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Rats and Other Animals
Kukris are the particular kinds of sickled knives used by the GNLF. The kukris signify the dedication as well as the growth of violence within this movement. Even when the GNLF begins as a peaceful movement, its members use the kukris to slice their own fingers in order to write posters in blood. This serves as a test of dedication and sacrifice for the young boys joining the movement. In the end, though, this insurgency does turn violent, particularly at the protest in which the police open fire on the crowd. Initially, the protesters only have their kukris to fight back, demonstrating the institutional disadvantage that the movement is up against, just as the Nepalis are institutionally disadvantaged by the Indian-run society in Kalimpong.
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Kukris Symbol Timeline in The Inheritance of Loss
The timeline below shows where the symbol Kukris appears in The Inheritance of Loss. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 26
...he exits the shop, he is pulled into a procession of young men holding their kukris and shouting “Jai Gorkha” and “Victory to the Gorkha Liberation Army.” Around him, he sees...
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...because there was no electricity. Gyan watches as the men cut their fingers with their kukris to write a poster for Gorkhaland with their blood.
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