Martial Legacy

The Gurung people are celebrated for their loyalty, martial prowess, and contributions to Nepal's unification and defense. While many names have faded into collective memory, the courage and sacrifices of Gurung warriors remain a cornerstone of Nepalese history. The Gurung community continues to honor these heroes through local festivals, cultural narratives, and monuments,

The contributions of Gurung martyrs are celebrated in Nepal's military history. Their valor is remembered in local traditions, ballads, and ceremonies. However, due to the collective nature of Gurung contributions during the unification era, the individual names of many martyrs remain unknown or undocumented.

Efforts are ongoing in Nepal to better document and honor the contributions of indigenous communities like the Gurungs. Local organizations and historians often work to revive these narratives through oral histories, monuments, and cultural programs.

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Legacy Before Unification

Before Nepal's unification, the Gurungs were a resilient and self-sufficient community with a strong cultural identity, a robust economy rooted in trade and pastoralism, and a proud martial tradition. Their integration into Prithvi Narayan Shah's campaign marked a new chapter in their history, as they became key contributors to the formation of modern Nepal while striving to preserve their distinct cultural heritage.

The origin of the Gurung people can be traced back to Qiang people located in Qinghai, China. As a result of foreign and Korean Christian missionary activities, some Gurung people have also converted to Christianity.

After the end of the Anglo-Nepalese War and the signing of the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816, the British started recruiting soldiers into the British Army from the northern villages of Nepal. The majority of these soldiers come from four ethnic tribes one of which is the Gurung tribe.

To this day, Gurungs continue to be recruited in the British, Indian and Bruneian armies and the Singapore Police Force (under British supervision) as regular soldiers and police officers who retire after serving for anywhere from 15 to 35 years. Upon retiring, with the exception of India, the soldiers and police officers serving in the British and Bruneian armies and Singapore Police Force had to return to Nepal.

However, in 1999, the British government updated its policy under the original 1816 Treaty of Sugauli and allowed Gurkha British Army retirees to settle with their families in the United Kingdom. As a result, since the early 2000s, there have been a large migration of Gurungs from Nepal to England, Wales and Scotland. The number of British Gurkha citizens today totalled in the tens of thousands and is expected to increase.

Despite the Singaporean government relying on the British for recruitment of their Gurkha police officers, it has not updated its policy on the Treaty of Sugauli and continue to forcefully return the police retirees to Nepal despite the majority of their children being born and educated in Singapore.

In the last two decades, the majority of the children of these British, Indian, Bruneian and Singapore servicemen have become better educated. They have gone on to first study and then, work and settle in other Western nations.

The United States of America has seen a huge influx of Nepalese American Gurungs numbering in the thousands in the last two decades. Today Gurungs work in both blue and white collar jobs in the Western world. This number is expected to increase as an increasing number of young Gurungs leave Nepal in search of a better life due to the absence of good governance, massive corruption and lack of opportunities to improve their lives in Nepal since 1990.

The first Nepalese American to be appointed a judge is a granddaughter of a retired Gurkha Contingent Singapore Police Force inspector from Bhukha Deurali village, Parbat.

Genetic origin

Genetic analyses suggest that the Gurungs share ancestral ties with populations from regions in present-day China, particularly the Qiang people from Qinghai. This is supported by both genetic data and oral traditions. Tek Bahadur Gurung's doctoral research indicates that the Gurungs' ancestors migrated southward from the upper reaches of the Yellow River around 8,000 years ago, reaching the Yunnan area about 6,000 years ago, and eventually settling in present-day Nepal over 2,000 years ago.

The Gurungs' genetic makeup also shows affinities with other Himalayan and East Asian populations. Dermatoglyphic studies (analysis of fingerprint patterns) indicate similarities between the Gurungs and other Asiatic populations, especially those residing in the southern Himalayas.

Additionally, comparative analyses of oral traditions and genetic data suggest a connection between the Gurungs and the Naxi people of China, indicating shared ancestry and cultural linkages.

Origin and Migration of the Gurung People Based on Oral Accounts

The migratory history of the Gurung community, as derived from their oral traditions and scriptures, offers a vivid narrative of their journey through time and space. This history reflects the dynamic and evolving identity of the Gurung people, rooted in their origins and shaped by their migrations.

Origin of the Gurung People

According to oral accounts preserved by Pachyu (Gurung priests), Klehpri, and Lamas:

• Northern Himalayan Origin: The Gurungs trace their origins to the northern Himalayan regions, with strong connections to the sacred Mt. Kailash area.
• Cosmological and Spiritual Foundations: Their origin is often intertwined with spiritual and mythological narratives that underscore their connection to the natural world and the cosmos.

Migratory Journey

The Gurung migration followed a multi-stage progression through various regions of the Himalayas. Key stages include:

1. From Mt. Kailash to Jumla:
   • The Gurungs initially migrated southward from the vicinity of Mt. Kailash, symbolizing their first major departure from their original homeland.
2. Jumla to Dolpa and Mustang:
   • Continuing their southward migration, the Gurungs settled in Dolpa and Mustang. These regions offered diverse landscapes that supported their evolving lifestyles.
3. From Mustang to Manang:
   • The Gurungs reached Manang, marking a significant phase in their migratory history. Oral accounts suggest repeated migrations into this region over different historical periods.
4. Spread to Kaski and Lamjung:
   • Seeking fertile lands for agriculture, the Gurungs dispersed from southern Manang into the Kohla civilization. This migration led to the establishment of settlements in Kaski and Lamjung districts, including Sikles.

Lifestyle and Adaptation During Migration

• Nomadic Beginnings:
  • Early Gurung ancestors lived as nomads, relying on hunting and pastoral activities. This lifestyle was essential for their survival in the rugged Himalayan terrain.
• Transition to Semi-Nomadism:
  • With the advent of sedentary farming, the Gurungs adopted a semi-nomadic lifestyle. They began practicing agriculture alongside pastoralism, a tradition that persists in regions like Sikles.
• Settlement and Sedentary Farming:
  • The quest for fertile land marked their transition to permanent settlements. This shift allowed for the development of cohesive communities and cultural practices.

Cultural Preservation Through Oral Traditions

The Gurung migration history is intricately preserved in oral scriptures passed down through generations by Pachyu, Klehpri, and Lamas. These narratives provide:

• A Connection to Ancestry: By recounting their migratory past, the Gurungs maintain a deep connection to their ancestors and origins.
• Insights into Adaptation and Resilience: The stories highlight their ability to adapt to changing environments while preserving their cultural identity.

Conclusion

The Gurung people's migration is a testament to their resilience and adaptability. Their oral traditions not only document their historical journey but also serve as a living repository of their cultural identity. From the sacred lands of Mt. Kailash to the fertile valleys of Kaski and Lamjung, the Gurungs’ story of migration encapsulates their enduring spirit and connection to their origins.

Geographical distribution

Manang

Gurung Ghandruk

At the time of the 2011 Nepal census, 798,658 people (2.97% of the population of Nepal) identified as Gurung. The proportions of Gurung people by province was as follows:

• Gandaki Province (11.4%)
• Bagmati Province (2.2%)
• Koshi Province (1.4%)
• Lumbini Province (0.9%)
• Karnali Province (0.7%)
• Sudurpashchim Province (0.2%)
• Madhesh Province (0.2%)

The proportions of Gurung people were higher than national average in the following districts:

• Manang (57.1%)
• Lamjung (31.4%)
• Mustang (20.1%)
• Gorkha (19.8%)
• Kaski (29.3%)
• Tanahun (11.6%)
• Syangja (9.0%)
• Dolpa (7.1%)
• Chitwan (6.8%)
• Dhading (5.6%)
• Sankhuwasabha (5.4%)
• Taplejung (4.6%)
• Parbat (3.7%)
• Rasuwa (3.1%)
• Tehrathum (2.9%)
• Ilam (2.9%)
• Nawalpur (2.9%)
• Kathmandu (2.6%)
• Rupandehi (2.0%).

Culture

Gurung people, also known as Tamu, are an indigenous ethnic group predominantly residing in the Annapurna region of central Nepal. They are renowned for their rich cultural heritage, which encompasses unique traditions, languages, and social practices.

Festivals

The Gurung community of Nepal celebrates several vibrant festivals that are integral to their cultural identity.

• Tamu Lhosar: Tamu Lhosar is the Gurung New Year, celebrated on the 15th of Poush in the Nepali calendar (December/January). This festival marks the beginning of the Tamu Sambat or Gurung calendar year. Celebrations include traditional dances, songs, and feasts, fostering community bonding and cultural expression.
• Sildo Thi-ba (Sildo or Sildo-Naldo): Sildo Thi-ba is a festival where the Gurung people honor and worship natural deities believed to protect their villages by bringing rice and rain. The term 'Sildo-Naldo' reflects this belief, with 'si' meaning rice grain, 'na' meaning rain, and 'Ido' translating to 'to do.' The festival involves rituals and offerings to these deities, emphasizing the community's deep connection with nature.
• Rodhi Gatherings: While not a festival in the traditional sense, Rodhi gatherings are communal events where Gurung villagers, especially the youth, come together to sing, dance, and socialize. These gatherings play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage and are often associated with festive occasions.

Traditional Attire

Gurung men traditionally wear a bhangra, a white cloth tied across the chest and open like a bag in the back, serving as a carrying pouch. This is paired with a kachhad, a short sarong or kilt-like garment wrapped around the waist.

Gurung women usually wear a maroon velvet ghalek (blouse) paired with a black or blue lungi (skirt). The ensemble is complemented by large gold earrings and necklaces made of turquoise and coral, signifying cultural identity and marital status.

A Gurung Girl in her traditional outfit in Kathmandu

In recent times, there are some challanges in the prevalence of traditional Gurung attire has diminished, especially among the younger generation, due to the influence of modern fashion trends and globalization. Efforts are being made by cultural organizations and community leaders to preserve and promote traditional dress, recognizing its importance in maintaining cultural heritage.

Music and Dance

Music and dance are integral to Gurung society for cultural expression.

• Dohori Songs: Dohori is a popular form of folk song performed in a duet between males and females, often during fairs and festivals. These songs involve playful, improvised exchanges that showcase wit and creativity, and are a staple in Gurung gatherings.

• Ghatu Dance: Ghatu is a traditional dance performed by young girls during the Baisakh Purnima festival. The dance narrates historical and mythological stories, with performers often entering a trance-like state. It is accompanied by songs and music, and is a significant aspect of Gurung cultural expression.

• Maruni Dance: Maruni is another traditional dance performed during festivals and special occasions. It involves vibrant costumes and is accompanied by traditional instruments, reflecting the joyous spirit of the community.

Religion

Further information: Gurung shamanism

Caste (jāt)	Traditional occupation	Clan titles (kul) or surnames (thar)	Notes
1. Four Clans (45%)	Buddhist family and Buddhist monk	Tamu: Kle, Lam, Kon, and Lem Nepali: Ghale, Lama, Ghotaney and Lamichane	Buddhist priests and family priests of mostly from Parbat, Lamjung and Tanahu. During the 13th Dalai Lama's visit to Nepal in the early 20th century, the then Rana rulers appointed the esteemed monk from the village of Bhuka Deurali in Parbat district, Kumbasing Gurung as the Buddhist community's representative for northwestern Nepal. Lama Gurung had previously studied together with the 13th Dalai Lama in Tibet.
2. Sixteen Clans (65%)	Farmers and shepherd	Tamu: Pachyu, Ghyapri Nepali: Paju, Ghyabring	Buddhist family from Syangja and Kaski

As per the Nepali census approximately two thirds of Gurungs are Buddhists while one third are Hindus and around 5 % are Christian

Gurung Dharma include Bon Lam (Lama), Ghyabri (Ghyabring) and Pachyu (Paju). Lamas perform Buddhist rituals as needed, such as in birth, funeral, other family rituals (such as in Domang, Tharchang) and in Lhosar. Lamas perform Buddhist ceremonies primarily in Lamjung, Parbat, Kaski, Manang, Mustang, and elsewhere. Some Gurung villages have kept remnants of a pre-Buddhist form of the ‘Bon' religion, which flourished over two thousand years ago across much of Tibet and Western China. They have also kept aspects of an even older shamanic belief system that served as a counter to the Bon religion.

See also

• Gurung language
• Gurung (surname), a surname of many Gurung people

Further reading

• P. T. Sherpa Kerung, Susan Höivik (2002). Nepal, the Living Heritage: Environment and Culture. University of Michigan: Kathmandu Environmental Education Project.
• William Brook Northey (1998). The Land of the Gurkhas, or, The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. Asian Educational Services. ISBN 81-206-1329-5.
• Murārīprasāda Regmī (1990). The Gurungs, Thunder of Himal: A Cross Cultural Study of a Nepalese Ethnic Group. University of Michigan: Nirala Publications.

External links

• Alan Macfarlane King's College Cambridge history anthropology, https://www.alanmacfarlane.com/FILES/nep.html

• Gurung, Harka (1996-01-10). "Ethnic Demography of Nepal". Nepal Democracy. Archived from the original on 2011-04-17. Retrieved 2011-04-03.
• "Gurung". Britannica Student Encyclopedia online. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 2011-04-03.