Rajput Regiment
| Rajput Regiment | |
|---|---|
Rajput Regiment 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 |
| Role | |
| Size | 23 Battalions |
| Regimental Centre | Fatehgarh, Uttar Pradesh |
| Motto | 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 | |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol | A pair of crossed Rajputi Katars (कटार) flanked by 3 Ashoka leaves on either side |
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. Its regimental centre consists is located in Fatehgarh, Uttar Pradesh.
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 and Punjabi Muslims. After 1947 recruitment was diversified, but Rajputs continued to form the majority, making up 51% of the regiment’s population. There are also Gujjar, Brahmins, Bengalis and even Muslims. The overall percentage of the Rajputs, however, remains the highest-51 per cent--with Gujars, Bengalis and Muslims trailing behind. 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".