5th Battalion the Rajput Regiment

200 Years of Valour – The Rajput Regiment’s Glorious Legacy

The 5th Battalion of the Rajput Regiment, popularly known as “Prachand Paanch”, has a history that spans two centuries of unwavering bravery, resilience, and sacrifice. Raised in 1825 at Cawnpore as the 2nd Extra Regiment of the Bengal Native Infantry, the battalion has fought across diverse terrains and conflicts, etching its name in military history with honour and pride.

Early Campaigns and Pre-Independence Gallantry

Renamed the 70th Bengal Native Infantry in 1828, the battalion saw early action in the Battle of Maharajpur (1843) and the Second Sikh War (1848–49), earning its first battle honours of Punjab, Chillianwallah and Gujarat.

In subsequent years, it fought as part of the Indian Expeditionary Force in China (1858–59), Bhutan (1865), and the Second Afghan War (1878–80), adding China, Bhutan and Afghanistan to its list of battle honours. The saga continued with the Burma War (1885–87) and the Hazara Expedition (1891), earning the Burma honour.

As the 11th Rajputs, the battalion fought with distinction in World War I, across France, Egypt, and Mesopotamia, and later in the Third Afghan War (1919), where it was decorated with the Mesopotamia battle honour.

During World War II, as the 5th Battalion of the 7th Rajput Regiment, it defended Hong Kong with unmatched courage, earning the Hong Kong battle honour. The losses were immense, forcing the battalion’s demobilisation. It was in this battle that Captain Mateen Ahmed Ansari was posthumously awarded the George Cross — the only one held by the Rajput Regiment.

Post-Independence Re-Raising and Operations

The battalion was re-raised in 1962 at Fatehgarh by Lt Col Brijpal Singh, VrC. Since then, it has fought with exemplary courage in the Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 and 1971, and in Operation Pawan (Sri Lanka), where Havildar Naipal Singh was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra for supreme sacrifice.

The battalion went on to serve in Operation Rakshak, Operation Vijay (Kargil), and held an unscathed tenure during Operation Meghdoot on the Siachen Glacier — a rare feat for any unit. It has also had the honour of presenting the Guard of Honour to three Presidents of India: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Dr. Pranab Mukherjee, and Shri Ram Nath Kovind.

In 2018, the battalion represented India at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Peace Mission Exercise in Chebarkul, Russia — the first time Indian and Pakistani forces participated together in a friendly multinational exercise.

Awards and Distinctions

The battalion has earned four consecutive unit citations in the last decade — including two Chief of Army Staff Unit Citations and two GOC-in-C Unit Citations — a testament to its professionalism in both field and peace tenures.

Over the years, its valour has been recognised through an illustrious list of awards, including:

• 1 Param Vishisht Seva Medal
• 3 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
• 2 Vir Chakra
• 1 Shaurya Chakra
• 16 Sena Medals (Gallantry)
• 2 Yudh Seva Medal
• 5 Mentions-in-Despatches
• 25 Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards
• 19 Vice Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards
• 82 GOC-in-C Commendation Cards
• 2 Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Commendation Cards.

A Commemorative Tribute

From the battlefields of Maharajpur, Mesopotamia, and Hong Kong to the frozen heights of Siachen, the 5th Battalion of the Rajput Regiment has embodied courage, sacrifice, and unyielding spirit. For 200 years, its brave soldiers have risen to every challenge with utter disregard for personal safety, laying down their lives in the service of the nation.

The Department of Posts is proud to issue a commemorative postage stamp honouring the 200 years of the Rajput Regiment