Defence and strategic studies

The First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-1846) The First Anglo-Sikh War was a significant military conflict between the British East India Company and the Sikh Empire. It marked the beginning of a series of events that would ultimately lead to the annexation of the Sikh Empire by the British. Background : After the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839, the Sikh Empire faced political instability due to internal power struggles and weak leadership. Sensing vulnerability, both the British and the Sikhs began bolstering their military positions on the borders of the Sutlej River, the de facto boundary between the two empires. Outbreak of War: Outbreak of the First Anglo-Sikh War The First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-1846) stemmed from a confluence of political, military, and strategic factors. The outbreak of this war was shaped by the following key elements: Death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh: The death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839 left a power vacuum in the Sikh Empire. His successors were weak rulers...

The Sikh Empire                           Flag of Sikh Empire  INTRODUCTION   The Sikh rule, primarily symbolized by the reign of the Sikh Empire in the 19th century, is a remarkable period in the annals of South Asian history. This era marked the political ascendancy of the Sikhs, led by visionary leaders who not only expanded territories but also contributed to the cultural and administrative transformation of the region. The Background: Before the establishment of the Sikh Empire, Punjab was fragmented among several autonomous Sikh warrior bands known as ‘misls’. These misls often had territorial disputes, but they all shared a common religious and cultural heritage, and they collectively resisted external invasions, especially from the Afghans The Rise of sikhs  In the annals of South Asian history, few figures shine as brightly as Maharaja Ranjit Singh, often termed the "Lion of Punjab, the founder...

The Indian Navy: A Guide to Its History and Legacy Introduction India has a 7562 km - long coastline ; nine major and over 100 minor ports 1200 far flung island territories spread over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea  a 2.5 million sq . km of exclusive economic zone ( EEZ ) ; Rs . 24,000 crore worth investment ( replacement cost Rs . 1,20,000 crore ) in offshore oil well assets and an international maritime boundary that extends upto Indonesia , Malaysia , Thailand , Myanmar , Sri Lanka and Pakistan  as also , 95 percent of India's trade is by sea . " History has shown that whatever power controls the Indian Ocean has , in the first instance , India's sea - borne trade at her mercy , and in the second India's very independence itself " . So had stated Jawaharlal Nehru while standing on the quarterdeck on INS Mysore on March 28 , 1958 . Origins and History   It is during the period of the conflict with the Portuguese , for the establishment of control by the ...

  The Central Industrial Security Force   Introduction The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is a specialized paramilitary force in India. Established in 1969, the CISF was initially created to ensure the security of the nation’s major public sector undertakings (PSUs). However, with time, its mandate has expanded significantly, reflecting the evolving security challenges in the country. Role and Responsibilities The CISF’s main purpose is to provide protection to the country’s strategic establishments. This encompasses vast industrial sectors such as atomic power plants, space installations, mints, oil fields   and refineries, major ports, heavy engineering, steel plants, barrages, Fertilizer units, airports and hydro/thermal power plants.  Additionally, they also secure the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and the VIPs in certain metro cities. Training and Skills CISF personnel undergo rigorous training that enables them to handle a wide array of security chall...

Central Reserve Police Force  The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is India’s largest Central Armed Police Force and plays a pivotal role in maintaining law and order and counter-insurgency operations across the country. With over 3   lakh personnel . The CRPF is a critical element In India’s internal security apparatus. Origins and Evolution The CRPF was established as the Crown Representative’s Police in 1939. Post-independence, it was rechristened as the Central Reserve Police Force through an act of the Indian Parliament in 1949. Over   the years, the CRPF’s mandate has  expanded, and it has evolved into a versatile force tackling a wide range of security challenges. Roles and Responsibilities The primary role of the CRPF is to aid the state and union territories in maintaining law and order in situations of unrest or insurgency. They are often deployed in areas affected by Naxalism and in conflict-   prone regions such as Jammu and Kashmir.   The CR...

 Assam Rifles  The Assam Rifles is one of India’s oldest paramilitary forces with a rich history dating back to 1835. The force was originally formed to protect British interests in the tea gardens and oil fields of Assam. Today, the Assam Rifles functions as an indispensable arm of the Indian Army, tasked with securing the country’s tumultuous Northeastern frontier. Origin and Historical Role The British established the Assam Rifles, originally known as “Cachar Levy,” to secure the Northeastern borders of India and maintain peace amongst the diverse tribal population. Over the years, the unit played a significant role in various military operations, including both World Wars. The Assam Rifles proved its mettle by carrying out commendable work during World War II, for which it received many battle honors and theater honors. Mandate and Operations Post-independence, the Assam Rifles’ mandate has been multi-faceted. The primary role is maintaining internal security in the Northe...