Garhwal Rifles

The Garhwal Rifles
Regimental Insignia of the Garhwal Rifles
Active	1887-Present
Country	India
Branch	Army
Type	Infantry
Motto(s)	Yudhaya Krit Nischya (Fight With Determination)
War Cry	Badri Vishal Lal Ki Jai (Victory to the Sons of Lord Badri Nath)
Anniversaries	1 October
Commanders
Colonel of the Regiment	Lt Gen Sarath Chand,AVSM, VSM
Insignia
Identification symbol	A Maltese Cross with Ashoka Emblem

The Garhwal Rifles is one of the most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army. It was originally raised in 1887 as the 39th (Garhwal) Regiment of the Bengal Army. It then became part of the British Indian Army, and after the Independence of India, it was incorporated into the Indian Army.

It served during the Frontier campaigns of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, as well in both the World Wars and the wars fought after Independence. Mainly made up of Garhwali soldiers, this regiment has a distinguished record and a unique identity. Today it is made up of more than 25,000 soldiers, organised into nineteen regular battalions (i.e. 2nd to 19th), the Garhwal Scouts who are stationed permanently at Joshimath and two battalions of the Territorial Army including 121 Inf Bn TA and 127 Inf Bn TA (Eco). The 1st Battalion has since been converted to mechanised infantry and forms part of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment as its 6th battalion.

The regimental insignia incorporates a Maltese Cross and is based on the defunct Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own) as they are a designated rifle regiment. Unlike regular rifle regiments, they are one of 10 such units marching in the regular paces used in Indian Army's ceremonies.

"The men would be an excellent fighting class. The present 5th Gurkhas had many Garhwális in its fighting ranks who repeatedly proved themselves brave and faithful soldiers and are considered by the officers of that corps as equal to the pure Gurkha in physique and pluck. The other Gurkha Regiments count their Garhwális as amongst their best soldiers, and all the officers who know this class best speak in the highest terms of their military qualifications."

Up to 1887, Garhwális had been enlisted in the five regiments of Gurkhas belonging to the Bengal Infantry and the Punjab Frontier Force. The Sirmoor Battalion (later the 2nd Gurkhas), which won fame in the siege of Delhi in 1857, had 33% Garhwális on their rolls at that time.