Units

The Bihar Regiment

THE BIHAR REGIMENT

Regimental Uniform of The Brigade of the Guards
  • Regimental Centre: Danapur, Bihar.
  • Regimental Insignia: The Ashoka Lion.
  • Motto: Karam Hi Dharam (Work is Worship).
  • War Cry: Jai Bajrang Bali (Victory to Bajrang Bali).
    ...............Birsa Munda Ki Jai (Victory to Birsa Munda).
  • Regimental Battalions: 1st Battalion
    .................................2nd Battalion
    .................................3rd Battalion
    .................................4th Battalion
    .................................5th Battalion
    .................................6th Battalion
    .................................7th Battalion
    .................................8th Battalion
    .................................9th Battalion
    .................................10th Battalion
    .................................11th Battalion
    .................................12th Battalion
    .................................14th Battalion
    .................................15th Battalion
    .................................16th Battalion
    .................................17th Battalion
    .................................21st Battalion

Post-Independence

  • Battle Honours: Akhaura.
  • Honours & Awards: 2 Ashok Chakras.
  • Comments: Bihar is the cradle of ancient Indian civilisations and empires. Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim influences intermingled to produce a soldiery which was traditionally arms bearing, disciplined and deeply religious. The Bihar Regiment claims its origins from the sepoy battalions raised in 1758 by Clive at Patna. These were formed by the men from the Bhojpur region of Bihar. Their success in combat had impressed the local ruler Mir Kasim, to begin raising units trained in western combat techniques. The Bihari battalions raised by Mir Kasim had not only done well, but beaten the British in some engagements. The Bihari, or poorbia/purviah soldier thereafter continued to provide the backbone of The Bengal Infantry of the British.

The Bihari was not only an excellent soldier, 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 1857 revolt 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 until after the Great War (World War I), when they were accepted in the Hyderabad Regiment which then later became the Kumaon Regiment. 1st Bihar owes its origins to the Kumaonis. The 2nd was raised in 1942 as part of the Bihar Regiment.