The history of the Indian Army is filled with real heroism and valor. It can be traced back to the ancient periods in India. The History of the Indian Army shows that Indians never understood the science of warfare recently and their fighting traditions are not merely 200 years old. There are many instances of large scale operations undertaken in ancient times backed by a definite military science based on brilliant strategy and tactics. During the ancient period, when Dharma played a dominating role in the daily routine of a person, Warfare had to be undertaken frequently. The epitome of Dharm Yuddh can be found in the two Indian epics namely the Ramayan and the Mahabharat. No means were used and the dignity of man as a warrior was maintained always. History of the Indian Army mentions that in ancient India the organization of the army altered with changing dynasties.
The Indian National Army (INA) or the Azad Hind Fauj is the independent Indian Army found by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. It played its role very well in 1942 in Southeast Asia during World War II. The aim of the army was to liberate India from the British occupation with Japanese assistance. It was initially composed of Indian POW captured by Japan in the Malayan campaign and Singapore. The army later being in touch with thousands of Indians living in Myanmar. The INA also was at the forefront of fighting for women’s equality and the formation of a women’s regiment. The Rani of Jhansi regiment was formed as an all women’s unit to fight the British occupiers as well as to provide medical services to the INA.
World War 1 (1914-1918), Allied Intervention in Russian Civil War (1918-1920), Third Anglo-Afghan war (1919), Iraqi Revolt (1920), World War 2 (1939-1945), Operation Masterdom (1945-1946), etc are some of the military participation of the Army under Britishers. Under the East India Company rule in India, the military wars fought were the Battle of Plassey (1757), 1st to 4th Anglo-Mysore war (1757-1799), The First Opium War (1839-1842), and the Revolt of 1857 being some of them.
Indian Army in Modern India
Modern India has witnessed several brave soldiers who have laid down their lives for their motherland. If we talk about the Indo-China war or the Kashmir attacks Indian troopers successfully forced the invaders to retreat. Whenever someone has tried to disturb the peace of India, the Indian army has marched to the battleground and vanquished the trespassers. The Indo-Pakistan War (1947-1948), The Kargil War (1999), Bangladesh Liberation War (1971), The Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 and 1971, The Naxalite-Maoist Insurgency (1967-present), Siachen Conflict (1984-2003), Sino-Indian War of 1962, Annexation of Goa (1961), The Congo Crisis War (1960-1964), are some of the successful missions of Modern Indian Army.
The history of the Indian Army shows that since ancient times a conventional method of warfare was followed. Hence the structure and the policies differed in the various empires, but what remained unchanged, was the bravery with which the courageous men faced their foes, guarding the borders of the country all the time, with their lives in their hands, with highly developed and technically advanced weapons and best strategic planning.
