Pratyusha Mukherjee from Dipatoli Military Station, Ranchi,Jharkhand
The Madras Regiment is the oldest infantry regiment of the Indian Army, originating in the 1750s. The regiment took part in numerous campaigns with both the British Indian Army and the post-independence Indian Army.
During the Shaurya Sandhya at Dipatoli Cantonment on 11th February the team of 21st Battalion of the MADRAS Regiment presented a spectacular fusion of Kalaripayattu. Spectators enjoyed the traditional Marvel from the southern most state of India.
What is Kalaripayattu?
Kalaripayattu, also known simply as Kalari, is an Indian martial art that originated in modern-day Kerala. Kalaripayattu is known for its long-standing history within Indian martial arts. It is believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in India, with a history spanning over 3,000 years.Kalaripayattu differs from many other martial arts systems in the world in that weapon based techniques are taught first, and barehanded techniques are taught last.
The traditionally and smartly dressed 21st Battalion of the MADRAS Regiment team performed with a great zeal and enthusiasm.
Motto, War cry and Salutation:
The motto of the regiment is from chapter 3, verse 35 of Bhagavad Gita. It is (Swadharme Nidhanam Shreyaha), which translates to “It is glory to die doing one’s duty”. The motto was adopted 08 June 1955. The war cry of the regiment is “Veer madrassi, adi kollu, adi kollu, adi kollu !”, which means “O brave Madrassi, hit and kill, hit and kill, hit and kill !”.This was adopted during the Battalion Commanders’ Conference in 1969.The salutation used by the regiment is ‘Namaskaram’. It was adopted by 4 Madras (WLI) in 1956 and subsequently adopted by all the battalions.
Battle of Assaye, in 1803 was the regiment’s first major conflict and decisive victory under the British against the mammoth Peshwa Army. The Madras regiment won the elephant-crest as its insignia after the battle that was more difficult than Waterloo.
By 1838, The Madras Regiment has grown to 52 Infantry Battalion, but it was disbanded in in 1941 as the region was largely peaceful.Before disbandment in 1928, the Madras Regiment had earning 22 battle honour.
Kalaripayattu- The fluidity and speed of the art help in enhancing a soldier’s reflexes and reaction time.With it’s battle tested techniques and warrior ethos, it remains a valuable martial discipline influencing modern military combat strategies.
(Pratyusha Mukherjee, an Independent Sr. Broadcast Journalist working for British media with 20 years of experience in covering the east and northeast, with specialisation in Defence and Sports.She is associated with us as Editorial head of Defence and Sports. In her illustrated career she has covered many major events and achieved International and Indian media awards for Journalism)
