White Pepper Black Pepper – India in World War 1

More than 1.3 million Indian soldiers served in World War One, with over 74,000 losing their lives. One of the first units to travel from India was the Mysore Lancers who along with troops from Hyderabad, Patiala and Jodhpur made significant contributions to the British army’s victories. In an attempt to recognise, acknowledge and appreciate India’s contribution to this War, Rereeti conceptualised, curated and executed the first-of-its-kind project in Bangalore, during its centenary year (2018).

Photos

Impact

Schools

Students

Locations

Visitors

Partners

 

Army Public School
St Joseph_s School
Vidyashilp Academy

Archive Events

Many events and inventions added together to culminate in the Allied victory in the First World War. On 11 th November 2018, we celebrate the 99 th anniversary of the Armistice. In this year learn about some of the major events where Indian soldiers played key roles and warfare technology invented by in India which was critical for making advances in the battlefields.

BATTLES OF WW1

Battle of Haifa's significance

The bravery of the Indian troops who were the first to enter Damascus and fight and capture the Turkish forces. Read about the many acts of valor of the Indian troops in the war theatre of Haifa, including the rescue of Abdu’l-Bahá, who served as the head of Bahá’í faith.

What is the significance of Haifa Cemetery

Every year on September 23, the Indian Army celebrates ‘Haifa Day’ to commemorate the war dead during the Battle of Haifa, considered as one of the bravely-contested battles of World War I.

The Mysoreans Who Won the Battle of Haifa

The role played by the Mysore Lancers in Gaza and then in Haifa. The events that occurred during the battles and also names of soldiers who lost their lives in these battlefields.

Mysore Lancers did India proud

The Indian soldiers were armed only with lancers and swords while the Turks were armed with artillery and machine guns. This battle is one of the last cavalry charges that resulted in victory in a modern war. By the end of WW I, horses had become redundant in wars.

Resurrecting the heroics of a forgotten army

Indian Army's commemoration for the role of the Indian soldiers in the Battle of Haifa. Details of soldiers, troops, animals and material that was sent by the Royal family of Mysore State to support the British Army during the War. Many honours, medals and other citations were received by the soldiers.

WWI Indian cavalry charge

The contribution of the 9th Secunderabad Cavalry brigade as it charged against German infantry positions in what came to be known eventually as the Battle of Bazentin Ridge.

Indian Soldiers In World War One

The soldiers recruited from southern regions of India were informally known as Thambis, meaning brothers in Tamil. Read about their important contributions in the Great War and of how they suffered during their travails.

INNOVATIONS DURING WW1

Bangalore Torpedo

The Bangalore Torpedo which was used to clear the barbed wire which was a major hindrance for the armed forces to advance during the trench warfare. This device was invented in the MEG centre in Bangalore Cantonment.

WW1 change the way we treat war injuries today

Learn about the specially designed uniform to protect the soldiers during the war and the resources for their medical treatment and the innovations in the field of medicine due to the extenuating situations and requirements in the war.

Archive People

Though India was not directly involved in World War 1, over 1.4 million Indian soldiers and non- combatants volunteered between 1914 – 1918 to support the Allied forces overseas in their eventual victory. Apart from the troops who were a part of the British forces, the armies of the Princely states were called out to form the Imperial Service Troops which also served in the Great War. In 1914, the Indian Army was one of the largest volunteer armies to be involved in the war. Indian soldiers won 8 Victoria Crosses, on the Western Front out of a total of 11 awarded in the war.

When the First World War broke out in 1914, as part of the British Empire, India rallied to the support of Britain. More than 1.4 million Indian soldiers and non-combatants served in the war, with over 138,000 Indian soldiers seeing action on the Western Front. They suffered heavy casualties, fought with courage and won eight Victoria Crosses on the Western Front out of a total of 11 awarded during the war. (Loyalty and Dissent – Our new classroom resource on Indian soldiers in the First World War, 2017)

INDIAN CONTRIBUTION TO THE WAR

Indian soldiers in the First World War

Archive that explores the contributions of the Indian soldiers during the war. Includes a quote by Lieutenant-General Sir James Wilcocks.
Know more

INDIA’S CONTRIBUTION TO WORLD WAR I

Details and lesser known facts about India’s role in the Great War
Know more

Reforming the Indian Army

Document from Douglas Haig’s diary focusing on a meeting with Sir Walter Lawrence who was from India Office and was Inspector for Indian Arrangements.
Know more

Douglas Haig (1861-1928)

Various articles and websites that talk about the role played by Douglas Haig.
Know more

India premiere of World War I film

Farewell My Indian Soldier, a docu-fiction on Indian soldiers who came to France and Belgium to fight in the First World War.
Know more

INDIAN PERSPECTIVE ON UNDERSTANDING THE WAR

Role of India in WW1 and WW2

The role India played in World War 1 and its effects and consequences on India.
Know more

Making Sense of the War (India)

Indian perspective on understanding the WW1. On being involved and the consequences despite not being a theatre of war.
Know more

India and World War One

Contributions made by the various important parties and groups in India for WW1.
Know more

Role of Indian Army in Britain's victory over Germany

Britain won with the help of Indian soldiers, India was denied its promised reward. Instead of self-government, the Britishers imposed the Rowlatt Act, by silencing and censoring the press, detaining political activists without trial, and arresting without a warrant any individuals suspected of treason against the Empire.
Know more

video explains India's role in WWI

Connection of India’s role in WW1 to its freedom struggle.
Know more

Subscribe to our blog

and we’ll keep you updated about the latest museum news,our programmes and ways to get involved.