Oldest Regiment of Indian Army

-by Abhrajita Mondal

–Reading Time – 7 min Approx

The Madras Regiment is the oldest regiment of Indian army. It was formed by the British East Indian Company and is active since 1758. Moreover, the regiment has taken part in various wars in the pre-independence era, as well as the post-independence era. You ought to know about the regimental center. It is in Wellington. Even before the said year, the Madras European Regiment was set up in 1660. However, the East India Company gave it a new lease of life in 1748, as a battalion. Therefore, you can trace its origins back to the 18^th century.

The Regimental Insignia consists of an Assaye Elephant posed on a shield with two crossed swords. The Madras Regiment which is an Infantry regiment, has won 1422 medals till date. It has 21 Line battalions and 3 Territorial army battalions. Their motto is ‘Swadharme Nidhanam Shreyaha’. And, their war cry is War Cry: Veera Madrassi, Adi Kollu, Adi Kollu which means Brave Madrassi, Strike and Kill, Strike and Kill!

Today, you will know some of the interesting facts about the oldest regiment of Indian army. The regiment, as you already know was formed by the British East Indian Company. The Madras sepoys had joined hands with the British, against the Maratha army in the Anglo-Maratha war. They defeated the Marathas with 17 cannons.

The regiment recruits from the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. Moreover, the Indian army is one of the most powerful armies in the world. There are multiple regiments in the Indian army. The Madras Regiment is one of them.

You ought to know about the Top 10 Regiment in Indian Army. They are:

• Sikh Regiment
• Maratha Light Infantry
• Dogra Regiment
• The Grenadiers
• Punjab Regiment
• Gorkha Regiment
• Garhwal Rifles
• Madras Regiment (oldest regiment of Indian army)
• Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
• Rajput Regiment

We have more details awaiting you, for the Madras Regiment.

History Of the Oldest Regiment of Indian Army:

The Madras Regiment is the oldest in the Indian Army. Moreover, it has taken part in various campaigns and wars over the years. The regiment has been active pre-independence and post-independence, as well. It is based at Wellington. It was raised in 1951. Furthermore, the regiment also performs at various arrival ceremonies for the president and ministers.

The French gained control of Madras, in 1746. Thus, it was at this instance, that the British East India Company sprang into action, to safeguard their interests. The times were indeed turbulent, when the British, French and other European nations were trying to gain a foothold in the country. It was during this time, that the British started recruiting the army men in haste. The regiment took shape slowly. In 1756, the Madras Government sent soldiers in aid of Lord Clive, to Bengal. The reason, being a sudden by the Nawabs. In the December of 1758, the first two Battalions were formed. The Battalions were segregated according to the regions they served.

The ones who served in the North gained the title Sircar Battalions and the ones in the south, were named Carnatic Battalions. In the year 1784, the battalion was again renamed Madras Battalion. In the next 80 years that followed, the Madras Battalion gained several titles like Infantry. The battalions continued to grow and gained favor of the Queen. After the invasions stopped, many of the regiments were withdrawn.

Some were sent to the ‘Gorkha’ and some to the ‘Punjab’ regiment. In the year 1922, further re-organization took place. The first and second Punjab regiments were born out of the senior battalions. Hence, the Madras regiment came to be known as the third Madras regiment. Between 1923-28, the entire regiment was disbanded. In 1941, the regiment was re-established once again with full battle honors. Sir Artur Hope was appointed as the Colonel-in-Chief from 1942-46.

Post-independence, the ‘third’ suffix was dropped. And, it came to be known as The Madras Regiment. The troops have fought many fierce battles in Jammu and Kashmir, Indo-Pak wars, and have also served in the Siachen Glaciers. Moreover, the regiment has also taken part in the UN Peacekeeping Missions.

Top Battles Fought by Madras Regiment

Here is a list of the top battles, that the oldest regiment of India fought.

• The Battle of Wandiwash – is one of them. It was fought on 22^nd January 1760. This battle established British rule in India. The army men fought under General Coote at that time. The battle almost lasted for nine months.
• The Battle of Assaye – It started on 23^rd September 1803. The Madras regiment chased the Marathas off the battlefield at that time.
• The First Opium War was fought between 1839 – 1842, and it opened the path for trade in China. The regiment travelled all the way to China for the battle.
• The Battle of Monte Cassino — 17^th January to 18^th May 1944 is another battle, that the Madras Regiment fought.

The regiment has come a long way, from being personal bodyguards of the Maharaja of Travancore, to its current glorious status. Currently, the Madras Regimental Center is in news again. It continued with the training of new recruits, despite the pandemic. Moreover, it has continued dispatch of soldiers to all Battalions of the Regiment. Recently, 395 new recruits became a part of the Regiment. They underwent a year of training in basic and advanced military disciplines.

Types Of Infantry in Indian Army:

The Indian Infantry soldiers are the hardiest of all, like that of Madras Regiment. Moreover, they are always combat-ready. You will find them in close combat with the enemy. The infantry soldiers are trained to win, by wielding weapons from close quarters. The infantry army is the largest element in the army. You will hear the name, ‘Queen of Battle’ associated with the Infantry regiment. You ought to know of the infantry regiments of India.

They are:

• Brigade of the Guards: It is a mechanized infantry. Their regimental center is in Kamptee, Maharastra. There are 19 battalions under it. Earlier, it was an administrative formation of the British. Kamptee Cantonment was established in 1821.
• Maratha Light Infantry: It is the light infantry regiment in the Indian army. It rose from the ranks of the Bombay sepoys. Moreover, that makes it the most senior light infantry regiment in the Indian army.
• Rajputana Rifles: It is the oldest rifle regiment. Moreover, it is also one of the most senior regiments as well. It was started in 1921, as a part of the British army.
• Sikh Light Infantry: The infantry was previously popular as the Mazabhi and Ramdasia Sikh Regiment. It is an elite regiment of the erstwhile Indian army. The light infantry was conferred upon it in 1944.
• Naga Regiment: This is also an infantry regiment. It is amongst the youngest regiments of the Indian army. Additionally, the first battalion was formed in 1970. You will find the recruits from Nagaland and other Northeastern states.
• Ladakh Scouts: It is another infantry regiment. It is also quite popular as the ‘Snow Warriors’ or ‘Snow Leopards’. Moreover, they specialize in mountain warfare. Their primary role is to guard India’s borders. Furthermore, the soldiers are mainly from Ladakh and are of Tibetan origin.
• Arunachal Scouts: It is another Indian army infantry regiment. Secondly, the regiment belongs to Arunachal Pradesh. They mainly protect the Indo-Tibet border.

Now, you know about the types of Infantry in Indian army.

Most Decorated Regiment of Indian Army:

The Sikh Regiment is the most decorated regiment of Indian army. Moreover, it is an infantry regiment. The Sikh Regiment Centre is located at Ramgarh Cantonment, Jharkhand. Moreover, the regiment has won 690 medals. There are 20 battalions in the army. Their motto is ‘Nischay Kar Apni Jeet Karon’. There are various facts that you ought to know about the Sikh Regiment. The Sikh Regiment has fought in the last two World Wars and other wars preceding it.

Which Is the Most Dangerous Regiment in Indian Army?

The Kumaon Regiment is the most dangerous regiment in the Indian Army. Moreover, the Kumaon Regiment has received several awards and accolades, including the Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, and Kirti Chakra. They are the most dangerous regiment of Indian Army.

Don’t you think, you will be quite vulnerable without the Indian army?  You can attend late night parties, travel anywhere in the country, and also sleep peacefully due to them. These soldiers are guarding us at sub-zero temperatures regularly. The number of regiments in the Indian army is more than 300. Each regiment and unit have diverse histories. The Indian army has participated in a number of battles, too.

Moreover, they have earned gallantry awards and medals aplenty. The main mission of the Indian army is to provide national security. Moreover, the army also conducts many disaster management missions and aids during natural calamities. You should know about the regiments of the Indian army in details. Do look forward to more reads on artillery and armory in the near future.

-by Abhrajita Mondal

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