122nd Rajputana Infantry
The 122nd Rajputana Infantry was a distinguished infantry regiment of the British Indian Army with a lineage spanning over a century of military service. From its origins in the early 19th century to its eventual integration into the modern Indian Army, the regiment played a pivotal role in various global conflicts and regional security operations.
Originally raised in 1818, the unit evolved through several reorganizations, reflecting the shifting administrative structures of the British Indian military apparatus. Its journey from a native infantry battalion to a specialized rifle regiment highlights the professionalization of the Indian Empire's armed forces.
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Key Facts
- Active Period: 1818 – 1922.
- Origins: Raised as the 2nd Battalion, 11th Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry.
- Major Engagements: The Boxer Rebellion and World War I.
- Affiliations: Part of the Bombay Army (until 1895) and later the Bombay Command.
- Final Designation: Became the 3rd (Prince of Wales's Own), 6th Rajputana Rifles in 1922.
Regimental Evolution and Nomenclature
The regiment underwent several name changes as it transitioned through different organizational phases of the British Indian Army. These changes often coincided with broader military reforms aimed at streamlining command and control.
Chronology of Names
- 2nd Battalion, 11th Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry (1818)
- 22nd Bombay Native Infantry (1824)
- 22nd Bombay Infantry (1885)
- 122nd Rajputana Infantry (1903)
- 3rd Battalion 6th Rajputana Rifles (1921)
- 3rd Battalion The Rajputana Rifles (1947)
Military Service and Engagements
The 122nd Rajputana Infantry was deployed in significant international conflicts. Their first major action took place during the Boxer Rebellion, a violent anti-foreign and anti-Christian uprising in China. Following this, the regiment provided critical service during World War I, contributing to the Allied effort across various theaters.
Following the Great War, the Indian government implemented a systemic reform of the army. This transition moved the military structure from single-battalion regiments to multi-battalion regiments. Consequently, in 1922, the 122nd Rajputana Infantry was redesignated as the 3rd (Prince of Wales's Own), 6th Rajputana Rifles. After India gained independence in 1947, the unit was allocated to the Indian Army.
The Regimental War Memorial
To honor the sacrifice of its soldiers, a memorial was constructed in 1925 at Nasirabad. This memorial takes the form of a Chhatri (a traditional Indian dome-shaped canopy) made of Makrana marble. Standing 20 feet high, the structure is supported by six pillars, each representing a battalion of the Rajputana Rifle Group and engraved with the respective battalion's crest.
The memorial commemorates 2,058 personnel of all ranks who were killed during World War I. Beneath a central plaque, which lists 23 battle honours earned by the regiment, lies a complete roll of honour. The monument was officially unveiled on January 28, 1927, by Lieutenant General Sir John Shea.
Regimental Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Branch | Army (Infantry) |
| Country | Indian Empire |
| Colors | Red; faced dark green (1882 emerald green) |
| Key Conflicts | Boxer Rebellion, World War I |
| Post-1922 Status | 3rd (Prince of Wales's Own), 6th Rajputana Rifles |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the 122nd Rajputana Infantry first formed?
The regiment traces its origins back to 1818, when it was originally raised as the 2nd Battalion, 11th Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry.
What were the primary conflicts the regiment fought in?
The regiment's most notable engagements include the Boxer Rebellion and World War I.
What happened to the regiment after World War I?
In 1922, as part of a shift toward multi-battalion regiments, the 122nd Rajputana Infantry became the 3rd (Prince of Wales's Own), 6th Rajputana Rifles.
What is the significance of the Nasirabad memorial?
The memorial is a Makrana marble Chhatri built to commemorate the 2,058 members of the regiment who died during World War I, featuring 23 battle honours.
Which army command did the regiment belong to?
The regiment was part of the Bombay Army until 1895, after which it fell under the Bombay Command.