How Indian military uniforms reflect India’s strength and diversity

There’s something about soldiers in uniform. "Arms swinging, heels digging, heads held high; proudly marching on," rang the commentary at the 67th Republic Day parade at Rajpath, as contingents of Army, Navy and Air Force walked in perfect blocks of synchronised order.

The parade was a delightful spectacle in itself, almost artistic if one may say, as marching groups of colour-coordinated men and women proudly kept pace. Their white-gloved hands peeped out from behind them with every swing of the arm, and impeccably cocked hats created a grander presentation than any runway could possibly attempt.

The livery or number one uniforms of each regiment is a testimony to the ceremony itself — which represents India’s strength and unity in diversity — as details of the ensembles reflect the local essence of a given area. Every contingent speaks of the cultural flavour of its region, its customs, traditions and way of life as seen in the style of the hat, the emblem worn on the beret or other finery.

The Assam Regiment, which won the best marching contingent in the services category, has a uniform that is distinct in its styling, and true to the heritage of the Northeast. Perhaps the most identifiable feature is the signature headgear called the "Gurkha terai hat" — a headgear that gets its name from the Terai region of Nepal.

Worn only for guard duty and parades, it is made of khaki-coloured felt (the word khaki derives from the Persian word khak that literally means "dust"). A chinstrap holds the hat together, that is tilted low on the right side so that the brim touches the ear. The emblem of a rhino is on the left side of the hat, which was selected a few years ago as the official insignia. A scarlet red, green and thin black striped cravat and cummerbund belt complete the distinctive aspects of the look.

Meanwhile, the 11 Gurkha Rifles contingent can be seen in a similar ensemble, with differences like the cap badge of two upward intersecting kukris (knives) and the number 11 in Roman numerals in between them. An oxblood-coloured cravat scarf and a shining badge on it are other identifying features.

Notably, every army officer wears similar ceremonial uniform at the parade, but how did the style of uniform enter the Indian Army? The advent took place way back in December 1846, when the Corps of Guides was raised of Indian recruits for frontier service in Peshawar Valley (NWFP).

The border troops wore their native attire back then — comprising a smock, white pyjamas and a cotton turban. To bring uniformity to the troops, Commandant Sir Larry Lumsden and his Second-in-Command William Stephen Raikes Hodson decided on the "drab" (as it was called back then) or khaki uniform.

By the end of the 19th century, all British-Indian regiments officially wore them. It was only when Independence took place in 1947 that the uniform colour was changed to olive green or the OG colour.

Another interesting reason for adopting khaki uniforms was the need for military prudence and reform in dress. The British Army, until the 19th century, wore woollen redcoats during active service — a time when the battlefield would lose visibility under the smoke of muskets and black powder.

A bright coloured uniform was an advantage in identifying British troops from the enemy. However, with the advent of rifles and smokeless powder in the mid 19th century, drab clothing became far more prudent than bright attire, especially on India’s dusty terrain.

As a result, the redcoat was reserved for regimental bands and even today, the Indian Army Band presents an impressive show, armed with trumpets and drums, in their red, gold and black ensemble.

Currently, the soldier’s uniform for Republic Day comprises a shirt with epaulets that states the name of the regiment, trousers, beret and belt that carry the regiment’s crest, scarf with the regiment’s colours and stripes, ribbons and gallantry awards on the chest, and protective white-coloured gaiters strapped over the boots and up till the knees.

A similar style can be seen in sketch of soldiers during the Afghan War, dated November 20, 1878.

For the patriotic Indian, there is great pride in witnessing our armed forces striding down in full regalia, bringing to the ceremony their own customs, traditions and war cries while owing allegiance to a common cause. The colours, pomp and pageantry bear witness to the country’s diverse and rich heritage, and we salute our soldiers for being the pride of our nation.

(Courtesy of Mail Today)