Bihar Regiment - History

History

The Bihar Regiment traces its origins to the sepoy battalions raised in 1757 by Lord Clive of the British East India Company at Patna. These were formed by the men from the Bhojpur region of Bihar. Their success in combat impressed Mir Kasim, who began raising units trained in western combat techniques. Bihari battalions raised by Mir Kasim defeated the British in some engagements. The Bihari, or poorbia/purviah soldier thereafter made up the backbone of the Bengal Infantry of the British Colonial Army.

The Bihari was not only an excellent soldier, but he was also quick to learn and apply the tactical drills with initiative. He was disciplined when led by good officers, but capable of hostility when his beliefs and customs were disregarded. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 against the introduction of greased cartridges, was led by Bihari troops, who preferred being blown by the guns to losing their faith. Biharis thereafter were not encouraged to enter military service by the British until after the Great War (World War I).

The Bihar Regiment was formed in 1941 during World War II by regularising the 11th (Territorial) Battalion, 19th Hyderabad Regiment as 1 Bihar. The 2nd Battalion was raised in 1942.

The newly raised 1 Bihar saw action in the Burma Campaign, winning battle honours for gallant actions at Haka and Gangaw. 2 Bihar formed part of Operation Zipper for the reoccupation of British Malaya.

Thereafter, both battalions participated in the undeclared war in the Kashmir Valley during 1948-49.

During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, 7 Bihar captured Bedori, paving the way for the capture of Haji Pir Pass.

By the start of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the Regiment had expanded to 11 battalions. Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Tenth and Eleventh Battalions participated in operations in the eastern sector. 10 Bihar was conferred the Theatre Honour 'East Pakistan" for the capture of Akhaura. On 15 December 1971, a seaborne expedition was launched at Cox's Bazar to prevent Pakistani troops from escaping into Burma. 11 Bihar formed part of this amphibious task force. In the Western theatre of the war, 3 Bihar captured Wanjal.

In the Spring of 1999, Pakistani soldiers posing as Kashimiri militants crossed the L.O.C. in Kargil and entered Indian Territory. Operation Vijay was launched by Indian Army to flush out the intruders. More than 10,000 soldiers and officers of the Bihar Regiment were deployed to the war front. In a well planned operation in the Batalik Sector, soldiers of 1 Bihar, in a fierce fight with the Pakistan Army, captured Point 4268 and Jubar Ridge on night 06/7 July 1999. 7 July 1999 is a red letter day in the history of the regiment, as the Jawans of the Bihar Regiment pushed back intruders from Jubar Hills and point 4268 in Kuker Thang area in Batalik sector.

Units of the regiment have also served in UN Peacekeeping operations in Somalia (UNOSOM) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) Brig.A.K.Yadav is current commandant of BRC. (LINK- http://paper.hindustantimes.com/epaper/viewer.aspx)