The Nepali Army (), formerly known as the Gorkhali Army (; see "Gorkhas"), is the land service branch of the Nepalese Armed Forces. The terms "Gurkha" and "Gorkhali" are synonymous with "Nepali". Hence, in essence, the “Gorkha” heritage belongs, first and foremost, to the Nepali Army. During the period of the Nepalese unification campaign, it was known as the "Gorkhali Army" and later as the "Royal Nepali Army" following the establishment of a Hindu monarchy in Nepal. It was officially renamed to the Nepali Army on 28 May 2008, following the abolition of the 240-year-old Shah dynasty shortly after the Nepalese Civil War.