The legacy of Infantry Day: Honouring the elite units of nation’s armed forces

Hyderabad: Infantry Day is celebrated every year on October 27 to commemorate the first military engagement of the Indian Army after Independence.

On this day, the first Sikh Regiment was airlifted to Srinagar in 1947 to defend Jammu and Kashmir from an invasion. The day honours the courage and sacrifice of the infantry, which is the largest fighting force in the Indian Army.

It marks the historic landing of the First Battalion of the Sikh Regiment at Srinagar Airfield on October 27, 1947, to repel invading Pakistani forces.

Honouring the sacrifices of the Infantry

The day pays tribute to the infantry soldiers for their bravery and dedication in defending the nation. It is a day to honour fallen infantry soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, often through ceremonies like wreath-laying at memorials.

Elite units

The Indian Army’s infantry regiments have long been the backbone of the nation’s armed forces, renowned for their unwavering bravery, rich heritage and unparalleled combat prowess.

These elite units, each with its distinct history, culture and specialisation, have etched their names in the annals of military history, emerging as true powerhouses that have spearheaded numerous victories both within and beyond India’s borders.

Legacy of Infantry Regiments

The Indian Army’s infantry regiments trace their origins to the early days of the British Indian Army, with some tracing their lineage back to the 18th century.

These regiments have been at the forefront of the nation’s defence, participating in many conflicts, operations and manoeuvres that have cemented their reputation as the backbone of the Indian military.

The organisational structure of the infantry regiments has evolved over time, with the number of regiments fluctuating due to various organisational changes and restructuring efforts.

However, the core essence of these units – their unwavering commitment to duty, their unparalleled combat skills and their deep-rooted esprit de corps – has remained steadfast.

Infantry Regiments in Army

There are 27 Infantry Regiments in the Indian Army. They are-

1. PARA 1761

2. PUNJAB 1705

3. MADRAS 1758

4. GRENADIERS 1796

5. MARATHA LI 1768

6. RAJ RIF 1817

7. RAJPUT 1798

8. JAT 1817

9. SIKH 1846

10. SIKH LI 1941

11. DOGRA 1858

12. GARH RIF 1901

13. KUMAON 1730

14. ASSAM 1941

15. BIHAR 1941

16. MAHAR 1941

17. JAK RIF 1837

18. JAK LI 1948

19. 1 GR 1815

20. 4 GR 1857

21. 3 GR 1815

22. 9 GR 1817

23. 5 GR 1858

24. 8 GR 1836

25. 11 GR 1948

26. LADAKH SCOUTS 1837

27. NAGA 1730

Specialisation and diversity

The Indian Army’s infantry regiments are diverse in their specialisation and composition, catering to the unique geographical, cultural and operational requirements of the nation.

From the highly specialised Ladakh Scouts, tasked with securing the treacherous Himalayan borders, to the renowned Gorkha Rifles, renowned for their ferocity in battle, each regiment brings a distinct set of capabilities to the table.

The Mechanised Infantry Regiment, for instance, combines the mobility and firepower of armoured formations with the adaptability and versatility of traditional infantry units, while the Parachute Regiment stands as the elite airborne force, capable of rapid deployment and specialised operations.

The Sikh Regiment, on the other hand, has earned a reputation as the most decorated unit in the Indian Army, with a storied history of valour and sacrifice.

Regimental Traditions and Esprit de Corps

One of the defining features of the Indian Army’s infantry regiments is their strong regimental traditions and unwavering esprit de corps.

Each regiment boasts its unique insignia, battle honours and ceremonial practices, which serve to foster a deep sense of camaraderie and unit cohesion among its members.

The regimental system, which has been a cornerstone of the Indian Army’s organisational structure, plays a crucial role in instilling a strong sense of identity and belonging among the soldiers.

This, in turn, translates into a heightened morale, discipline and combat effectiveness, as the soldiers are driven by a shared sense of purpose and a deep-rooted loyalty to their regiment.

Histories of Iconic Regiments

The Indian Army’s infantry regiments have a rich tapestry of histories, each with its own set of legendary exploits and distinguished battle honours.

The Madras Regiment, for instance, traces its origins to the 1750s, making it the oldest infantry regiment in the Indian Army. The Punjab Regiment, on the other hand, is the second-oldest unit still in active service, having been formed in 1947 from the erstwhile second Punjab Regiment of the British Indian Army.

The Maratha Light Infantry, with its roots dating back to 1768, is the oldest light infantry regiment in the Indian Army, while the Rajputana Rifles, the second-oldest rifle regiment, was formed by the amalgamation of six previously existing regiments.

The Sikh Regiment, with its unparalleled record of gallantry and sacrifice, stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit and martial prowess of the Sikh community.

Adapting to modern warfare challenges

As the nature of warfare evolves, the Indian Army’s infantry regiments have demonstrated their ability to adapt and innovate, ensuring their continued relevance and effectiveness on the modern battlefield.

The Mechanised Infantry Regiment, for instance, has seamlessly integrated armoured capabilities into its traditional infantry roles, enhancing mobility and firepower.

Similarly, the Parachute Regiment has expanded its operational scope, incorporating specialised training and equipment to tackle emerging challenges, such as counter-insurgency operations and urban warfare.

The integration of advanced technologies, including networked communication systems and precision-guided munitions, has further bolstered the capabilities of these elite units.

Gurkha regiments

A unique and integral part of the Indian Army’s infantry regiments are the Gurkha units, which trace their origins to the British Indian Army.

After the partition of India in 1947, four of the ten Gurkha regiments were transferred to the British Army, while the remaining six became part of the newly formed Indian Army.

The Gurkha regiments, renowned for their ferocity in battle and their unwavering loyalty, have earned a formidable reputation, both within the Indian Army and on the global stage.

Their distinctive kukri knives, their disciplined training and their indomitable spirit have made them a force to be reckoned with, playing a crucial role in numerous conflicts and operations.

Regimental honours and gallantry awards

The Indian Army’s infantry regiments have been the recipients of numerous honours and gallantry awards, reflecting the exceptional courage and sacrifice of their personnel.

The Sikh Regiment, for instance, is the most decorated unit in the Indian Army, with a staggering 245 pre-independence and 82 post-independence gallantry decorations to its name.

The Parachute Regiment, too, has earned a reputation for its bravery, with several of its units and individual soldiers being recognised for their valour in the face of adversity.

The Punjab Regiment, with its long and distinguished history, has also been the recipient of numerous battle honours and unit citations, cementing its status as one of the most illustrious regiments in the Indian Army.

History of Kali Chindi

The history of ‘Kali Chindi’ refers to the nickname of the 2nd Battalion of the Rajput Regiment, originating from a 1944 incident in Burma (now Myanmar).

After the regiment captured a Japanese-held hill, a sceptical Gorkha officer who had bet they couldn’t capture it gave his ‘chindi’ (the cloth backing of a shoulder title, often worn in black or ‘kali’) to the victorious Rajput commander as a sign of respect and a promise of backing.

This gift cemented the battalion’s nickname, as they were the only unit to wear this black backing, and it became a symbol of their bravery.

In 1944, the 2nd Rajput Regiment was tasked with capturing a fortified Japanese hill in Burma after other units, including Gorkha soldiers, had failed.

A Gorkha officer doubted the Rajput’s ability to succeed and promised to give the Rajputs his ‘backing,’ which was the ‘kali’ (black) cloth backing of his shoulder title, if they captured the hill.

The 2nd Rajput Regiment successfully captured the hill, and the Gorkha officer fulfilled his promise, giving them the ‘kali chindi.’ This act of honour resulted in the battalion becoming known as the ‘Kali Chindi’ battalion. The black backing was a unique identifier, as other battalions wore a different colour.The nickname Kali Chindi has since become a symbol of the regiment's history of bravery and glory.

The Regimental System, a Unifying Force

The regimental system, which lies at the heart of the Indian Army’s organisational structure, has played a pivotal role in fostering a strong sense of unity, camaraderie and esprit de corps among the soldiers.

This system, which groups soldiers into distinct units based on their geographical, cultural, or religious affiliations, has been instrumental in cultivating a deep-rooted loyalty and a shared sense of purpose.

The continuity and legacy of the regimental system have been crucial in maintaining the morale and combat effectiveness of the Indian Army. The soldiers, bound by the traditions and values of their respective regiments, are driven by a strong sense of pride and a commitment to upholding the honour and legacy of their unit.

The guardians of our borders

The Indian Army’s infantry regiments have been the steadiest guardians of the nation’s borders, securing the country’s territorial integrity and safeguarding its citizens against external threats.

From the treacherous Himalayan terrain of the northern borders to the arid deserts of the west, these elite units have consistently demonstrated their ability to adapt to diverse operational environments and overcome formidable challenges.

The Ladakh Scouts, for instance, have been instrumental in securing the nation’s strategic high-altitude borders, while the Arunachal Scouts have played a crucial role in defending the northeastern frontiers.

The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, on the other hand, have been at the forefront of the army’s counter-insurgency operations in the volatile region of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian Army’s infantry regiments stand as the embodiment of the nation’s military might, their legacy etched in the annals of history through a tapestry of heroic exploits, distinguished battle honours, and unwavering devotion to duty.

From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the scorching deserts of the west, these elite units have consistently proven their mettle, serving as the vanguard of the Indian Army’s efforts to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As the Indian Army continues to adapt and evolve to meet the challenges of the modern era, the role and significance of its infantry regiments will undoubtedly remain steadfast. These storied units, each with its unique history, culture, and specialisation, will undoubtedly continue to be the pillars upon which the nation’s defence rests, ready to answer the call of duty and uphold the proud legacy of the Indian Army.

Government policy

As per Government policy, all citizens, irrespective of their class, creed, region or religion, are eligible for recruitment in the Indian Army.

After Independence, it has been the policy of the government not to raise any new regiment for a particular class, community, religion or region.

Battle cry

Members of the same military unit chant together to show their dominance and confidence. It is an act of heroism.

War cries bring a sense of unity and pride. It triggers zeal in soldiers. In the Indian Army, certain infantry regiments have their own war cry. These work as the identity of the regiment.

Many prestigious infantry regiments in the Indian Army are famous for their distinguished war cry. Moreover, many brave soldiers who laid down their lives in battle are often remembered with their regimental war cries. Only infantry regiments that actually led the war have their distinct battle cries.

The war cry of the Rajput Regiment is ‘Bol Bajrang Bali Ki Jai.’