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| 2nd Battalion, Rajputana Rifles | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | 2nd Battalion, Rajputana Rifles |
| Dates | Raised 1775 (as part of predecessor units); present designation 1945 |
| Country | India |
| Allegiance | Republic of India |
| Branch | Indian Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Rifles |
| Size | Battalion |
| Command structure | The Rajputana Rifles |
2nd Battalion, Rajputana Rifles is an infantry battalion of The Rajputana Rifles regiment of the Indian Army. The battalion traces its lineage through predecessor units raised in the 18th century and has served in colonial and post-independence campaigns, including conflicts on the North-West Frontier (British India), the Second World War, the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948, and later Sino-Indian War and 1965 and 1971 operations, earning multiple battle honours and gallantry awards.
The battalion's antecedents derive from companies and battalions raised under the Honourable East India Company and later the British Indian Army, linking to formations engaged in the Anglo-Mysore Wars, the Anglo-Maratha Wars, and frontier operations during the Great Game. During the First World War, men of Rajputana antecedent units saw service in the Western Front, Mesopotamia and the Palestine Campaign, while in the Second World War elements were deployed to the North African Campaign, the Italian Campaign, and Burma. Post-1947 the battalion served the Indian Army in Operation Polo, internal security duties in Jammu and Kashmir, and conventional operations against Pakistan and China.
The early formation history connects to regular infantry companies raised at princely states and presidencies under the East India Company, later regularised into numbered battalions of the British Indian Army. The unit evolved through reorganisation schemes such as the 1903 Kitchener Reforms and the 1922 reorganisation that created multi-battalion regiments, ultimately forming part of the Rajputana Regiment group. During the interwar period the battalion served on the North-West Frontier (British India) performing operations against tribal uprisings and participating in Waziristan campaign actions.
In the Second World War the regiment's battalions, including the 2nd, were committed to theatres such as East Africa, North Africa, and Burma against the Axis. After Indian independence the battalion took part in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948 in Jammu and Kashmir, deploying in defensive and offensive operations during the First Kashmir War. During the Sino-Indian War the battalion served in high-altitude sectors, conducting defensive operations in the Himalayas against the PLA. In 1965 and 1971 conflicts the battalion was engaged in operations along the western theatre and in combined-arms actions with elements of the Indian Air Force and Corps of Engineers. The battalion has also been deployed for counter-insurgency roles in Punjab, Manipur, Assam, and Jammu and Kashmir during periods of internal security operations and counter-terrorism operations.
The battalion and its predecessor units carry battle honours from campaigns such as Assaye, Plassey, Mysore, Afghanistan frontier engagements, Somme, Mesopotamia battles, Keren, El Alamein, and Imphal and Kohima in the Second World War. Post-independence battle honours include actions in Jammu and Kashmir (1947–48), engagements during the Sino-Indian War and the 1971 campaign. Individual decorations awarded to personnel include the Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, as well as various Military Cross, Distinguished Service Order, and Indian Order of Merit equivalents conferred in colonial eras.
The battalion inherits traditions from the Rajputana class composition and princely-state affiliations with soldiers from regions historically linked to Rajasthan, Mewar, Marwar, and allied Rajput clans such as Sisodia and Rathore. Customs reflect influences from Rajput martial ethos, ceremonial dress patterns akin to regimental uniforms of the British Indian Army, and regimental music connected to Pungi and bugle traditions. Insignia incorporate elements referencing the Rajputana heritage, with badges related to historic symbols like the khanda and motifs used by princely armies, and battle honour scrolls retained in the regimental colours displayed at regimental centres and centres.
As a standard infantry battalion the unit is organised into rifle companies, a headquarters company, and support elements including signals, administration and logistics provided by corps such as the Corps of Military Police, Army Service Corps, and Madras Sappers or equivalent engineer detachments when deployed. Command is vested in a Commanding Officer with company commanders at the major and captain levels, and senior NCO leadership including R.H.M. and company sergeants drawn from experienced personnel. The battalion has been commanded by officers who later served in higher commands within the Indian Army and some who received staff appointments at formations like Eastern Command and Western Command.
Notable figures associated with the battalion and its antecedents include decorated veterans who received the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra for actions in Kashmir and on the western front, officers who later rose to ranks such as Chief of Army Staff, and historians and authors who documented Rajputana service in works on the British Indian Army and post-independence campaigns. Regimental alumni have included recipients of colonial-era honours such as the Order of the Bath and modern Indian gallantry awards, as well as veterans who contributed to military studies at institutions like the United Service Institution of India and the National Defence Academy.
Category:Battalions of the Rajputana Rifles Category:Infantry battalions of the Indian Army