India has a rich and diverse military history spanning ancient, medieval and modern periods. From legendary battles in antiquity to the disciplined armed forces of today, India’s military heritage is marked by valor, strategic brilliance and sacrifice. This article covers:

1. Significant Battles of India (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)  
2. Indian Armed Forces in World Wars & Post-Independence Conflicts  
3. Gallantry Award Winners (Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, etc.) 
4. History & Traditions of Local Regiments/Units  

1. Significant Battles of India 

Ancient India (Pre-12th Century)
  - Battle of the Ten Kings (Dāśarājñá) (~14th Century BCE)  
  - Fought between King Sudas of the Bharatas and a confederation of ten tribes.  
  - Mentioned in the Rigveda, it established Bharata dominance in North India.  

- Battle of Hydaspes (326 BCE)  
  - Fought between Alexander the Great and King Porus (Puru) on the banks of the Jhelum River.  
  - Though Porus lost, his bravery impressed Alexander, who reinstated him as a satrap.  

- Chandragupta Maurya’s Conquest (322–298 BCE)  
  - Defeated the Nanda Empire and later the Seleucid Empire, establishing the Mauryan Empire.  

- Kalinga War (261 BCE)  
  - Emperor Ashoka’s brutal conquest of Kalinga led to his transformation and adoption of Buddhism.  

Medieval India (12th–18th Century)
  - First Battle of Tarain (1191) & Second Battle of Tarain (1192) 
  - Fought between Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghori.  
  - Ghori’s victory in 1192 led to the establishment of Muslim rule in North India.  

- Battle of Panipat (1526) 
  - Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodhi, founding the Mughal Empire.  

- Battle of Haldighati (1576)  
  - Maharana Pratap of Mewar fought Akbar’s forces led by Man Singh I.  
  - Though tactically inconclusive, it became a symbol of Rajput resistance.  

- Battle of Plassey (1757)  
  - Robert Clive’s victory over Siraj-ud-Daulah marked the beginning of British dominance in India.  

Modern India (19th Century–Present)
- First War of Independence (1857)  
  - Sepoy Mutiny against British rule; key battles in Delhi, Lucknow, and Jhansi.  

- Indo-Pakistani Wars  
  - 1947-48 (First Kashmir War) – India defended Jammu & Kashmir against Pakistani invaders.  
  - 1965 War – Fought over Kashmir; India repelled Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar.  
  - 1971 War – India’s decisive victory led to the creation of Bangladesh.  
  - 1999 Kargil War – India recaptured peaks infiltrated by Pakistani forces.  

- Sino-Indian War (1962)  
  - A humiliating defeat for India against China in the Himalayas.  

2. Indian Armed Forces in World Wars & Post-Independence Conflicts  

World War I (1914–1918)
- Over 1.3 million Indian soldiers served, fighting in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.  
- Key battles: Battle of Neuve Chapelle (1915), Siege of Kut (1916), Battle of Haifa (1918).  
- Victoria Cross winners: Khudadad Khan (first Indian VC), Mir Dast, etc.  

World War II (1939–1945)
- 2.5 million Indians fought under British command.  
- Key campaigns:  
  - North Africa (El Alamein, 1942)  
  - Italy (Monte Cassino, 1944) 
  - Burma Campaign (Imphal-Kohima, 1944 – "Britain’s Greatest Battle")  
  - Indian National Army (INA) under Subhas Chandra Bose fought alongside Japan.  

Post-Independence Conflicts 
- 1947-48 Kashmir War – Secured Jammu & Kashmir; led to the LOC.  
- 1962 Sino-Indian War – Exposed military weaknesses; led to modernization.  
- 1965 Indo-Pak War – Stalemate; showcased India’s resilience (e.g., Battle of Asal Uttar).  
- 1971 War – India’s greatest military victory; Bangladesh liberated.  
- 1999 Kargil War – High-altitude warfare; heroes like Capt. Vikram Batra emerged.  

3. Gallantry Award Winners

The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India's highest military decoration awarded for acts of exceptional bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. Below is the list of all PVC award winners, along with the year and their heroic deeds:

1. Major Somnath Sharma (Posthumous) – 1947 (Indo-Pak War)  
   - Action: Fought valiantly despite being injured, saving Srinagar airport during the Battle of Badgam (Kashmir).

2. Lance Naik Karam Singh – 1948 (Indo-Pak War)  
   - Action: Displayed extraordinary courage in defending his post at Tithwal (Kashmir) against heavy Pakistani attacks.

3. Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria (Posthumous) – 1961 (Congo Crisis)  
   - Action: Led a bold assault against enemy militia in Congo, ensuring mission success before being fatally wounded.

4. Major Dhan Singh Thapa – 1962 (Sino-Indian War)  
   - Action: Defended his post at Ladakh's Sirijap valley against overwhelming Chinese forces.

5. Subedar Joginder Singh (Posthumous) – 1962 (Sino-Indian War)  
   - Action: Fought fiercely against Chinese troops in the Bum La sector (NEFA) despite being outnumbered.

6. Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid (Posthumous) – 1965 (Indo-Pak War)  
   - Action: Destroyed multiple Pakistani tanks in the Battle of Asal Uttar (Punjab) before being killed in action.

7. Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore (Posthumous) – 1965 (Indo-Pak War)  
   - Action: Led his tank regiment fearlessly in the Battle of Chawinda (Pakistan) despite severe injuries.

8. Lance Naik Albert Ekka (Posthumous) – 1971 (Indo-Pak War)  
   - Action: Sacrificed his life while neutralizing enemy bunkers in the Battle of Hilli (East Pakistan).

9. Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (Posthumous) – 1971 (Indo-Pak War)  
   - Action: Engaged Pakistani aircraft in an unequal dogfight over Srinagar, defending the airbase till his last breath.

10. Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran (Posthumous) – 1987 (Sri Lanka, IPKF Operation)  
   - Action: Led a counter-attack against LTTE militants in Sri Lanka despite being critically wounded.

11. Captain Vikram Batra (Posthumous) – 1999 (Kargil War)  
   - Action: Captured Point 5140 and fought bravely at Point 4875 (Kargil), famously saying, "Yeh dil maange more!"

12. Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey (Posthumous) – 1999 (Kargil War)  
   - Action: Led a daring assault on enemy bunkers at Khalubar (Kargil) before being fatally wounded.

13. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav – 1999 (Kargil War)  
   - Action: Scaled a vertical cliff at Tiger Hill, neutralized enemy bunkers despite multiple bullet wounds.

14. Rifleman Sanjay Kumar – 1999 (Kargil War)  
   - Action: Charged alone at enemy positions atop Flat Top (Kargil), capturing a machine gun post despite injuries.

15. Subedar Major (Hon. Captain) Bana Singh – 1987 (Siachen Conflict)  
   - Action: Captured the strategically crucial Quaid Post (renamed Bana Top) in Siachen at 20,000 ft.

16. Naib Subedar Chhering Mutup – 1962 (Sino-Indian War)  
   - Action: Fought gallantly in Rezang La (Ladakh) against Chinese forces, inspiring his men till the end.

17. Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla (Posthumous) – 1971 (Indo-Pak War)  
   - Action: Went down with his sinking ship, INS Khukri, ensuring the safety of his crew.


Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) – Second Highest 
The Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) is India's second-highest gallantry award, awarded for acts of conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea, or in the air. Below is a list of some notable Maha Vir Chakra awardees, along with the year of award and their acts of bravery:

List of Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) Award Winners:

1947-48 Kashmir Operations (Indo-Pak War)
1. Major Somnath Sharma (Posthumous, 1947) – First recipient of MVC, fought valiantly in the Battle of Badgam.  
2. Lt. Col. Dewan Ranjit Rai (Posthumous, 1947) – Led operations in Baramulla.  
3. Lance Naik Karam Singh (1948) – Displayed exceptional bravery in Tithwal sector.  

1962 Sino-Indian War  
4. Major Shaitan Singh (Posthumous, 1962) – Hero of Rezang La battle.  
5. Subedar Joginder Singh (Posthumous, 1962) – Fought at Tongpen La.  

1965 Indo-Pak War  
6. Lt. Col. Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore (Posthumous, 1965) – Led tanks in the Battle of Chawinda.  
7. Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid (Posthumous, 1965) – Destroyed Pakistani tanks in Khem Karan.  
8. Major Rajinder Singh Sparrow (Posthumous, 1965) – Brave action in the Battle of Dograi.  

1971 Indo-Pak War (Bangladesh Liberation War) 
9. Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (Posthumous, 1971) – Only IAF pilot awarded MVC for air combat.  
10. Major Hoshiar Singh (1971) – Gallantry in the Battle of Basantar.  
11. 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal (Posthumous, 1971) – Youngest MVC recipient, fought in Shakargarh.  
12. Colonel Chewang Rinchen (1971) – Outstanding leadership in Ladakh.  

Kargil War (1999)  
13. Captain Vikram Batra (Posthumous, 1999) – "Sher Shah" of Kargil, captured Point 4875.  
14. Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari (Posthumous, 1999) – Critical role in Tololing capture.  
15. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav (1999) – Survived multiple bullets while capturing Tiger Hill.  

Other Notable MVC Awardees
16. Naib Subedar Bana Singh (1987) – Captured the critical Siachen post (now Bana Top).  
17. Major Mariappan Saravanan (Posthumous, 2000) – Killed fighting militants in Kashmir.  
18. Lt. Col. Dharamvir Singh (2016, Posthumous) – Counter-terrorism in Kashmir.  

Recent MVC Awardees (Post-Kargil)
- Colonel Santosh Mahadik (Posthumous, 2016) – Special Forces action in Kashmir.  
- Major Mohit Sharma (Posthumous, 2009) – Counter-insurgency in Kupwara.  

The Vir Chakra (VrC) is India's third-highest wartime gallantry award, awarded for acts of bravery on the battlefield. Below is a list of some notable Vir Chakra awardees, along with the year of award and a brief description of their actions:

Notable Vir Chakra (VrC) Awardees:

1971 Indo-Pak War (Major Awards)
1. Major Hoshiar Singh (1971) – Led his company with exceptional courage in the Battle of Basantar (Shakargarh Sector).  
2. Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (Posthumous, 1971) – Displayed extraordinary bravery in air combat over Srinagar (only Param Vir Chakra awardee of the IAF).  
3. Lance Naik Albert Ekka (Posthumous, 1971) – Sacrificed his life while attacking enemy bunkers in the Battle of Hilli (later awarded Param Vir Chakra).  
4. Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri (1971) – Hero of the Battle of Longewala (immortalized in the movie Border).  

Kargil War (1999)
5. Captain Vikram Batra (Posthumous, 1999) – Led critical assaults on Point 4875 and Point 5140 (later awarded Param Vir Chakra).  
6. Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey (Posthumous, 1999) – Displayed exceptional courage in Khalubar sector (later awarded Param Vir Chakra).  
7. Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari (Posthumous, 1999) – Led a daring attack on enemy positions in Kargil.  
8. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav (1999) – Scaled steep cliffs under fire during the capture of Tiger Hill (later awarded Param Vir Chakra).  

Other Notable Awardees
9. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman (2019) – Shot down a Pakistani F-16 during the Balakot airstrike before being captured and later released.  
10. Major Mohit Sharma (Posthumous, 2009) – Led a counter-terrorist operation in Kupwara, Kashmir, killing several militants before succumbing to injuries.  
11. Naib Subedar Chuni Lal (1987, 1999) – Awarded Vir Chakra in 1987 and later Mahavir Chakra in 1999 (Kargil War).  

Recent Vir Chakra Awardees (2020s)
- Havildar Alok Kumar Dubey (Posthumous, 2021) – Sacrificed his life in a counter-terror operation in Jammu & Kashmir.  
- Major Anuj Sood (Posthumous, 2020) – Killed in action during an anti-terrorist operation in Handwara, Kashmir.    

4. History & Traditions of Local Regiments/Units  

The Punjab Regiment (One of the Oldest, 1761)
- Motto: "Sthal Wa Jal" (By Land and Sea)  
- Battle Honours: World Wars, 1965, 1971, Kargil.  

Rajputana Rifles (1775)
- Motto: "Veer Bhogya Vasundhara" (The Brave Shall Inherit the Earth)  
- Famous Battle: Battle of Longewala (1971).  

Sikh Regiment (1846)
- Motto: "Nischay Kar Apni Jeet Karon" (With Determination, I Will Be Victorious)
- Gallantry Awards: 21 PVCs (including Subedar Joginder Singh, 1962).  

Gorkha Rifles (1815)
- Motto: "Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro" (Better to Die Than Live Like a Coward)
- Famous Soldiers: Major Dhan Singh Thapa (PVC, 1962).  

The Grenadiers (1788)
- Motto: "Sarvada Shaktishali" (Ever Powerful)
- Gallantry: Capt. Gurbachan Singh Salaria (PVC, Congo, 1961).  

Modern Elite Forces
- Para SF (Special Forces) – Involved in surgical strikes (2016, 2019).  
- MARCOS (Marine Commandos) – Played key roles in Kargil & counter-piracy ops.