Rajput Regiment

This article is about the Indian Army infantry regiment. For similarly named rifles regiment, see Rajputana Rifles.

Rajput Regiment
Rajput Regimental insignia
Active1778–present
CountryIndia India
Allegiance British India (1778–1947)
 India (1947–present)
Branch British Indian Army (1778-1947)
Indian Army (1947–present)
TypeLine Infantry
Size23 Battalions
Regimental CentreFatehgarh, Uttar Pradesh
Motto(s)Sarvatra Vijay (Victory Everywhere)
War CryJai Hind
Decorations1 Param Vir Chakra, 3 Ashoka Chakra, 5 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 7 Maha Vir Chakras, 12 Kirti Chakras, 5 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 66 Vir Chakras, 20 Shaurya Chakras 8 Yudh Seva Medals, 313 Sena Medals, 19 Vishisht Seva Medals, 1 Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal, 1 Padma Shri
Battle honoursPost Independence Naushera, Zoji La, Khinsar, Madhumati River, Belonia, Khansama and Akhaura
Commanders
Current
commander		Lt General Manoj Kumar Katiyar
Notable
commanders		General Kodandera M. Cariappa
General V K Singh
Insignia
Regimental InsigniaA pair of crossed Rajputi Katars (कटार) flanked by 3 Ashoka leaves on either side
TartanRajput
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The Rajput Regiment is one of the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army, originating in 1778 with the raising of the 24th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry. The 1st battalion of the regiment was formed in 1798.[1]

After World War I, the Indian Army was restructured and most Rajput regiments became battalions of the 7th Rajput Regiment. These included the 2nd Queen Victoria's Own, the 4th Prince Albert Victor's, the 7th (Duke of Connaught's Own), and the 11th Rajputs.

Before India gained independence from the British Empire, the regiment consisted of Rajputs including Lodhi Rajput[2] and Punjabi Muslims. After 1947, the regiment started recruiting from other groups as well, although primarily 40% of the regiment were made up of Rajputs (35%)and Lodhis (5%) . The rest of the regiment was made up of 30% Jats along withBrahmins, Gujjars, Yadavs, Muslims, Sikhs each being around 5% and 5% Others.[3][4][5][6] The regiment primarily consists of troops from the Rajput, Lodhis communities and from other communities, such as those of the Jats[7], Brahmins, Muslim and Ahirs.[8]

The regimental insignia is a pair of crossed Rajputi Katars flanked by three Ashoka leaves on either side. The Lion Capital of Ashoka is mounted on top and a scroll below with the words "The Rajput Regiment".[9]

Rajput soldiers of the British Indian Army. Left to right: 13th Rajputs, man and havildar from the 7th Duke of Connaught's Own Rajputs, Subadar and servant from the 16th Rajputs, 8th Rajputs, 11th Rajputs, 2nd Queen's Own Rajput Light Infantry. Water colour by AC Lovett (1911)
  1. ^ Jackson, Donovan (1940). India's Army. Sampson Low, Marston & Co Ltd. p. 261.
  2. ^ Chauhan, Brij Raj (1980). Extending Frontiers of Sociological Learning. Department of Sociology, Institute of Advanced Studies, Meerut University.
  3. ^ Gautam Sharma (1990). Valour and Sacrifice: Famous Regiments of the Indian Army. Allied Publishers. p. 137. ISBN 9788170231400.
  4. ^ The Indian Army List, July-1942. Defence Department, Government of India. 1942. p. 1265.
  5. ^ Indian Army. "Brief History – The Rajput Regimental Centre Fatehgarh". Indian Army Web Portal. Indian Army Official web site. Archived from the original on 9 January 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2015.
  6. ^ Guatam, PK (2016). Indigenous Historical Knowledge: Kautilya and His Vocabulary, Volume III. IDSA/Pentagon Press. p. 154. ISBN 978-81-8274-909-2.
  7. ^ Bhatti, Khizar. "Dynasticism and Role of Clans in Politicizing Elections in Pakistan: Analyzing of Bonding between Bhutto Infinity and Zardari Clan". International Journal of Humanities and Social Science (2 ed.): 130. ‌Rajput Regiment‌ is tangible‌ example‌‌. Perpetuation of this bandwagon established different different clans i.e. Jatt ‌of Punjab, Korkhas‌ of ‌Ambala ‌Division and many others‌.
  8. ^ V. K. Shrivastava (2000). Infantry, a Glint of the Bayonet. Lancer Publishers. p. 135. ISBN 9788170622840. Quote: "It (Rajput Regiment) thus has almost all the classes in it, viz Rajputs, Jats, Brahmins, Muslim, Ahirs. "
  9. ^ "Rajput Regiment".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)