40th Anniversary of Mahar Regiment

The Mahars, resilient inhabitants of Western and Central India, boast a long and illustrious martial heritage. Their distinguished service during World War II led to the formation of the Mahar Regiment. The First Battalion of the Mahar Regiment was established on October 1, 1941, followed by the 2nd and 3rd Battalions. In October 1946, the Regiment was selected for conversion into a Medium Machine Gun Regiment. The Regiment’s training center was relocated from Arangaon to Saugor on December 1, 1948.

The expansion of the Regiment began in 1956 with the merger of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battalions of the Border Scouts. Since then, recruitment to the Mahar Regiment has steadily grown, making it one of the largest in the Indian Army. In 1963, the Battalions of the Regiment were converted into standard Infantry Battalions.

During World War II, the Regiment’s units participated in Burma, Persia, and Iraq (PAI Force). After independence, they played pivotal roles in all major conflicts, displaying remarkable valor and distinction. The Regiment also excelled in peacekeeping missions in Korea and Congo and performed admirably in Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram during civil power duties.

The Regiment earned battle honors for its role in the 1965 conflict against Pakistan, notably in the battles of Asal Uttar, Kalidhar, Jaurian-Kalit, and Tilakpur-Muhadipur. In the 1971 conflict, several Battalions distinguished themselves in battles across different theatres, including Parbat Ali, Sehjra, Thanpir, Harar Kalan, and Kaiyan in the Western Sector, and Shamsher Nagar, Maulvi Bazar, Sylhet, and Chittagong in the Eastern Sector.

The officers and soldiers of the Regiment garnered numerous gallantry awards, including Param Vishisht Seva Medals, Maha Veer Chakras, Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, Vir Chakras, Shaurya Chakras, and others. The Regiment’s motto, “Yasha Sidha” (Success and Attainment), inspires its members to relentlessly pursue success.

In recognition of their distinguished services, the Chief of the Army Staff awarded the Regiment with a hackle and special insignia, and the President honored them with Colours on February 3, 1970. The youngest Battalions, 17 and 18 Mahars, raised on July 1, 1979, and January 1, 1981, respectively, were presented with Colours on November 9, 1981, at Saugor (M.P.) by General K. V. Krishna Rao, PVSM, the Colonel of the Mahar Regiment. The Indian Post & Telegraphs Department is privileged to issue a stamp commemorating the Mahar Regiment.