The brave Marathas have distinguished themselves in numerous battles fought in medieval Indian history. They came to prominence under Chhatrapati Shivaji and became a force to reckon with during the height of the Maratha Empire. So when the British arrived, they quickly understood the importance of having the Maratha warriors in their army. Thus began the story of the Maratha Regiment, which went on to distinguish itself as one of the most valorous regiments of the Indian Army.
1. The Maratha Light Infantry is the oldest light infantry regiment of the Indian Army and the fourth oldest overall.
2. The East India Company formed the 103rd Mahrattas in 1768.
3. General J.J. Singh, who was the first Sikh Chief of the Army Staff, was from the 9 Maratha Light Infantry.
He served as the COAS from January 31, 2005 to September 30, 2007.
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4. Since 1922, the regimental centre of the MIL has been Belgaum in Karnataka.
The Regimental Day is marked on February 4 every year.
5. East India Company raised the first battalion of the Regiment as the 2nd Battalion Bombay Sepoys in 1768.
The battalion was called ‘Jangi Paltan’ meaning “the fighting unit”.
6. The second battalion was raised in 1769 as the 3rd Battalion Bombay Sepoys.
This battalion was known as ‘Kali Panchwin’.
7. The East India Company wanted the battalions to protect its possessions on the islands of Bombay.
8. Most of the soldiers of the regiment were hardened Maratha fighters who had a history of serving the Maratha Empire.
But some recruits came from Marathi-speaking areas in Karnataka.
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9. The battle cry of Maratha Light Infantry is “Bol Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai” (Say Victory To Emperor Shivaji).
Their motto is ‘Duty, Honour, Courage’.
10. Their insignia has a bugle and cords with a pair of crossed swords and a shield.
11. The Marathas under East India Company engaged in nearly every major battle in western region, from Afghanistan to down south of India in the 18th century.
12. The most famous battle that the Marathas engaged in under East India Company was against Tipu Sultan at Seringapatnam.
13. In 1797, the third battalion as 2nd Battalion the 5th (Travancore) Regiment of the Bombay Native Infantry was raised.
14. By the end of the 19th century, the battalions had fought major wars for the British from Middle East to China.
15. The ‘Kali Panchwin’ was made Light Infantry in 1841 after the Siege of Kahun in First Anglo-Afghan War.
16. In the Kahun battle, the Marathas kept the Afghan enemy at bay for six months despite food and water shortage.
17. 5th Battalion ex 117th Mahrattas was designated ‘Royal’ for its exemplary service in Mesopotamia during World War I.
The rare honour was unheard of at the time for any battalion even in the British Army.
18. Besides the 117th, two other battalions gave distinguished service in Mesopotamia.
19. Two of the soldiers of the Maratha Light Infantry – Naik Yeshwant Ghadge and Sepoy Namdeo Jadhav – were honoured with Victoria Cross.
20. There are a total of 18 battalions of the MIL and two Territorial Army battalions.
21. Two battalions – the 3rd and the 21st – have been converted into 2nd and 21st Para (Special Forces).
22. The Regiment has been honoured with 4 Ashok Chakras and 4 Maha Vir Chakras among a host of gallantry and distinguished service medals.
23. On July 14, 2009, the Maratha Light Infantry led the 221st Bastille day celebration parade at Champs-Élysées, Paris.
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