Teen Murti Halfa, Delhi
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | India in World War I : Indian War Memorials |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | August 20, 2019 |
| Denomination | Rs. 10 |
| Quantity | 500,000 |
| Perforation | 13¾ x 13¼ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Sh. Brahm Prakash |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 3555A Stamp Number IN 3143 Stanley Gibbons IN 3638 |
| Themes | First World War | Monuments |
Honouring the Cavalry Heroes of World War I
The First World War (1914–1918) was a defining chapter in modern world history that reshaped global politics and societies. Although India was still under colonial rule, its people and princely states made immense contributions to the Allied war effort—supplying manpower, material, and moral strength in the hope of gaining dominion status. More than 1.4 million Indian soldiers served overseas with honour, and over 74,000 laid down their lives in distant lands. Their courage earned 9,200 gallantry awards, including 11 Victoria Crosses, marking India’s valour on the global stage.
The Heroic Charge at Haifa
Among the most celebrated exploits of Indian forces during the war was the Battle of Haifa, fought on 23 September 1918 in present-day Israel. The 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade, comprising the Jodhpur, Mysore, and Hyderabad Lancers, launched a daring cavalry charge that led to the liberation of Haifa from Ottoman and German control. This remarkable victory is remembered as one of the last successful cavalry charges in modern warfare, and the only recorded instance where a fortified city was captured by cavalry action.
The gallantry, discipline, and indomitable spirit displayed by these Indian soldiers made the “Charge at Haifa” an immortal episode in military history.
Teen Murti Haifa Memorial, New Delhi
Standing with solemn grace in the heart of New Delhi, the Teen Murti Haifa Memorial commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of these cavalrymen. The three bronze statues represent the lancers of Hyderabad, Mysore, and Jodhpur—the three princely state regiments that formed the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade.
Originally known simply as the Teen Murti Memorial, it was renamed the Teen Murti Haifa Memorial in January 2018 to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Haifa and to honour the valiant Indian soldiers who fought there. The renaming reaffirmed India’s historical connection with Haifa and the contribution of its soldiers to global peace and freedom.
A Symbol of India’s Martial Legacy
The Teen Murti Haifa Memorial stands today not only as a tribute to the Indian State Forces who served in World War I but also as a reminder of the courage, unity, and loyalty of India’s soldiers who fought far from home under arduous conditions. Their story continues to inspire generations and reflects India’s longstanding commitment to the ideals of duty, honour, and sacrifice.
Commemoration in Philately
A commemorative postage stamp has been issued to celebrate the Teen Murti Haifa Memorial, paying homage to the valiant cavalrymen whose courage at Haifa remains one of the most glorious episodes in the annals of Indian military history. The stamp immortalises their legacy and ensures that their heroism continues to be remembered with pride and reverence.