Kukri: A knife that tells the story of India's and Nepal's soldiers

A bone-handled kukri from the early twentieth century. The two smaller blades that accompany it are the 'chakmak' a sharpening tool, and the 'karda' a utility knife for more delicate cutting.

The kukri has become famous as a fighting knife, thanks to the Gorkhas (or Gurkhas) of the Indian and British armies. But the truth is a lot more interesting because the people from the hills and mountains of the Himalayan range all use the kukri. They include the Garhwalis of the Garhwal Rifles, the Kumaonis of the Kumaon Regiment, and the Assamese of the Assam Rifles and Assam Regiment. To them it's a multipurpose tool that clears brush, chops firewood, digs holes, cuts meat and vegetables, and even opens cans. And herein lies the story of these soldiers; they are down-to-earth men from villages and small towns across a vast swathe of the Himalayan foothills. When they volunteer to become professional soldiers, they bring their innate toughness, stamina, practicality and courage to the military. Here they are tempered and sharpened to form regiments that today are the cutting edge of the Indian Army. And every bit as sharp and versatile as the kukris attached to their belts.