GoI to convert world’s only horse serving cavalry into regular armoured regiment

The Indian Army is to convert the 61^st cavalry, the only horse serving cavalry in the world into a regular armoured regiment with tanks.

Highlights

The main aim of the plan is to convert the 61^st cavalry into a combat force. This is largely a ceremonial unit that is based in Jaipur.

After changing the cavalry into a combat force, the commanding officers will have independent squadrons of tanks under them.

There are oppositions to the steps claiming that the step will destroy the glorious tradition that lives with the regiment.

61^st Cavalry

The 61^st cavalry was raised in 1953. It was raised by amalgamating the horse mounted cavalry units in the princely states of India. The soldiers in the cavalry are armed with lances

Lancers

The Teen Murti Memorial was erected in New Delhi to honour the lancers. The memorial was erected during British Raj period to commemorate the heroic role played by Jodhpur, Hyderabad and Mysore during the Battle of Hafia. The lancers represented the British during world war I.

“Hafia Day” is celebrated by Indian Army on September 23 every year to honour the bravery of the regiment.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020