The Indian Army stands as a formidable pillar of national security, renowned for its unwavering dedication, valor, and rich history. At the heart of this illustrious force are its diverse regiments, each boasting unique traditions, battle honors, and a profound sense of identity. When people ask "what are the 27 regiments of the Indian Army," they are most often referring to the primary Infantry Regiments that form the backbone of its ground combat capabilities. While the Indian Army comprises numerous arms and services beyond infantry, these 27 (or a similar number depending on classification) infantry regiments are pivotal to its operational strength and historical narrative.
This comprehensive guide will delve into these prominent infantry regiments, providing insights into their origins, mottos, war cries, and the distinct characteristics that make each one an integral part of the Indian Army's glorious legacy.
The Backbone of India's Defence: Understanding Indian Army Regiments
What is a Regiment? In the context of the Indian Army, a regiment is a permanent military unit with its own distinct identity, history, traditions, and usually recruits from specific regions or communities, fostering a strong sense of comradeship and esprit de corps. Unlike battalions, which are tactical units that can be moved between brigades, regiments generally maintain their historical lineage and specific affiliations.
ALSO READ - Indian Air Force Inflicts Significant Losses on Pakistan’s Aerial Assets in Recent Conflict
Historical Evolution: The roots of many Indian Army regiments can be traced back to the British Indian Army. Post-independence in 1947, these regiments were integrated into the newly formed Indian Army, with some being reorganized or new ones raised to reflect the nation's diverse composition and strategic needs. This historical continuity, combined with new national pride, has shaped the unique character of each regiment.
The 27 Prominent Infantry Regiments of the Indian Army
The infantry regiments are the core fighting force of the Indian Army, tasked with direct ground combat, holding territory, and engaging the enemy at close quarters. Below is a detailed look at the prominent infantry regiments often referred to in the count of 27:
| S.No. | Regiment Name | Active Since | Regimental Centre | Motto (English Translation) | War Cry (English Translation) | Notable Aspect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | The Madras Regiment | 1758 | Wellington, Tamil Nadu | Swadharme Nidhanam Shreyah (It is a glory to die doing one's duty) | Veera Madrassi, Adi Kollu, Adi Kollu! (Brave Madrassi, Strike and Kill, Strike and Kill!) | Oldest infantry regiment of the Indian Army. |
| 2. | The Grenadiers | 1778 | Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh | Naam, Namak, Nishan (Name, Salt, Mark) | Sarvada Shaktishali! (Always Strong!) | One of the oldest infantry regiments, known for exceptional bravery. |
| 3. | Maratha Light Infantry | 1768 | Belgaum, Karnataka | Duty, Honour, Courage | Bol Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai! (Say Victory to Emperor Shivaji!) | Honors the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. |
| 4. | Rajputana Rifles | 1775 | Delhi Cantonment, Delhi | Veer Bhogya Vasundhara (The Brave Shall Inherit the Earth) | Raja Ramachandra ki Jai! (Victory to King Ramachandra!) | One of the oldest rifle regiments, known for valor and chivalry. |
| 5. | Rajput Regiment | 1778 | Fatehgarh, Uttar Pradesh | Sarvatra Vijay (Victory Everywhere) | Bol Bajrang Bali Ki Jai! (Say Victory to Lord Hanuman!) | Comprises soldiers from Rajput, Ahir, and Gurjar communities. |
| 6. | Jat Regiment | 1795 | Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh | Sangathan Va Veerta (Unity and Valour) | Jat Balwan, Jai Bhagwan! (The Jat is Strong, Victory to God!) | One of the longest-serving and most decorated regiments. |
| 7. | Sikh Regiment | 1846 | Ramgarh Cantonment, Jharkhand | Nischay Kar Apni Jeet Karon (With Determination, I Will Be Triumphant) | Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal! (Shout Aloud in Ecstasy, True is the Great Eternal God!) | The highest decorated regiment of the Indian Army. |
| 8. | Sikh Light Infantry | 1944 | Fatehgarh, Uttar Pradesh | Deg Tegh Fateh (Victory to Charity and Arms) | Jo Bole So Nihal Sat Sri Akal! (Whoever utters, shall be fulfilled, True is the Great Timeless One!) | A light infantry regiment with a strong Sikh tradition. |
| 9. | Dogra Regiment | 1877 | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh | Kartavyam Anvatma (Duty Before Death) | Jawala Mata Ki Jai! (Victory to Mother Jawala!) | Predominantly recruits from the Dogra community of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. |
| 10. | The Garhwal Rifles | 1887 | Lansdowne, Uttarakhand | Yudhaya Krit Nischya (Fight with Determination) | Badri Vishal Lal Ki Jai! (Victory to the Great Lord Badrinath!) | Hails from the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. |
| 11. | Kumaon Regiment | 1813 | Ranikhet, Uttarakhand | Parakramo Vijayate (Valour Triumphs) | Kalika Mata Ki Jai! (Victory to Mother Kali!) | Known for its fighting prowess in various terrains. |
| 12. | Assam Regiment | 1941 | Shillong, Meghalaya | Assam Vikram (Unique Valour) | Rhino Charge! | Recruits from the North-Eastern states of India. |
| 13. | Bihar Regiment | 1941 | Danapur, Bihar | Karm Hi Dharm (Work is Worship) | Bajrang Bali Ki Jai! (Victory to Lord Hanuman!) | Known for its resilience and strong martial traditions. |
| 14. | Mahar Regiment | 1815 | Saugor, Madhya Pradesh | Yash Sidhi (Success and Attainment) | Bolo Hindustan Ki Jai! (Say Victory to India!) | A class-based regiment, showcasing a diverse composition. |
| 15. | Jammu & Kashmir Rifles | 1821 | Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh | Prashata Ranvirta (Valour in Battle is Praiseworthy) | Durga Mata Ki Jai! (Victory to Mother Durga!) | Traces its origins to the erstwhile Jammu & Kashmir State Forces. |
| 16. | Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry | 1947 | Avantipur, Jammu and Kashmir | Balidanam Vir Lakshanam (Sacrifice is a Characteristic of the Brave) | Bharat Mata Ki Jai! (Victory to Mother India!) | Raised post-independence from the J&K State Forces, specializes in mountain warfare. |
| 17. | Naga Regiment | 1970 | Ranikhet, Uttarakhand | Parakramo Vijayate (Valour Triumphs) | Jai Durga Naga! (Victory to Durga Naga!) | Raised primarily from the Naga people of Northeast India. |
| 18. | 1 Gorkha Rifles (The Malaun Regiment) | 1815 | Subathu, Himachal Pradesh | Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro (Better to Die Than Live Like a Coward) | Jai Ma Kali, Ayo Gorkhali! (Hail Mother Kali, Here Come the Gorkhas!) | Renowned for their bravery, loyalty, and the distinctive Kukri. |
| 19. | 3 Gorkha Rifles | 1815 | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro (Better to Die Than Live Like a Coward) | Jai Ma Kali, Ayo Gorkhali! (Hail Mother Kali, Here Come the Gorkhas!) | Part of the esteemed Gorkha Rifles brigade. |
| 20. | 4 Gorkha Rifles | 1857 | Subathu, Himachal Pradesh | Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro (Better to Die Than Live Like a Coward) | Jai Ma Kali, Ayo Gorkhali! (Hail Mother Kali, Here Come the Gorkhas!) | Another distinguished Gorkha Regiment. |
| 21. | 5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) | 1858 | Shillong, Meghalaya | Shaurya Evam Nistha (Courage and Determination) | Jai Ma Kali, Ayo Gorkhali! (Hail Mother Kali, Here Come the Gorkhas!) | Known for their service on the frontiers. |
| 22. | 8 Gorkha Rifles | 1824 | Shillong, Meghalaya | Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro (Better to Die Than Live Like a Coward) | Jai Ma Kali, Ayo Gorkhali! (Hail Mother Kali, Here Come the Gorkhas!) | One of the six Gorkha Regiments in the Indian Army. |
| 23. | 9 Gorkha Rifles | 1817 | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro (Better to Die Than Live Like a Coward) | Jai Ma Kali, Ayo Gorkhali! (Hail Mother Kali, Here Come the Gorkhas!) | |
| 24. | 11 Gorkha Rifles | 1948 | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro (Better to Die Than Live Like a Coward) | Jai Ma Kali, Ayo Gorkhali! (Hail Mother Kali, Here Come the Gorkhas!) | Raised post-independence to absorb Gorkha soldiers from regiments that went to the British Army. |
| 25. | Parachute Regiment | 1945 | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Shatrujeet (The Conqueror) | Balidan Param Dharma! (Sacrifice, Supreme Duty!) | Elite airborne and special forces regiment, highly trained for rapid deployment. |
| 26. | Mechanised Infantry Regiment | 1979 | Ahmednagar, Maharashtra | Yash Sidhi (Success and Attainment) | (No specific war cry) | The youngest regiment, equipped with armored personnel carriers for swift movement. |
| 27. | Brigade of The Guards | 1948 | Kamptee, Maharashtra | Pahla Hamesha Pahla (First Always First) | Garud Ka Hun Bol Pyare! (I Am the Son of Garuda, Say O My Friend!) | The first "all-India," "all-class" regiment, often tasked with ceremonial duties. |
Note: While the term "27 regiments" often refers to infantry, some classifications might slightly vary or include specialized scout regiments like Ladakh Scouts and Arunachal Scouts within this general infantry grouping.
Beyond Infantry: Other Crucial Arms and Services of the Indian Army
While infantry regiments form the primary combat element, the Indian Army is a complex and highly specialized force comprising numerous other arms and services that provide essential combat support, combat service support, and administrative functions. Some key examples include:
- Armoured Corps: The "mechanized might" of the Indian Army, operating tanks and armored vehicles, crucial for offensive and defensive operations in plains and deserts.
- Regiment of Artillery: Provides devastating fire support through a range of guns, howitzers, rockets, and missile systems.
- Corps of Engineers: Responsible for combat engineering (building bridges, clearing mines), infrastructure development, and disaster relief.
- Corps of Signals: Manages all military communications and information systems.
- Army Aviation Corps: Provides aerial support, including reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, and logistics, using helicopters.
- Corps of Army Air Defence (AAD): Protects vital assets and vulnerable areas from aerial threats.
- Army Service Corps (ASC), Army Medical Corps (AMC), Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME): These are vital support arms ensuring logistics, medical care, and maintenance of equipment.
The Significance of Regimental Identity
The regimental system in the Indian Army is far more than just an administrative division; it is a cornerstone of its strength and morale. The shared history, battle honors, unique traditions, and the bonds forged within a regiment instill a profound sense of pride, loyalty, and camaraderie among soldiers. This collective identity fuels their courage, motivates them in the face of adversity, and strengthens their resolve to uphold the motto: Service Before Self.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many regiments are there in the Indian Army in total?
While the commonly referred "27 regiments" primarily denotes infantry regiments, the Indian Army is a much larger and more complex organization with numerous other arms and services (like Artillery, Armoured Corps, Engineers, etc.), each with their own units and formations.
Q2: What is the oldest regiment in the Indian Army?
The Madras Regiment, raised in 1758, is the oldest infantry regiment of the Indian Army.
Q3: What is the role of an infantry regiment?
Infantry regiments are the primary ground combat units responsible for direct engagement with the enemy, securing and holding territory, and close-quarter battles. They are versatile and operate across various terrains.
Q4: Are women allowed in infantry regiments?
Historically, infantry regiments have been primarily male-dominated. However, the Indian Army is progressively opening up more roles for women in various branches, and there's an ongoing evolution regarding their integration into combat roles.
Q5: What are some famous war cries of Indian Army regiments?
Some famous war cries include "Jai Ma Kali, Ayo Gorkhali!" (Gorkha Rifles), "Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal!" (Sikh Regiment), "Bajrang Bali Ki Jai!" (Bihar Regiment), and "Balidan Param Dharma!" (Parachute Regiment).
ALSO READ - Army Unleashes "Operation Shiva" – Is THIS the End of Terror Threats for Amarnath Yatra?!
Conclusion
The regiments of the Indian Army, particularly its distinguished infantry units, are more than just military formations; they are living testaments to India's martial heritage and the indomitable spirit of its soldiers. Each regiment, with its unique identity and valiant history, contributes immensely to the collective strength and pride of the Indian Army, ensuring the nation's security and sovereignty with unparalleled courage and sacrifice. Understanding these regiments is key to appreciating the profound legacy and operational prowess of one of the world's most formidable armies.
.png)
