10 Famous Places For Khukuri in Nepal
Kukri is not just a curved knife with a broad blade. Also a symbol of Nepal’s history. The Khukuri has many different uses. It serves as conventional weapons and practical tools for daily use, carrying with it centuries of tradition and culture.
The Khukuri in Nepal symbolizes the skilled Gorkhali army and the artisans who make them. The people of Nepal greatly value and respect the craftsmanship from regions like Bhojpur and Dhankuta.
People often name khukuris after the regions where they make or use them. Each Khukuri from a different area has unique features, special characteristics, types, and intended purposes. This guide provides you with 10 famous places for khukuri in Nepal.
List of Famous Places for Kukri in Nepal
Below are some important and well-known places with significant ties to the Kukri tradition.
Gorkha
Gorkha is in western Nepal. Prithvi Narayan Shah was born in Gorkha
His efforts shaped the country as it is today. The Gurkhas also originate from this region and derive their name from it. Gorkha, the fourth largest district in Nepal, has a reputation for its Kukri users rather than for Kukri production.
Gorkha, the birthplace of the Kukri, is known for making traditional Kukris, which are of historical and cultural significance. People call Kukri knives from Gorkha Gorkhali or Gurkha Kukris. However, there is no specific model exclusive to the region.
The Kukri, also known as the Gurkha Knife, became well-known worldwide during battles between the British and Gurkha troops. The Gurkhas and their Kukri knife have had a significant impact on history. They symbolize the bravery and power of Gurkha soldiers.
To know history of Gurkha kukri visit our Kukrihouse.
Dharan
Dharan, a sub-metropolitan city in eastern Nepal’s Sunsari District, sits at the base of the Mahabharat Range. Its southern edge touches the Terai region at an elevation of 349 meters (1148 feet). Dharan is a key player in the history of the Kukri blade, overseeing and organizing its production.
After the mid-1950s, the British government began recruiting and overseeing Gurkhas in the lowlands of Nepal. They focused specifically on the town of Dharan.
As a result of this change, the region’s kukri manufacture was centralized to fulfill the rising demand for service weapons. Dharan is a hub for producing kukri. Many makers and factories in the area meet high production demands and also handle repairs and maintenance.
Bhojpur
Bhojpur, located in the eastern part of Province 1, Nepal, is renowned for its distinctive Bhojpure Kukri. This district has a special place in the history and culture of Kukri production.
The Bhojpuri Kukri stands out because of its unique characteristics. Typically broader and thicker, with a standard blade length of 10-12 inches. Unlike lighter and slimmer versions, the Bhojpuri Khukuri delivers robust and effective blows.
It serves as both a reliable tool and a formidable weapon for protection. This particular Khukuri has been integral to Bhojpur’s heritage for centuries. The locals have immense pride in their craftsmanship, and they celebrate the Bhojpuri Khukuri for its robustness and effectiveness.
It has gained popularity for its ability to provide quick, heavy strikes with less effort.
Chainpur
Chainpur, located in eastern Nepal, is renowned for its distinctive Chainpure Khukuri.
The Chainpure Khukuri stands out because of its unique features. The villagers liked this smaller, easier-to-use Khukuri with a unique closed-notch design, unlike other Khukuris.
The closed notch on the Chainpure Khukuri represents the “OM” and a cow’s footprint, important symbols in Hinduism.
Dhankuta
The artisans in Dhankuta made a Khukuri knife that was both useful and represented their village’s identity and skill.
The Dhankute Khukuri is notable for its unique design, especially its sheath. Craftsmen make Dhankute Khukuris to be useful, but they mainly emphasize the appearance and meaning of their sheaths. The Dhankute Khukuri is not just a tool. A piece of art representing the pride, culture, and traditions of the Dhankuta people.
Chitlang
Chitlang is a village 25 km southwest of Kathmandu in the Makwanpur District of Nepal, in the Bagmati Province. The Chitlang people made their own Khukuri knives for cutting in the forest. The design aimed to be reliable and useful.
The Chainpure Khukuri inspires the Chitlange Khukuri but features several adaptations. The Chitlange Khukuri is a larger version of the Chainpure with a hollow grind panel to help manage the knife’s weight.
The Chitlange Khukuri is a popular village knife in Nepal that is known for its quality and craftsmanship. People celebrate it for its blend of technical precision and aesthetic appeal.
Salyan
Salyan, a remote district in western Nepal, is renowned for preserving traditional Khukuris’ original and authentic designs. Unlike other Khukuris, the Salyani Khukuri is distinctive for its sickle-shaped blade that lacks the typical shoulder (journo). It differs from other Khukuris in Nepal due to this distinctive feature.
Today, people consider the Salyani Khukuri a classic relic that maintains its historical significance and traditional form. Although it may not be widely known in contemporary
markets, it remains a cherished item for collectors and enthusiasts of Khukuri history.
Khotang
Khotang is a district in Eastern Nepal. It borders Bhojpur to the east, Udayapur to the south, Okhaldhunga to the west, and Solukhumbu to the north. People celebrate Khotang for its craftsmanship, which includes Dhaka textiles, wood carvings, and Pashmina products. The district also produces high-quality handmade Khukuris.
Khotang’s rugged terrain and remote location contribute to its rural character, which challenges external and internal access. Despite these difficulties, the district has maintained a reputation for high-quality Khukuris. This Khukuri knife is important for cutting bamboo and logs in Khotang. Popular in local markets and used daily by residents.
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is an old city in Nepal, located 13 km east of Kathmandu. Now famous for its Khukuri market. Local artisans are starting workshops to meet the increasing demand for Khukuris in Nepal and abroad.
Although Bhaktapur is not traditionally renowned for its Khukuri craftsmanship, its Khukuris have gained popularity in the local market. The city is a popular place for making Khukuris. This is because it has low living costs, easy access to materials, and better facilities than other areas.
This has allowed local producers to ramp up their output significantly. These Khukuris are primarily used by locals for everyday purposes and are sold directly by the makers.
Kathmandu
Kathmandu, traditionally not known for its Khukuris, has become a significant hub for their production and sale, especially since the early 2000s. While historically, the city had no exclusive Khukuri design or association; its role has changed dramatically.
As Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu offers ample opportunities and resources, leading to a surge in local Khukuri production.
Today, the city hosts numerous makers and sellers who produce various Khukuris, ranging from traditional to modern, stylish designs. The increasing demand for Khukuri designs from both residents and visitors has sparked creativity, leading to the creation of distinctive, modern interpretations in addition to traditional types.
Kathmandu’s commercial center, particularly the Thamel area, has become a hotspot for purchasing fancy, decorative, and giftable Khukuris. This bustling district reflects the city’s new role in the Khukuri market, showcasing traditional craftsmanship and modern aesthetics.
To Sum Up
The khukuri is Nepal’s national weapon. It traditionally serves as an essential utility knife for the Nepali-speaking Gurkhas and is consequently a characteristic weapon of the Nepali Army.
Every Nepali area adds its own special touch to the Khukuri, resulting in a variety of designs, styles, and functionalities that meet a range of requirements and tastes. From the robust and powerful Bhojpure Khukuri to the ornate and artistic Dhankute Khukuri, every variant tells a story of its origin and the people who craft it.
It is recommended that Khurihouse be read to know how to use Khukuri.
FAQ
Bhojpur is the most well-known khukuri in Nepal. The distinctive design of Bhojpur’s Khukuris, prized for its wide, thick blade and sturdy construction, is well known, as is the city’s traditional metallurgy. The residents of Bhojpur take great pleasure in this Khukuri, which is used extensively throughout Nepal.
Buff Head’ is the world’s largest khukuri (kukri knife).
The kukri or khukuri is a knife used mainly by Nepali-speaking Gurkhas in India and Nepal. Its blade is curved inward, similar to a machete. In South Asia, it is used as both a tool and a weapon.
Yes, the Khukuri is legal in Nepal. It is a significant cultural symbol and a part of daily life for many Nepalese people. The Khukuri is widely used as a tool for agricultural and household purposes and as a traditional weapon.
