Rajput Regiment
| 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 Bajrangbali ki Jai" |
| 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 |
The Rajput Regiment is one of the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army. The regiment traces its history back to 1778, when the 24th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry was formed. The regiment's 1st Battalion was later formed in 1798.
Following World War I, the Indian Army underwent a significant restructuring, during which most Rajput regiments were consolidated into 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's independence, the regiment primarily consisted of Rajputs, including Lodhi Rajputs as well as Punjabi Muslims. After 1947, recruitment diversified, although Rajputs continued to form the majority, making up 40% (35% Rajputs and 5% Lodhis). The rest of the regiment did include 30% Jats, while Brahmins, Gujjars, Yadavs, Muslims, Kurmis, and other ethnic groups each constituted around 5%. Currently, the regiment primarily consists of troops from the Rajput and Lodhi communities, along with personnel from other communities, such as those of the Jats, Brahmins, Kurmi, Muslims, and Ahirs.
The regimental insignia features 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 displays the words "The Rajput Regiment".