Rajput Regiment
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.
| Rajput Regiment | |
|---|---|
Rajput Regimental insignia | |
| Active | 1778 – Present |
| Country | India |
| Allegiance | British India (1778-1947) India (1947-present) |
| Branch | British Indian Army (1778-1947) Indian Army (1947-present) |
| Type | Line Infantry |
| Size | 23 Battalions |
| Regimental Centre | Fatehgarh, Uttar Pradesh |
| Motto(s) | Sarvatra Vijay (Victory Everywhere) |
| War Cry | Bol Bajrang Bali Ki Jai (Victory to Lord Hanuman) |
| Decorations | 1 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 honours | Post 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 Insignia | A pair of crossed Rajputi Katars (कटार) flanked by 3 Ashoka leaves on either side |
| Tartan | Rajput |
After World War I, the Indian Army was restructured and most Rajput regiments became battalions of the 7th Rajput Regiment. These include the 2nd Queen Victoria's Own, 4th Prince Albert Victor's, 7th (Duke of Connaught's Own), and 11th Rajputs.
Before India gained independence from the British Empire, the regiment consisted of Rajputs and Punjabi Muslims. After 1947, the regiment started recruiting from other groups as well, although 40% of the regiment was made up of Rajputs. The rest of the regiment was made up of Gurjars along with Brahmins and Jats. Now, the regiment primarily consists of troops from the Rajput communities and from other communities, such as those of the Brahmins, Jats, Muslim and Ahirs. 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".