Anukraman Singh Rathore

Reading about, Aapjisa(my grandfather) Sh Tej Singh Ji Bhagwanpura's office, The Jodhpur Lancers by MichaecCreese published by Roli Books, The Meharangarh Museum Trust and forewarded by Maharaja Gaj Singh Ji Marwar.

The Sardar Risala, which later was known as Jodhpur Lancers, was formed in 1888 by Maharaja Sir Pratap Singh of Idar, The Regent of Marwar and named it after his nephew, then, Maharaj Kumar Sardar Singh. The Sardar Risala was established to replace the feudal system, where the jagirdars provided men and horses, with a modern, standing army unit. The Jodhpur Risala is renowned for its service in the Boxer Rebellion (1900) and both World Wars and it's glory reached the pinnacle with display of great bravery and its crucial role in the Battle of Haifa.

Jodhpur Lancers were also referred to as Jo Hukam, meaning As You Command, which they earned with their war skill display in The Great War where no challenge was insurmountable and no order was refused by them. Jodhpur Lancers mainly consisting of Rathores who had earned the badge and called, as रण बंका राठौड़ (Ran Banka Rathore - The Rathore, The Invincible in Battle) over centuries in their wars against the Mughals and Marathas where they even silenced the canons with their courage.

General Sir Fredrick Roberts the then Commander in Chief spoke about the Jodhpur Lancers " If we seek for a picture of chivalrous gallantry unswerving fidelity and fearless self-devotion, we have only to turn to the cavalry of the Rajput states, and particularly to that of the Rathores. It is the IZZAT of the Rajput which is dearer to him than life..."

The Battle of Haifa, 23rd September 1918 the war crazed, Jo Hukams, Rathores of The Jodhpur Lancers charged the slopes of Mount Carmel, which was well defended by Ottoman Empire army, canons, machine guns and artillery, and in a quick action barged into the town killing and capturing whoever and whatever came across them to seize Haifa.

The Sardar Risala or The Jodhpur Lancers are now represented by the 61st Cavalry Regiment in the Indian Army.