Deeds of Gallantry : Fifty Years of the 1971 Victory

The two nation theory, championed by the Muslim League, led to the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan in 1947. But the two wings of Pakistan, called West Pakistan and East Pakistan separated by 1600 kms of Indian territory, could not live in harmony despite religious homogeneity. Their ethnic, linguistic, economic and cultural diversities could not be bridged by an emotional appeal to religion. Consequently, fissures started erupting in the politics of Pakistan soon after the Independence and with each passing year these widened. The Indo-Pak War of 1965 also contributed to this growing divide. Bereft of appropriate defence infrastructure, East Pakistan felt isolated and abandoned. Finally, the malfeasance of Pakistani leadership, after the 1970 elections, proved the proverbial last straw on the camel's back.

The India-Pakistan War of 1971 lasted for fourteen days. Pakistani forces in East Pakistan were convincingly defeated.

In the west, a large area of Pakistani territory including 1,243 sq km in Jammu and Kashmir, 968 sq km in Punjab and 12,341 sq km in Rajasthan was captured by Indian troops.

For the War of 1971, India had to pay a heavy price both in terms of men and resources. The Indian Armed Forces suffered a total of 12189 casualties, including 2998 in killed. The Pakistani casualties exceeded 13,000 in killed and 20,000 in wounded and 93,000 in Prisoners of War.

About six hundred officers and men of the Indian Army were decorated with gallantry awards after the war. Of these, four earned the Param Vir Chakra, seventy-six the Maha Vir Chakra and 513 the Vir Chakra. The war on the eastern front ended with unconditional surrender by Pakistani forces at 1630 hrs on 16 December.

History Division is a record, research and reference organisation of the Ministry of Defence and the three Services Headquarters. At the end of Second World War, a Historical Section was set up under the Ministry of Defence to write a detailed history of the War, with particular reference to the operations conducted by the Armed Forces of undivided India. After the partition of the country in 1947, this section was designated as the Combined. Inter Services Historical Section (India & Pakistan). The Historical Section compiled 25 volumes until it was wound up in 1963.

Meanwhile, a separate section called Historical Section (India) was set up in 1953 for compiling the History of post-partition military operations of the Indian Armed Forces. This Section was also meant to supply information on military history and allied subjects to the Ministry and the three Services Headquarters. Subsequently, a Heraldic Cell was created within the section to advise the Ministry and the Armed Forces on ceremonial matters.

Since the inception, the Historical Section has brought out 44 publications. In view of the growing responsibilities of the Section, it was redesignated as the History Division in 1992.

Presently, the History Division is engaged in compiling/publishing some books related to the military history of India.

The 1971 War concluded with a great and decisive victory for India. In the 50th year after the War, a need was felt to reach out to the younger generation by documenting the deeds of gallantry that made possible this great victory. A great effort has been made by the research staff of the History Division to achieve this objective. This book is an effort in that direction.

I would like to express my gratitude to Dr UP Thapliyal, former Director of the History Division, who has not only guided us but has also contributed the introduction to the book. Dr Narender Yadav, Deputy Director, Dr Maroof Ahmad, Assistant Director and Dr Hemant Chauhan and Shri Anand Kumar, Research Assistants, also deserve my thanks for burning midnight oil to complete the work on time. As the work was time bound, we also requested some known scholars to assist us. It may be mentioned here that the photographs included in the book are those available to us. In some cases, there may be variations in the rank mentioned in the write up and the rank depicted on the shoulder badge.

Above all, I am indebted to National Book Trust, India, particularly its Chairman, Prof. Govind Prasad Sharma, and Director, Col. Yuvraj Malik, VSM for developing and publishing the book. But for their keen interest, the book might not have come up so nicely.

Finally, I am grateful to the Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India for the help and encouragement extended to me in completing this task. However, for statement of facts and interpretation of events, the History Division alone is responsible.

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