ABSTRACT
The Indian Gorkhas, a conglomeration of culturally and linguistically heterogeneous, economically and politically rather homogeneous entity, are variously known as Gurkhas, Paharis and Nepalis. The earliest people migrated from Nepal to India in large number were the Gurkhas recruited to the British Army soon after the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814 - 15. The word Nepali continues to be a political term in Nepal, meaning Nepalese citizenship or nationality, whereas it took an ethnic meaning in India. The second phase was a phase in which the social processes became more complex for the Gorkhas of Darjeeling with the outcome of the print media and the introduction of Western education. In the third phase, the euphoria generated by Indian Independence created confidence in Gorkhas that their voice would be heard. The demands for autonomy of Darjeeling and Duars were made by various political parties participating in electoral politics of the country.
