2017-10-09 Mon

The Idea of Territorial Army was raised by the British in 1920 by passing the Indian Territorial Act. This idea became reality on this day – 9th October, in the year 1949, when the first Indian governor-general of India, C. Rajagopalachari inaugurated Territorial Army.

This army is a Citizen’s Army comprised of people who are not professional soldiers. They are civilians eager to contribute their spare time to serve their country. The volunteers receive limited military training. Its history can be traced back to the late 1860s when the Railways set up infantry battalions for the purpose of internal security.

The Indian Territorial Army is considered to be the second line of defence after the regular Army. This service is meant for the people who are already employed elsewhere. The earlier unit such as armoured regiments, infantry battalions and air defence were disbanded and merged into the Indian Army in the 1970s.

This defence unit played a key role in 1962 India-China war, as well as in the 1965 and 1971 conflict with Pakistan. They were the part of major operations in Sri Lanka, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and North East. This unit also helped in Civic administrations at the time of natural disasters and took part in environment-friendly initiatives.

Like the Indian Armed Forces serve the Country in the state of national emergency, the Territorial Army off aid to the civil administration during the time of need.

On the occasion of Territorial Army’s silver jubilee, India Post issued a Commemorative stamp in 1974 to celebrate the spirit of nationalism.