From the archives... The 58 Gorkha Training Centre
Band playing with Field Marshal Kariappah eagerly watching on. Photo
courtesy: LB Gurung
Since the termination of British power from India the various
bands of the Indian Army had to be re-oriented to render them truly Indian.
The task was not easy as with the division of the country many bandsmen
of various units opted for Pakistan. Under the distinguished patronage
of Gen. K.M Kariappa, OBE the then Commander-In-Chief of the Indian Army,
a Military School of Music was established in Pachmarhi in 1950. Here
the bandsmen of the bands of the various defence forces are given training
in playing the various instruments used in the Military bands.
In the early years our bandsmen had to play western martial tunes as suitable
native material scores did not exist. Gradually over the years a small group of
composers sprang up who composed martial music appropriate for our Bands, based
on the folk-lore of the regions which contributed most to the strength of the
Indian Defence Forces. Thus the folk lores of Punjab, Rajasthan, Marwar, Garhwal
and Konkan coast have given inspiration to the Indian composers.
The tunes in this presentation, may be used only for listening and evaluation
purpose. The copy rights of the songs lies with the Indian Armed
Forces. For ordering the audio tapes, you may contact the Navy Director
of Music, Mumbai, or the Ceremonial Directorate, Adjutant General's Branch,
New Delhi. The tunes are in MP3 format and can be played by using any
compatible music player. This section is maintained by Sachin
Keshavan P.
