The name Rajputana Rifles is derived from the Hindi word Rajputana which was the old name of Rajasthan. It is based on the Sanskrit word Rajputra meaning son of a king.
The regiment was created in the 17th century when the East India Company recruited Rajputs to protect its operations. The impressive performance of the French local units which were composed of local recruits mixed with french officers, helped the company to decide that it needed to do something similar. In January 1775, it raised the first local infantry units; the 5th and 6th battalions of the Bombay sepoys. The 5th battalion performed superbly and was redesignated the 4th Regiment Native Infantry (Rifle Corps) in 1841. It thus became the first Rifle Regiment of the Indian Army.
In early 19th century the 4th Regiment Native Infantry was renamed as the 104 Wellesley’s Rifles. In 1921, the battalions finally took its current title, the 1st battalion of the Rajputana Rifles Regiment. As a result of this re-organization the following merged to forn the battalions of the Rajputana Rifles Regiment:
5th Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, one of the oldest Rifle Regiments of the Indian Army made a humble beginning in 1817 at Dapuri near Pune. It became a regular Unit in 1820 and was designated as the "First Extra Battalion". The Battalion has participated in many battles both in the pre and post independence era. For its gallantry and heroism it has won over 200 gallantry awards including one Victoria Cross in 1858. In recognition of its meritorious services 27 Battle Honours were bestowed on this Battalion.
The last century is replete with numerous actions in which the Battalion participated, both in India and overseas, displaying indomitable fighting spirit kindled by General Sir Charles Napier. Under his command on 17 February 1843 the Battalion won the epic battle of Meeanee. In awe and admiration of the intrepidity, chivalry and valour displayed by the gallant soldiers of this illustrious Battalion, General Sir Charles Napier while bidding them adieu reflected that his name be associated with that of the Battalion. Since then it was traditionally known as the "Napier's Rifles".
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It was in the fighting in Keren in Eritria that Subedar Richpal Ram of the 4th Battalion won a Victoria Cross (Posthumous), the first VC of the Battalion and that of the Division in World War II. The second VC of the Regiment, again during World War II, was won by Company Havildar Major Chhelu Ram again of the 4th Battalion, at Djebel in Tunisia, at the end of the North African Campaign. This battalion alone won nearly 80 gallantry awards, including two VCs, in a five year campaign.
1 Param Vir Chakra, 1 Ashok Chakra, 1 Padma Bushan, 11 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 10 Maha Vir Chakras, 8 Kirti Chakras, 11 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 1 Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, 41 Vir Chakras, 25 Shaurya Chakras, 112 Sena Medals (including Bar), 36 Vishisht Seva Medals, 2 Yudh Seva Medals, 85 Mention-in-Despatches and 55 Arjun Awards.
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Prapak ... Parade Par!
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