ABSTRACT
Despite becoming independent in August 1947, the post-colonial Indian military system has several similarities with colonial India’s military fabric. Regimental organisation and recruitment doctrine of the post-1947 Indian Army are two prime examples of continuity with the colonial army. In spite of economic growth, Indian society remains multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic and multi-religious even at the dawn of the new millennium. Rather than a nation state, India is a nation with many nationalities. This chapter analyses the complex interaction between plural Indian society and the Indian Army, which happens to be the fourth largest in the world.
