FIRST CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF GENERAL BIPIN RAWAT - IMMORTAL RAJPUTS

First-ever Chief Of Defence Staff of India - General Bipin Rawat

20 years after Kargil Review Committee recommended India to get its first CDS: Chief of Defence Staff, single point advisor to Government on matters military and strategic.

Congratulations to General Bipin Rawat for his appointment as the Chief of Defence Staff of Indian Defence Services. Hope his cooperation between defence forces and Government will lead us to a new way. 

General Bipin Rawat was born in Pauri Garhwal, Uttrakhand. He joined the Indian Army in December 1978 and was commissioned into the 5/11 Gorkha Rifles. General Rawat also won the Sword of Honour when he graduated from the Indian Military Academy in 1978.

Born in a Gadhwali Rajput family serving army since generations, General Rawat father Lt. Gen. L S Rawat also served the Indian Army.

General Rawat was commissioned in Eleven Gorkha Rifles in December 1978, from Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and had won the Sword of Honour.

General Rawat survived a chopper accident when he was the commander of the Dimapur-based Headquarters 3 Corps. Lieutenant General Bipin Rawat also commanded a brigade in counter-insurgency area and another one in United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo. General Rawat commanded the Pune-based Southern Command before he was appointed the army vice-chief.

For his truly exceptional performance within MONUC, General Rawat was awarded the Force Commanders Commendation.

General Rawat was tasked to present the Revised Charter of Peace Enforcement to the Special Representatives of the Secretary General and Force Commanders of all the UN missions in a special conference at Wilton Park, London on 16 May 2009.

Honours List!

Gen Bipin Rawat PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM.

In total, Gen Rawat has 12 service, 5 gallantry/distinguished medal, PVSM due+ 2 Commendation.

Making him the most decorated Chief Of Army Staff ever 

Gen Rawat is an all out CI/CT Ops Man. Quite a shoot to kill, and give a damn sort.

Hot pursuit is an operational trait! Was GOC Burma Ops no wonder Pak rattled and crying foul thru their proxies in India like Tukde Tukde Gang, 

1987 Sino-Indian skirmish

During the 1987 face off in the Sumdorong Chuvalley, Rawat's battalion was deployed against the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

Have been wanting to share this since day before:

Bombay to Kabul Air Corridor, sounds a little like 

'dhinka chika, dhinka chika*. . . 

Two words, to quote Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff:

'Encirclement and counter-encirclement'

Here is the tale on Gen Bipin Rawat and his Wound Medal, Jangi Laat as affectionately the Chief Of Army Staff has always been addressed.

It was spring of 1994, and a young Maj Rawat was a Coy Cdr somewhere along the Line of Control. (AhatPadak )

Mind you, this was 1994, and effective exchange of fire was the norm and no such ceasefire of 2003 was in effect.

GOC of the Division was a doyen, Gen RK Nanavatty (8 GR)

During a visit to the forward area, the GOC noticed a mule track used by Pakistani troops along the LOC He asked what it was used for, and why wasn't anything being done to deny Pak troops its use.

The GOC immediately ordered the track to be put out of use, by any means. 

With the direct orders of the GOC, Maj Bipin Rawat and his troops got cracking.

The same night, a handful of men went about the task of putting the track out of use, as a firefight ensued.

During this engagement, Maj Bipin Rawat took a couple of bullets in his ankle.

With the objective partially achieved, and inflicting casualties on the enemy positions, Maj Rawat was evacuated to 92 Base Hospital, Srinagar.

The doctors got to work, and Maj Bipin Rawat, was saved that day, who had miles to go, and things to achieve.

In light of the Gun Shot Wound, GSW, Maj Rawat was authorised the White-Red-White Wound Medal.

Which is the first in order of all other service medals/decorations, except for the Gallantry/Distinguished Award decorations. 

This action took place, just weeks before the Chief's, 35th Birthday. 

He lived to tell the tale with a WoundMedal, of taking bullets during the worst phase of insurgency and cross LoC Infiltration and relentless attacks.

UN Mission To Congo

While commanding MONUSCO (a Multinational Brigade in a Chapter VII mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Rawat had a truly outstanding tour. Within two weeks of deployment in the DRC, the Brigade faced a major offensive in the east which threatened not only the regional capital of North Kivu, Goma, but stability across the country as a whole. The situation demanded a rapid response and North Kivu Brigade was reinforced, where it was responsible for over 7,000 men and women, representing nearly half of the total MONUSCO force. Whilst simultaneously engaged in offensive kinetic operations against the CNDP and other armed groups, Rawat (then Brigadier) carried out tactical support to the Congolese Army (FARDC), sensitization programmes with the local population and detailed coordination to ensure that all were informed about the situation and worked together in prosecuting operations whilst trying to protect the vulnerable population. This hectic period of operational tempo lasted a full four months and during this time Rawat, his headquarters and his international Brigade, were tested to the full, across the operational spectrum. His personal leadership, courage and experience were pivotal to the success that the Brigade achieved. Gomanever fell, the East stabilized and the main armed group was motivated to the negotiating table and has since been integrated into the FARDC. He was also tasked to present the Revised Charter of Peace Enforcement to the Special Representatives of the Secretary General and Force Commanders of all the UN missions in a special conference at Wilton Park, London on 16 May 2009.

2015 Myanmar strikes

Well before the surgical strikes against Pakistan, the Modi government’s first challenge came in Manipur.

In June 2015, eighteen Indian soldiers were killed in an ambush by militants belonging to the United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia(UNLFW) in Manipur. The Indian Army responded with cross-border strikes in which units of the 21st battalion of the Parachute Regiment struck an NSCN-K base in Myanmar. 21 Para was under the operational control of the Dimapur based III Corps, which was then commanded by General Rawat.

Gen Bipin Rawat with Commandant of 61 Cavalry Col Ravi Rathore on the occasion of Haifa Day on 23rd September at Jaipur .Gen Rawat is also a Colonel of the 61 Cavalry thats why he is wearing rank badges of a Colonel.

Chief Of Defence Staff, India 

Or

CDS India

*Play The Fanfare, Dress the Ships, Lay out the Red Carpet, Fire the Guns, Shoot the Flares.*

The Purple Service gets a FOUR 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Chief.

IDS HQ to be CDS HQ

SEPOY CHATTAR SINGH KALCHURI - AWARDED VICTORIA CROSS FOR EXCEPTIONAL VALOUR AT BATTLE OF WADI - IMMORTAL RAJPUTS

1886-1961

b. 1886 Cawnpore, India. d. 28/03/1961 Tilsara, India.

Sepoy Chattar Singh, was awarded Victoria Cross in 1916 for his chivalrous act in 1st World War at Tigris Front, Mesopatamia (IRAQ) hailed from haihayvansi Kalchuri rajput family from Kanpur.

prior to his enlistment with the 9th Bhopal Infantry, which became part of the British Army during the Great War.

He was a Sepoy (Private) when he was posted to Mesopotamia in the early months of 1916, when he was involved in the Battle of the Wadi on the 13th January 1916, when he and John Alexander Sinton would both be awarded the Victoria Cross.

On 13th January 1916 during the Battle of the Wadi, Mesopotamia, Sepoy Chatta Singh left cover to assist his commanding officer, who was lying wounded and helpless in the open. The sepoy bound up the officer's wounds and then dug cover for him with his entrenching tool, being exposed all the time to very heavy rifle fire. For five hours until nightfall he stayed with the wounded officer, shielding him with his body on the exposed side. He then, under cover of darkness, went back for assistance and brought the officer to safety.

He was gazetted for the Victoria Cross on 21st June 1916, and his medal was posted to the India Office on 26th June 1916, and it is believed it was presented to him by Captain Ralston, Indian Army at OC Depot, Fyzabad, United Provinces, India during July 1916. 

This photo shows decorated Indian soldiers, including Chatta Singh (second left), awarded the VC in the battle. 

Chatta Singh later transferred to the 16th Punjab Regiment and survived the Great War.

Picture of Chatta Singh of 9 Bhopal Infantry meeting Army Chief Rajendrasinhji Jadeja.

He finished his Army career as a Havildar (Sergeant), and lived in latter life in the United Provinces near to Kanpur. He died on 28th March 1961 in Tilsanda District and was cremated in the village. His medals are not publicly held.

Chatta Singh's memorial stone laid at the National Memorial Arboretum in March 2015.

LOCATION OF MEDAL: NOT PUBLICLY HELD. (SOLD AT AUCTION 2006)

BURIAL PLACE: CREMATED IN TILSARA VILLAGE, INDIA.

ELEPHANTA CAVE TEMPLE - OUR RICH HERITAGE

ॐ नमः शिवायः

Shiva is truly ancient and beyond geography, whose worship predates time..One can gaze and gaze at the elegance of this relief.

The complex nature of their iconographic, aesthetic and ritualistic aspects considered in junction with the development of cave architecture in general are bound to arouse far greater curiosity in future.

The Trimurti Swaroop at the end of the north-south axis:The image, over five meters in height, has generated a great deal of discussion among scholars. Early scholars believed it to be the Hindu trinity representing Brahma, Visnu and Mahesa. This identification has now been set aside. Now it is argued that the faces visible are only those, which could be carved, to be seen from the front while a fourth is implied at the rear, and even a fifth, facing upwards, in accordance with the five faces of Siva described in Visnudharmottara.

The Trimurti Swaroop at the end of the north-south axis is one of the swaroop that has received considerable attention and various explanations have been given for it. The three faces may represent respectively Aghora-Bhirava(an angry form of Siva), Siva and Uma. These faces also denote the forms of power of the universal Brahman: sattva is depicted by the central face, tamas by the angry countenance, and rajas by the tranquil face at the right.

The monolith of Sadashiva at Elephanta caves. The sculpture represents three aspects of Shiva: as the Creator, Preserver and Destroyer. The central head has a benign expression, eyes almost closed as if in deep meditation. The right face represents Aghora, Bhairava or Rudra, the "destroyer" aspects of Shiva.

It is awe inspiring, carved into a deep recess the image projects forward, benefiting from a little light provided by the entrance opposite. With a curled moustache, bearded, hooked nose and somewhat gruesome appearance. The left head (right as viewed) is Vamadeva, the preserver of the universe with a peaceful demeanor, eyes closed, also in a trance like state. Each face has it's own expression, jwellery and headdress. Flanking this are guardians panel depicting ArdhaNarishwara and GangaDhara, each with a dwarf attendant.

The elephanta caves are widely believed to have been carved during the reign of an early Kalacuri king (third quarter of 6th century), who ruled the Konkan area. The Early Kalacuris were the followers of the Lakulisa-Pasupata sect of Saivism. 

These 6th century carvings at here are considered to be of the highest quality. "It is incredible ancient architecture featured inside this cave system located on Elephanta Island or Gharapuri “city of caves.”

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Elephanta Caves consists of 7 rock-cut caves on Elephanta Island, just outside Mumbai Harbour.

The island is known as Elephanta due to a huge rock-cut elephant that used to stand on the southern shore of the island.

The Elephanta Caves, 1855.

The British tried to move the colossal carving in 1864, but it immediately broke into pieces and they abandoned their attempts.

It was subsequently taken to Mumbai and reconstructed in 1914, and today you can be seen at jijamata udyaan (formally Victoria Gardens or Rani-cha Baug).

British even held a dinner party in the elephanta caves, despite the fact that it was a temple and puneri pagadis serving them. ( Dinner here means with meat and drinks )

Map of Elephanta island

Carved into basalt bluffs on an island in the Sea of Oman, the Elephanta Caves date back to the 5th century.

Elephanta Rock Temple, Plan in Fergusson, James, and James Burgess. The Cave Temples of India. London: 1880.

It contain pillared halls, bas-reliefs, stupas, sanctuaries, and a 23-foot-high sculpture of Shiva.

Main cave (Cave No.1) - Front elevation, plan and section Elephanta, rock-cut cave

The 7 caves at Elephanta are split into two clusters; caves 1–5 on the western hill, and the lesser visited caves 6-7 on the eastern hill, which is also known as Stupa Hill, named after a 2nd century Buddhist stupas that crowns the summit

Although damaged heavily by time and vandalism by Portuguese Invaders, who used these masterpieces for target practice with Cannons.

Really heart breaking.. what kind of religion teaches to destroy beauty!!

Entrance at Elephanta in Fergusson, James, and James Burgess. The Cave Temples of India. London: 1880.

Cave No.8 - Facade, general view Elephanta, rock-cut cave

Cave 4 - Porch, right end chamber and a cell Elephanta, rock-cut cave

Main cave (Cave No.1) - Entrace with dvarapala, pillars in hall.

It’s hard not to enter Cave 1 and immediately head for the colossal carving in front of you, it is utterly spectacular. Carved on the back wall, exactly opposite the main entrance, is a three-headed bust of Shiva, identified as Mahesa, Mahadeva, or Sadasiva. Often thought as representing the Trimurti, it is colossal.

Dvarapalas, or guardian statues, guarding the Linga Shrine in the main cave

The central Shiva shrine is square with doors on all four sides. Each entrance has a flight steps, guarded by amazing 4.5m tall colossal guardians (dvrapalas).

Main cave (Cave No.1) - Portico, north wall, Mahayogisvara Swaroop at Elephanta, rock-cut cave The great Yogisvara image on the left of the north entrance (to the caves) that occupies an important place in the sculptural program of Elephanta is indicative of the yogic practices which must have once gone hand in hand with the complex ritualistic exercises undertaken inside the cave by the Lauklisa-Pasupata devotee. Lakuslia was the founder teacher of this sect who eventually attained to the Sivahood (salvation).

Cave 3 - Porch, shrine doorway, sculptured frieze Elephanta, rock-cut cave

Pilar on a cave in Elephanta in Fergusson, James, and James Burgess. The Cave Temples of India. London: 1880

Main cave (Cave No.1) - Linga in the sanctum, detail Elephanta, rock-cut cave

Jyotirlingas are the shrines where Bhagwan Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlingam. The word ‘Jyoti’ means light and ‘linga’ means sign Jyotirlinga is the light of God Shiva.

Main cave (Cave No.1) - Linga shrine, east wall, doorway Elephanta, rock-cut cave

God Shiva is considered as saakar i.e having form & also at the same time nirakar i.e formless. God Shiva in sakar form is the one which we see in most of his images while in nirakar form he is considered to be in linga swarup. Shivlinga signifies source of creation and productiveness.

Kalyanasundara Swaroop

The divine kanyadana / Marriage of Shiva [and Parvati]

Bhagwan Śiva and Devi Pārvati stand in Tri-Bhanga posture. Siva is shown with four hands, but both the left hands are broken; of the right hands, the front one is held in Abhaya Mudra. Bhagwan Shiva wears the typical Jata-Mukuta and Hara (necklace); the Keyura (armlet) is a snake which is clearly seen near the left hand and an elongated Yajnopavita (sacred thread). Devi Pārvati too is standing in Tribhanga posture, wears adequate jewellery, and her hair is combed in a coiled knot of the Dhammila variety on the top of the head. On her left, near the shoulder is Bhagwan Vishnu on Garuda holding Gada and Chakra; and correspondingly on the other side near Siva's right hand, Bhagwan Brahma is shown on Hansa. Between Shiva and Parvati is one of the Ganas of Siva. Above Siva's head, the three headed figure is certainly Devi Ganga. Flanking her are shown flying Gandharvas and Apsaras.

Gangadhara Shiva with Goddess Ganga emanating out of his head and a visibly petulant Goddess Parvati leaning away in disapproval. Other gods and goddesses look on. Bhagwan Shiva made Ganga to flow through his matted locks for a long time. She then starts flowing in three streams and hence is known as Tri-Pathaga. The three heads of the river have been identified as Ganga moving through the three worlds viz. Mandakini, Bhagirathi, and Bhogavati.

And seeing the state of this cave reming me of that our 40000+ temples were not destroyed in one go, overnight, they were destroyed one after another, over a period of 1000yrs. meaning, while one was being destroyed, pujaris were doing bell bajana, bhajan, aarti in remaining 39,999 temples, something seriously wrong in what we associate.

Until we do not pin point that which went wrong with our understanding of Sanatana Dharma bhakti, Reclaiming temples or temple hopping won't make any difference to the existential challenge we all are facing.