Baroda State Army

Baroda State had its own army and navy, collectively known as the Baroda State Royal Army. Renowned as one of the most modern and capable forces in India during its time, it was Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad (1856 to 1870 AD) who established and organized a regular force comprising infantry, cavalry, and artillery. European and Anglo-Indian trainers were engaged to train the soldiers.

The head of this formidable force was titled the “Senapati” or “Supremo”. Under his command operated the Baroda State Army, Baroda State Police Force, State Vigilance, and the Baroda Spy Network, totaling nearly 8 million soldiers.

The Baroda Army was structured around six major barracks, each overseeing 16 smaller barracks. Each barrack accommodated around 108,000 soldiers. These barracks were strategically located in major districts of the Baroda State: Baroda, Navsari Fort, Mehsana-Patan Fort, Dhari Fort of Amreli, Dwarka-Okha bet, and Songadh Fort.

Himmat Bahadur Anandrao Kashirao Gaekwad (1857-1917) was a distinguished leader of the Baroda State Royal Army, known for his significant contributions. Another celebrated “Senapati” was Nanasaheb Shinde, appointed by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III himself, serving from 1922 to 1938. In recognition of his contributions, he was honored with the title of Rajratna by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1927, and a road near Shiyabaug area is named after him.

During the Second World War, Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad deployed Baroda Forces to Burma to combat the Japanese forces, highlighting the force’s prowess and versatility on the international stage.

The Merger :

In 1949, following the integration of Baroda State into India, the two principal units of the Baroda State Royal Army, namely the 1st and 2nd Infantry, became part of the Indian Army as the 20th and 21st Battalion, Maratha Light Infantry. Subsequently, these two battalions were amalgamated into the 20th Maratha Light Infantry. Eventually, the battalion was re-designated as the 10th Battalion (Baroda).

Today, the 10th Battalion (Baroda), formerly known as the 20th Maratha Light Infantry, and currently designated as the 10th Mechanized Infantry, proudly continues the legacy of the Baroda State Royal Army. It serves as the sole successor preserving the rich heritage and traditions of its predecessor.

Partial Sources: Salute