Repugnant battle honours of the Indian Army facts for kids
The Indian Army has a long and proud history! But did you know that some of its old achievements, called battle honours, are not celebrated anymore? These honours were earned by army units that used to be part of the East India Company and later the British Indian Army.
After India became independent, the Government of India decided that some of these battle honours were "repugnant." This means they were seen as battles where the British tried to control India or its neighbors. So, the Indian Army units do not put these specific honours on their special flags (called colours) and don't have celebrations for them.
Contents
What Are Battle Honours?
Battle honours are special awards given to military units for their bravery and success in important battles. They are like badges of honor that tell the story of a unit's history and achievements. Units often display these honours on their flags or banners.
Why Some Honours Are "Repugnant"
The word "repugnant" means something that is very unpleasant or goes against what you believe. For the Indian Army, "repugnant" battle honours are those earned during times when India was under British rule. The Indian government sees these battles as part of the "subjugation" or control of India.
This decision was made after India gained its freedom. It applies to battles that happened within India or in nearby countries. The Indian Army wants to celebrate its own history and achievements, not those that represent a time of foreign rule.
Battle Honours the Indian Army Doesn't Use
Here is a list of some battle honours that the Indian Army considers "repugnant." This means they are not displayed on unit flags or celebrated:
- Assaye (1803)
- Carnatic
- Sholinghur
- Mangalore
- Mysore
- Sedaseer
- Seringapatam
- Egypt
- Delhi
- Leswarree
- Deig
- Kirkee
- Nagpore
- Maheidpoor
- Corygaum
- Nowah
- Ava
- Kemmendine
- Arracan
- Bhurtpore
- China
- Meeanee
- Hyderabad
- Maharajpoor
- Punniar
- Moodkee
- Ferozeshah
- Aliwal
- Sobraon
- Punjaub
- Chillianwallah
- Mooltan
- Goojerat
- Pegu
- Delhi 1857
- Lucknow
- Defence of Arrah
- Behar
- Central India
- Egypt 1882
- Burma 1885-87
- Defence of Chitral
- Punjab Frontier
Battle Honours the Indian Army Celebrates
Not all old battle honours are considered "repugnant." The earliest battle honour that the modern Indian Army can proudly display is "Bourbon." This honour is from a battle on July 8, 1810. It is held by the 3rd Battalion, Brigade of the Guards.
Many older honours were lost because units were disbanded. Some went to units that became part of Pakistan after India's partition. But many pre-World War I battle honours are still celebrated.
Here are some of the battle honours from before World War I that the Indian Government does not consider "repugnant":
- Abyssinia 1868
- Afghanistan 1839
- Afghanistan 1878-80
- Ahmed Khel 1880
- Ali Masjid 1878
- Bani Bu Ali 1821
- Bourbon 1810
- Bushehr 1856
- Kabul 1842
- Kandahar 1842
- Charasiah 1879
- China 1858–59
- China 1860–62
- China 1900
- Cutchee
- Ghazni 1839
- Ghazni 1842
- Java 1811
- Kabul 1879
- Kahun 1840
- Kandahar 1880
- Khelat 1839
- Khushab 1856
- Malakand 1897
- Peiwar Kotal 1878
- Pekin 1860
- Pekin 1900
- Persia 1856-57
- Reshire 1856
- Samana 1897
- Somaliland 1901-04
- Dagu Forts 1900
- Tel-el-Kebir 1882
- Tirah 1897-98
- Tofrek 1885
Images for kids
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This Sphinx symbol shows the campaign in Egypt, 1801. It was awarded to Madras Sappers but is now considered "repugnant."
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This Elephant emblem shows the Battle of Assaye, 1803. It was awarded to Madras Sappers but is now considered "repugnant."
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This Dragon symbol shows the campaign in China during the First Opium War, 1840. It was awarded to Madras Sappers but is now considered "repugnant."
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See also
- Battle and theatre honours of the Indian Army
- Awards and decorations of the Indian Armed Forces
