Indian Army News & Discussions

[Hindustani78]

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com...ofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

JAMMU: Union Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said today that the Army will be provided all support to ensure that it is fully equipped to give a blow to the adversary as and when required.

Bhamre, who was on a two-day visit here, visited forward areas of Poonch, Pir Bhadreshwar and Buchhamandi, according to a defence spokesman.

All support will be provided to ensure that the Army is operationally fully equipped to give a blow to the adversary as and when required, Bhamre said.

The minister's visit assumes significance as it comes in the wake of repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch. In the past three days, three persons including two minors were killed and 18 injured in cross border firing.

During his visit to the forward areas along the LoC in Buchhamandi, Bhamre interacted with soldiers over a cup of tea. He was briefed by top commanders about defence preparedness and efforts being undertaken to thwart any mis- adventure by the adversary in this region, an official said.

Bhamre emphasised that the government was fully sensitive to the problems faced by soldiers while operating in such difficult and arduous conditions.

The minister commended the alertness of the troops deployed along the LOC and appreciated their efforts in foiling the nefarious designs of inimical forces.

 

[Hindustani78]

Secretary's Visit to CVRDE

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
08-October, 2017 21:10 IST
Territorial Army Symphony Band Performs on Eve of its 68 th Raising Day

Territorial Army is celebrating its 68th Raising Day on 09 October 2017. As a lead up to the occasion, TA symphony Band performed at the iconic India Gate on 08 October 2017. The event was organised to showcase the Territorial Army, motivate the citizens of the country and inculcate a spirit of National integration. Raised in 2009, the symphony Band draws its strength from troops pooled in from various Territorial Army units. Consisting of 40 musicians it was raised as symbolic representation of ‘Unity in Diversity’ which is the essence of ‘Territorial Army’ also popularly known as the Citizen’s Army.

The event attracted large crowd who were enthralled by the excellent music of the Band and added to the patriotic fervour.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
09-October, 2017 18:17 IST
Territorial Army Celebrates 68th Raising Day

Territorial Army (TA) celebrated its 68th Raising Day here today. As per tradition, the TA fraternity led by ADG TA Major General DA Chaturvedi, called on the President Shri Ram Nath Kovind and payed their respect to the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. In the run-up to the Raising Day several events were organised across the country. In Delhi the TA organised a half marathon on October 02, 2017 in the true spirit of Citizens’ Army and also to promote healthy life style. The event comprised 5 Km, 10 Km and 21 Km run and was flagged off from Army Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt by DGMO Lieutenant General AK Bhatt, and Lt Col (Hony) Kapil Dev. The event was rich by its participation with over three thousand Defence personnel and their families taking part in various categories. TA symphony Band performed at the iconic India Gate on October 08, 2017 which attracted large crowds who were enthralled by the excellent music of the Band and added to the patriotic fervour of the evening. The TA is citizen's army of volunteers, who have the zeal to contribute towards the country's defence. The Territorial Army provides an ideal opportunity to the youth of the country to receive military training in their spare time and serve the Nation in times of national emergency and internal disturbances.

The TA is in the process of expanding its footprint with raising of one Infantry Battalion (TA) at Nicobar and an Ecological Task Force Battalion for drought region of Marathwada, in Maharashtra. Also, case for raising of one Composite Ecological Task Force for National Mission for Clean Ganga is in final stages of approval. These new raisings and especially the unit for Namame Ganga Mission will allow the TA to contribute immensely in a National cause. In near future the unique strength of TA could be an ideal platform to build national effort during disaster management.

The TA has achieved many glorious feats and earned laurels during the past wars of 1962, 1965 and 1971. It has displayed its grit and courage in operations Pawan, Vijay and Parakram. For outstanding performance in various operations, the TA personnel have been conferred with numerous awards. The award of Kirti Chakra (Posthumous) to Maj David Manlun of 164 Inf Bn (TA) (H&H) NAGA and Army Commander’s Unit Citations awarded to three TA units on the occasion of Independence Day 2017 bears testimony to the bravery and unrelenting spirit of the Terriers.

After Independence in 1947, the Territorial Army Act was enacted on 18 August 1948 by the Constituent Assembly resulting in the constitution of the present Territorial Army. The TA started functioning through re-designation and re-organisation of 11 Indian Territorial Force Infantry units. The TA’s first camp was formally inaugurated by Shri C Rajagopalachari, the first Indian Governor General of India on 09 October 1949 and therefore, 09 Oct is celebrated as TA Day every year.

With Savdhani and Shoorta as the emblem, the 47,000 strong TA comprises 46 non-departmental units, funded by Ministry of Defence and 18 departmental units, funded by various State Government and Central Ministries like the Oil sector, Railways and Environment. 42 Infantry Battalions with 70% of TA troops being deployed on Counter Insurgency/Counter Terrorism environment have achieved a high degree of op focus and synergy with relentless efforts. 10 Home & Hearth Battalions deployed in Eastern and Northern theatre and three Engineer Regiments deployed in Northern theatre for maintenance of LC Fence are tasked in challenging operational environment and have shown exemplary professional standards, commitment, devotion and dedication to service.

Departmental units of the TA have always risen to the occasion to support the national effort in rail communications, oil and natural gas refining and supplies. Ecological Task Forces have been addressing the environmental concerns in their assigned areas on a war footing and have achieved commendable results. The Ecological Force has also taken a unique initiative to help the people of border villages in Malari region of Uttarakhand by planting 4160 saplings of Walnut and Chilgoza to provide them livelihood and prevent economic migration.

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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in a group photograph with the Territorial Army Officers, JCOs and other Ranks along with their spouses, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on October 09, 2017.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in a group photograph with the Territorial Army Officers, JCOs and other Ranks along with their spouses, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on October 09, 2017.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in a group photograph with the Territorial Army Officers, JCOs and other Ranks along with their spouses, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on October 09, 2017.

Ministry of Defence
09-October, 2017 15:47 IST
AOC expedition to traill’s pass – 2017

1. Mountaineering activities form an essential ingredient for developing self-reliance and confidence. Such activities inculcate qualities like confidence, camaraderie, mental robustness, physical fitness and the ability to take decisions in the face of adversities.


2. In continuance to the revered tradition of the Army Ordnance Corps, a ‘Trekking Expedition to Traill’s Pass’ was organized by AOC Centre, Secunderabad, under the aegis of Southern Command in September 2017. Traill’s Pass (5400m) is a high altitude pass in Nandadevi National Park (Kumaon Region) which joins the Milam and Pindari Glaciers. It is considered to be one of the most venerated as well as challenging trekking expedition in the Indian Himalayas.


3. A team of two officers, one JCO and 12 OR, led by Maj Chirag Chatterjee was flagged off by the Commandant, AOC Centre at Secunderabad on 07 Aug 2017. After a brief period of training and acclimatization at Dharchula, the team started the arduous expedition on 05 Sep 17 from Loharkhet in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. The team finally hoisted the tricolors on Traill’s Pass at 0940 hours on 19 Sep 17 and successfully completed the expedition on 22 Sep 17 upon reaching Munshiyari. Thus, becoming the sixteenth team in the world and first amongst the Indian Armed Forces to achieve this feat.


4. The team was Flagged In by the DGOS at IHQ (MoD) on 28 Sep 2017.

Col Aman Anand

PRO (Army)

 

[Hindustani78]

The Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Bank, Ms. Chanda Kochhar presenting a cheque of Rupees Ten crore to the Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, towards the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, in New Delhi on October 09, 2017.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in a group photograph with the Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Bank, Ms. Chanda Kochhar and other officials from ICICI Bank and the Ministry of Defence, on the occasion of ICICI Bank presenting a cheque of Rupees ten crore towards Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, in New Delhi on October 09, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/637059/army-commanders-conference-begins-focus.html

Press Trust of India, New Delhi, Oct 9 2017, 21:49 IST

The Army conclave discussed a wide range of issues related to human resources, management, and the border situation with China. Twitter

Top commanders of the Army today held deliberations on the security challenges facing the country, including the situation along the border with China and in Jammu and Kashmir.

A range of issues relating to the Army's internal functioning, including cases of complaints and grievances, were also discussed on the first day of the the week-long Commanders' conference.

Official sources said the Eastern Command of the Army will brief the top commanders about the situation along the Sino-India border, including on the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff.

They said the Northern Command will make a presentation about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The issues of the situation along the border with China and in Jammu and Kashmir also figured in today's discussions, the sources said.

"All possible security threats facing the country and issues of concern will be discussed at the key conclave," said an Army official.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to address the conference tomorrow.

The official said each Army Command will put forward its view point and concerns on various issues having a bearing on the field formations and the Indian Army.

The Army commanders conference is taking place nearly six weeks after the end of the Dokalam face-off.

There have been reports that China has strengthened its military presence at the Dokalam Plateau and even started widening an existing road which is at a distance of around 12 km from the area of the conflict.

"All the issues having a bearing on the country's security will be discussed," a senior army official said.

A three-day conference of top officials of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will also begin tomorrow which will also assess the changing security dynamics in the region.

Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa had said yesterday that the IAF is prepared to fight a war at a "short notice" and fully geared up to respond to any security challenge to the country in the most befitting manner.

The Army Commanders' conference will also deliberate extensively on issues relating to human resources management and welfare of troops.

The conclave will also have a session for Special Selection Board for promotion of senior Army officers to the rank of Lt Gen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
10-October, 2017 19:24 IST
‘Integration of Services My Priority’ says Raksha Mantri

Raksha Mantri Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman joined the ongoing Army Commanders’ Conference at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt today for over 30 minutes and addressed senior Army hierarchy including Army Chief and all Army Commanders.

Welcoming the Raksha Mantri, Army Chief informed the audience about the extensive travel undertaken by her to forward posts including Siachen after taking over the charge of the Ministry. He also expressed pleasure on the fact that Smt Sitharaman had already travelled extensively in border areas of the North-East and also across the border in Tibet.

During her address, Raksha Mantri referred to her visits to the forward areas and meeting with troops as eye-opening. She conveyed admiration of the Nation for the professionalism of the Indian Army during events like Doklam standoff, response to natural disasters and keeping the situation of insurgency in the North East states fairly under control.

Assuring focus on capacity and capability development, she promised close monitoring of improvement in strategic infrastructure, long pending force modification requests, welfare of serving, retired and families. Raksha Mantri informed of her request to Home Minister for provisioning of HADR equipment to allow Indian Army to use them during natural disasters.

Listing her top priorities, she said integration of the Armed Forces is essential particularly in the domain of training, communication, logistics and cyber among others to prepare for any future conflict.

She called upon Indian Army in continuing leveraging its strength in diplomatic defence cooperation with neighbourhood and in the region, support for Make in India dream and Nation building during all times. Raksha Mantri confirmed that morale of forces will remain the highest among the priorities of the government.


The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman being introduced to the Army Commanders and senior Army hierarchy by the Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, during the Army Commanders’ Conference, in New Delhi on October 10, 2017.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and the Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, during the Army Commanders’ Conference, in New Delhi on October 10, 2017.

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Col Aman Anand

PRO (Army)

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
12-October, 2017 11:02 IST
Army dispels mis-apprehension regarding status of service units of Indian Army



1. During the Army Commanders Conference the issue of services being non-combatants was discussed. Some personnel from Army Service Corps (ASC) have expressed apprehensions that since they are non-combatants they should not be considered for posting to field areas. It is highlighted that Army in its Affidavit in Supreme Court has mentioned the following:-


(a) To boost strength essential in Line of Control, Low Intensity Conflict, Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorist environment a number of Officers, JCOs and Other Ranks from Combat Support Arms and logistic units are posted on tenure basis in infantry (Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorist units). This also provides much necessary operational experience to these Officers, JCOs and Other Ranks. It is submitted that their performance in such roles has been noteworthy.


(b) Army performs its role in war and peace as a whole and not in isolated compartments. Each Arm/ Service has designated role and function.

(c) Combat Arms/ Combat Support Arms/ Services are operational entities of Army which has clear and defined roles with charter of duties. Further, without diluting the role played by Services in maintaining logistic support to Combat Arms during operations it has been the consistent stand of the Army during litigation that Commanding Officers (COs) of ASC, Ordnance and Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) are not required to largely remain in contact with front line forces where major combat may take place during operations. Therefore, ages of Command of Services could be higher than those of arms, where COs are expected to move forward in the combat zone, where their physical efficiency becomes relevant. It was never in dispute that all arms and services are combatants. Hence, at no stage has the Army referred to Services Units being non-combatant Units.


2. In addition Chief of Army Staff on assuming the appointment had mentioned that he would consider all arms and services at par and they would get their dues that they deserve. Some aberrations, if these are being perceived by any particular arm or service are being addressed during the Conference. The anguish amongst some personnel on discrimination in their status, needs to be put to rest and the COAS has assured that necessary corrections, where needed will be addressed.



Col Aman Anand

PRO (Army)

 

[Hindustani78]

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com...ofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

NEW DELHI: The issue of some Army personnel from Army Service Corps, which provides logistic support, questioning their being posted in combat units was raised at the Army Commanders' Conference here. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has assured that necessary corrections will be done where needed.

This comes in the wake of several serving officers moving the Supreme Court against the Army Headquarters as they felt that the posts available to them for their next promotion were limited on account of their being 'non-combatants' while they are also given operational duties.

"During the Army Commanders Conference the issue of services being non-combatants was discussed. Some personnel from Army Service Corps (ASC) have expressed apprehensions that since they are non-combatants they should not be considered for posting to field areas," a statement said.

The Army Service Corps (ASC), which comprises over 20 per cent of the Army, handles the force's logistic support functions, and the cadre has nearly 10,000 officers in its strength of 2.6 lakh personnel.

A statement on Thursday said the issue was discussed during the Army Commanders' Conference, and added that there is no dispute that all arms and services of the Army are combatant.

"It was never in dispute that all arms and services are combatants. Hence, at no stage has the Army referred to Services Units being non-combatant Units," the statement said

It also said that the Army Chief has said that he would consider all arms and services at par and they would get their dues that they deserve.

"Some aberrations, if these are being perceived by any particular arm or service are being addressed during the Conference. The anguish amongst some personnel on discrimination in their status, needs to be put to rest and the COAS (Chief of Army Staff) has assured that necessary corrections, where needed will be addressed," said the statement.

The statement said that in its affidavit to the Supreme Court, the Indian Army has highlighted that to boost strength essential in the Line of Control, Low Intensity Conflict, Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorist environment a number of Officers, JCOs and Other Ranks from Combat Support Arms and logistic units are posted on tenure basis in infantry, Counter Insurgency or Counter Terrorist units.

This also provides much necessary operational experience to these Officers, JCOs and Other Ranks. It is submitted that their performance in such roles has been noteworthy, it said.

"Army performs its role in war and peace as a whole and not in isolated compartments. Each Arm/ Service has designated role and function," the statement said.

"Combat Arms, Combat Support Arms and Services are operational entities of Army which has clear and defined roles with charter of duties. Further, without diluting the role played by Services in maintaining logistic support to Combat Arms during operations it has been the consistent stand of the Army during litigation that Commanding Officers (COs) of ASC, Ordnance and Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) are not required to largely remain in contact with front line forces where major combat may take place during operations," it explained.

Apart from the serving personnel moving to court, their wives also recently made an appeal to the Prime Minister's Office and to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stating that injustice was done to their husbands.

Last year, the Supreme Court had directed the Defence Ministry to create 141 additional posts of Colonel to be allocated to 'Combat Support' stream -- engineers, signals, artillery air defence --for being utilised by officers who were eligible for promotions against the same from 2009 and till 2014. The court, however, refused to give the same relief to officers from the Army Service Corps, Army Ordnance Corps and other minor corps -- as it had not been recommended by the A.V. Singh Committee formed by the government.

 

[Hindustani78]

Armed security personnel

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
16-October, 2017 18:38 IST
Army Focuses on Minimally Invasive Surgery in Children

The Department of Paediatric Surgery at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi organised a module on “Continuing Medical Education on Minimally Invasive Surgery in Children – Current trends and future perspectives” on 14th & 15th October 2017.

Senior faculty from institutes of excellence across the country, including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and PGI Chandigarh participated in the academic deliberations which put the various issues related to the topic in perspective and charted the way forward.

The chief guest, Lt Gen MK Unni, the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services said that medical knowledge is always in a state of flux, especially with continuous addition of newer research and technologies. Striking a balance between an old and established method and a newer technique claiming superior outcomes requires constant deliberation on the part of surgeons.

Lt Gen Bipin Puri, Director General Medical Services (Army), an acclaimed Paediatric surgeon himself, highlighted the complexity of minimally invasive surgery in children in view of the smaller operating field and greater dexterity involved in performance of the procedure. He had recently inaugurated the medical stores module of Dhanvantri, the first of its kind medical stores inventory management software at Command Hospital Chandimandir. The aim of this module is to streamline the management of medical store inventory.

***

Col Aman Anand

PRO (Army)

 

[Hindustani78]

//economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/61095912.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

The huge delays in the induction of `small arms' for infantry battalions figured in the Army commanders' conference last week, with Gen Bipin Rawat telling his senior lieutenant generals that “our approach to procurement process needs to be balanced with focus at the right places“.

Though plans are on track to plug major operational gaps, `small arms' remain a big worry . As per overall plans, the 12-lakh strong Army needs 8,18,500 new-generation assault rifles, 4,18,300 close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines, 43,700 light machine guns and 5,679 sniper rifles. But the induction plans, which are supposed to include direct purchase of an initial number of weapons from a foreign vendor followed by largescale indigenous production with technology transfer, have failed to materialise so far.

In September 2016, the Army was forced to re-launch its global hunt for new-generation 7.62 mm x 51 mm assault rifles to replace the glitchprone 5.56 mm INSAS (Indian small arms system) rifles after similar bids over the last decade were scrapped.

Sources said the technical parameters or GSQRs (general staff qualitative requirements) for the new assault rifles, with an effective range of 500 metres, have now been finalised. “The case will now be moved for the defence min istry's approval under the `Buy & Make (Indian)' model before the formal tender or RFP (request for proposal) is floated,“ said a source.

Similarly , the procurement case for 5.56 x 45 mm CQB carbines, with an effective 200metres range, was re-launched recently after the earlier one was scrapped last year. The defence ministry had junked the earlier case, dating back to 2006, on the ground that it had become “a resultant single vendor situation“. The story of the 7.62 mm x 51mm caliber light machine guns is similar, with the Army back to square one after a long-winded procurement process. The defence ministry in August “retracted“ the tender because only IWI was left in the fray after protracted field trials from December 2015 to February 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday and requested him to render all possible help in locating the armyman’s family members.
india Updated: Oct 17, 2017 17:42 IST
Press Trust of India, Mumbai

Mumbai, India - January 30, 2017: NCP leader Supriya Sule interacts during their visit in HT office in Mumbai, India, on Monday, January 30, 2017. (Photo by Kunal Patil/ Hindustan Times)(Hindustan Times)

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...fe-daughter/story-wWiootqkzgBag2cIVPkUSM.html


Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) lawmaker Supriya Sule has approached Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Subhash Bhamre, urging them to help trace the wife and the daughter of an Army jawan from Maharashtra who have been missing from Arunachal Pradesh since September 20.

“The wife and the daughter of Army Naik Anil Gondge of Dahung Post, Arunachal Pradesh, missing,” Sule said tweeted in which she tagged the two leaders.

“I have asked Rijiju and Bhamre to help trace the jawan’s wife and daughter,” the NCP leader said.

Gondge is a native of Selu in Parbhani district of Marathwada region and was serving at the Dahung Post in Arunachal Pradesh.

Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday and requested him to render all possible help in locating the armyman’s family members.

“Gondge’s wife Swapna had set out from her home, along with their one year old daughter, for the Nagbaba temple on September 20. When she didn’t return home till evening, a report was filed with local army authorities,” a relative said.

Her relatives fear that the mother-daughter duo may have been kidnapped by Maoists or fell victim to a human trafficking racket.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Communications
18-October, 2017 16:12 IST
Diwali Gift to the Soldiers of the Country

Soldiers and officers of various army and para-military units like CRPF, BSF, BRO, ITBP, etc. are deployed in remote and far flung areas to protect Borders of India. The soldiers and officers are working day and night without bothering about difficult weather conditions and as they are posted away from their homes and headquarters, there is a constant requirement for them to speak to their family and also to their Headquarters. They use only DSPT service provided by BSNL because there is no other means of communications available in those areas.

Briefing the media here, the Minister of Communications Shri Manoj Sinha said that in order to use the facility of DSPT, the soldiers & officers at present are required to pay monthly fee of Rs.500/- and call charges of Rs.5/- per minute. But, looking at the requirement of Soldiers & Officers and also the heavy cost they have to incur for talking to their family members, government has taken an important decision on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. Shri Sinha said, from Diwali day (19th October, 2017), no monthly fee will be taken for using DSPT service, that is, the current monthly fee of Rs.500/- will be ‘Zero’ from tomorrow. And also, the present telephone charges of Rs.5/- per minute is being reduced to Re.1/- per minute.

With this special Diwali Gift from Government of India, Defence personnel can now talk without worrying for more expenses to their home and their Headquarter. The Minister also wished the jawans and officers and their family members A Very Happy Diwali.



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Ministry of Culture
18-October, 2017 17:28 IST
Exhibition “Decorated Arms & Armours” from National Museum Reserve Collection Begin Today

An exhibitions entitled “Decorated Arms & Armours” displaying select daggers, swords, armours as well as pistols from National Museum’s reserve collection, which represents different time period, region, technique and customs associated with these beautiful masterpieces, began here today. Director General, National Museum Dr. B.R. Mani inaugurated it. The exhibition will be on displayed till 5th November, 2017.

The history of Indian arms and armours begins in pre and proto historic times, however in the historical context they are testified by several sculptures, painting and coins during the medieval period, there was considerable ingenuity and craftsmanship in manufacturing them.

During the Sultanate and the Mughal rule, weapons underwent significant modifications, and weapons with Persian, Arab and Turkish influences became common. Examples are the Shamsheer from Persia and the Zulfikar from Arabia.

A variety of daggers, imported weapons for self protection and hand to hand combat were also in vogue. There were regional variants like the Jamadhar, Jambia and Khanjar of Mughal the Chura of Afghans, the Khapwa of Rajputs, the Qurauli of Sikhs and the Khukri of Nepalis. Many daggers were adorned with ivory, jade, crystal and soap stone and sometimes embellished with calligraphy.

From pre-historic period to the later Gupta period, we find that arms and armour were basically of a functional nature and do not bear much of an aesthetic element. It was from the medieval period that arms and armour began to be profusely ornamented.

The ornamentation on weapons began to symbolize an individual's identity his political power and economic authority. The study of ornamented arms and armour is interesting for the part they played in shaping our history and on the technical side, where arts were applied in various ways the ornamentation techniques, the metallurgy and utility of various materials such s gold, silver, copper, brass, jade, crystal, agate, ivory, horn, mother of pearl, tortoise shell, wood, hide, precious and semi-precious stones etc.

The arms and armours of the common man were used on the battlefield or for hunting were often plain and the decoration kept to a minimum. However, arms and armour of the nobility, military commanders and elite warriors were adorned with precious decoration especially for ceremonial use.

Weapons used by the Royal houses of different dynasties were usually embellished with decorative designs bearing testimony to the fact of historical personalities. The edged weapons like swords, daggers, spears etc were extensively decorate3 with hunting scenes; and several other patterns. Manyof the arms also bore the name of their owners.

Arms, most importantly ornamented daggers were the most common gifts presented to distinguished individuals in recognition of their services. A custom which was prevalent right from the ancient times is still practiced in many parts of India. The arms and armours which made up as gifts were opulently decorated. The decoration constituted things from everyday life and were subjected to a symmetrical arrangement, with pommel itself shaped like the head of horse, figures of deities and parrot among others.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

The Director General, National Museum, Dr. B.R. Mani inaugurating the fifth exhibition entitled “The Ornamental Arms and Armour” from the reserve collection of National Museum, in New Delhi on October 18, 2017.

The Director General, National Museum, Dr. B.R. Mani visiting after inaugurating the fifth exhibition entitled “The Ornamental Arms and Armour” from the reserve collection of National Museum, in New Delhi on October 18, 2017.

The Director General, National Museum, Dr. B.R. Mani visiting after inaugurating the fifth exhibition entitled “The Ornamental Arms and Armour” from the reserve collection of National Museum, in New Delhi on October 18, 2017.

The Director General, National Museum, Dr. B.R. Mani addressing at the inauguration the fifth exhibition entitled “The Ornamental Arms and Armour” from the reserve collection of National Museum, in New Delhi on October 18, 2017.