The Bihar Regiment is an Indian Army infantry regiment which traces its origin back to British Indian Army. It was formed mainly due to the contribution of erstwhile principalities of Bihar, mainly Raj Darbhanga along with Ramgarh Raj and Ratu Raj.
It was during the World War II, as soldiers from Bihar were once again mass recruited in the Indian Army in 11th Territorial Battalion of 19th Hyderabad Regiment which was later raised as the 1st Battalion of Bihar Regiment on 15 September 1941.
During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the Bihari troops were the first to revolt. From the state two heroes emerged who fought against the British rule i.e Babu Veer Kunwar Singh Ji during the Mutiny of 1857 and tribal leader Birsa Munda Ji in late 19th century.
Realising the potential and clear threat Britishers disbanded all eighteen Bihar Battalions and stopped mass recuriment of Bihari soldiers.
During WWII, they being aware of excellent martial capabilities of the Purbiyas (predominately the Rajput along with Bhumihar and Maithali Brahmins) from Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. They started their mass recuriment in 11/19th Hyderabad Regiment.
H.H. Maharajadhiraj Kameshwar Singh Ji of Raj Darbhanga was offered Honorary Rank of Lt. Col. of 11/19th Hyderabad Regiment and later Col. but he was adamant that he will only become Colonel if the Regiment is of Bihar.
Col. Kameshwar Singh Ji with his troops from 1st Battalion.
Col. Kameshwar Singh Ji with his troops from 1st Battalion.
He arranged land from the Ratu Raj and funds from himself and other principalities (Ramgarh Raj and Ratu Raj) for purchase of weapons, vehicles and construction. Finally the Bihar Regimental Center at Danapur came into existence.
Maharajkumar Basant Narain Singh Ji of Ramgarh Raj served as Honorary Rank of Lieutenant of 11/19th Hyderabad Regiment and later 1st Battalion of Bihar Regiment.
Being one of the youngest infantry regiment of the country number of testament to glory of the unit includes 4 Ashok Chakras, 9 Mahaveer Chakras, 21 Kriti Chakras, 51 Vir Chakras, 70 Shaurya Chakras, 448 Sena Medals and many more Post Independence.
During Pre Independence Period (WWII) it had 5 Military Cross, 6 Order of British India, 9 Military Medals, 7 Distinguished Service Order and 8 MBE(Member of the order of the British Empire).
COA of Raj Darbhanga, Ramgarh Raj and Ratu Raj.
*Land from the Ratu Raj for construction of Institute for Officers at Ranchi
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