Indian Infantry Regiment
Assam Regiment is an infantry regiment of the Indian Army. The regiment has soldiers exclusively from the eight Northeastern states of the country.
- Regimental Centre: Shillong, Meghalaya.
- Type: Light Infantry
- Regimental Insignia: Uni-horned Rhinoceros of Assam.
- Regimental Colours; Black and Gold (golden stripe added to the flag on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee)
- Motto: Assam Vikram (Unique Valour).
- War Cry: Rhino Charge.
- Marching Song: BadluramKaBadan
- Soldiers are called: Rhinos
- Regimental Language: Hindi
The regiment consists of 25 battalions, 20 regular units,3 Rashtriya Rifles units and two battalions of Arunachal scouts.
History
The regiment was raised on15th June 1941 by Lt. Col Ross Howman to counter the threat of the Japanese invasion of India and meet the claim of the then undivided state of Assam. The first regiment consisted of Ahoms, the tough, hardy tribes of Nagas, Mizos, Kukis, Garos, Manipuri and other tribes. Later. The Adis, Nishis, Mopas, and other tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkimese and domiciled Gorkhas were also drafted.
The first Battalion was raised in the area of Elephant Falls in Shillong.Within six months the troops were moved to Digboi to defend the oil fields. In 1944, the young regiment was sent to Burma to fight against the Japanese during World War II (1942-1945).
In the first year itself, the regiment won 71 gallantry awards. The regiment earned high praise for its battle skill and earned six battle honors and the “Theatre of Burma”
No other regiment has won so many gallantry awards, battle honours and theatre awards in a single campaign.
The regiment gained from strength to strength and its battalions have taken part in all wars and counter-insurgency operations winning accolades and distinctions.
The regiment gained from strength to strength and its battalions have taken part in all wars and counter-insurgency operations winning accolades and distinctions.
Two of its battalions, 4 Assam and 7 Assam were a part of the Indian peacekeeping force in Sri Lanka in1988.
The 15th Assam and 10th Assam have the distinction of being a part of the United Nations in Cambodia, Lebanon and Congo respectively.
Regimental Battalions
The Regiment from three battalions at the time of Independence has grown to 25 -strong battalions.
- 1st Battalion
- 2nd Battalion – Second To None
- 3rd Battalion – The Phantom Third
- 4th Battalion – Formidable Fourth
- 5th Battalion – Fighting Fifth
- 6th Battalion – The Sabre Sixth
- 7th Battalion – Striking Seventh
- 8th Battalion – The Head Hunters
- 9th Battalion – The Nimble Ninth
- 10th Battalion – The Thundering Tenth
- 12th Battalion – Daring Dozen
- 14th Battalion – Ferocious Fourteenth
- 15th Battalion – One Five
- 16th Battalion – Soaring Sixteen
- 17th Battalion – SaggitalEkSaat
- 119 Infantry Battalion (T.A) – Assam Terriers
- 165 Infantry Battalion (T.A) – Manipur Terriers
- 166 Infantry Battalion (T.A) – Manipur Terriers
- 134 Infantry Battalion (TA) – Eastern Planters: Rangiya, Assam
- 135 Infantry Battalion (TA) – Green Rhinos: Tezpur, Assam
- 35th Rashtriya Rifles
- 42nd Rashtriya Rifles
- 59th Rashtriya Rifles
- 1st Arunachal Scouts
- 2nd Arunachal Scouts
The family has grown.This highly respected regiment has served with distinction in different wars, various operational areas and around the world.
The 42nd Rashtriya Rifles (Assam) was formed especially to contain insurgency and terrorism. It has proven its mantle in both Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East Assam regiment
Uniform
The uniform has a distinct style as it reflects the true heritage of the Northeast. The regiment wears a headgear, called the Rhino Hat or “GurkhaTerai Hat”. A black chinstrap holds the hat together, with the right side lowered till the brim touches the ear. The emblem of the rhino is on the left side of the hat. The scarlet red, green and thin black striped cravat with cummerbund belt give it the distinctive look of the “rhinos- soldiers”. On ceremonial occasions, aformal “dah” is also carried with the belt.
Insignia
The regiment’s insignia is the one-horned rhino, as it’s found in Assam, which is worn on the belts and berets that the soldiers wear.
Unique Salutation
The Regimental salutation of TagraRaho has an interesting history. It was introduced by late Maj Gen SC Barbora who commanded the 2nd Assam Regiment. He used to enquire about the well-being and morale of the Rhinos’ (soldiers) by asking them” TagraHai?” meaning are you strong and fit. The answer invariably was “TagraHaiSaheb”- meaning I am strong. This greeting became popular and has been adopted as the regiment greeting.
The Regimental salutation of TagraRaho has an interesting history. It was introduced by late Maj Gen SC Barbora who commanded the 2nd Assam Regiment. He used to enquire about the well-being and morale of the Rhinos’ (soldiers) by asking them” TagraHai?” meaning are you strong and fit. The answer invariably was “TagraHaiSaheb”- meaning I am strong. This greeting became popular and has been adopted as the regiment greeting.
The Marching Song History -BadluramkaBadan
During World War II, an Indian soldier named Badluram died fighting against Japan. His death was not reported and his rations resulted in surplus food for the unit. Soon the Japanese army surrounded the unit and cut off their supplies. But Badluram’s ration kept the soldiers alive.
Post -Independence
Theatre Honour
- Jammu and Kashmir, 1971
Battle Honours
- Chaamb, 1971
Honours and Awards
- 1 Ashoka Chakra – 2016 to HavaldarHangpan Dada
- 5 ParamVishishtSeva Medals,
- 2 MahaVir Chakra,
- 7 Kirti Chakra,
- 5 Vir Chakras,
- 19 Shaurya Chakras,
- 2 Padma Shris,
- 5 AtiVishishtSeva Medals,
- 6 YudhSeva Medals,
- 51 Sena Medals and
- 20 VishishtSeva Medals and 2 Bars.
The Assam regiment has won several accolades on and off the battle field. It has been judged the Best Marching contingent and the “Best in Sport” category. It represented India in YudhAbhyas 2019, along the US Army.
