While Pakistan recently promoted Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal following the latest India-Pakistan conflict, India has awarded this prestigious rank only twice in its history. The title of Field Marshal — the highest rank in the Indian Army — has been conferred upon Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw in 1973 and Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa in 1986.
👤 Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: Architect of Bangladesh’s Liberation
Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, widely known as Sam Bahadur, was the first Indian to be appointed Field Marshal, recognized for his commanding leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak War which led to the creation of Bangladesh.
- Born: 1914, Amritsar, in a Parsi family
- Career Highlights:
- General Officer Commanding, 26th Infantry Division
- Chief of Army Staff during the 1971 war
- Played a pivotal role in India’s victory and the creation of Bangladesh
- Awards: Padma Bhushan (1968) for his response to insurgencies in Nagaland and Mizoram
- Died: 2008, from a progressive lung disease
Manekshaw was revered for his bold decisions, wit, and unwavering patriotism. His name remains legendary in India’s military history.
👤 Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa: The First Indian Commander-in-Chief
Field Marshal KM Cariappa was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army post-independence in 1949, succeeding British leadership and leading the transformation of India’s armed forces into a sovereign institution.
- Born: Coorg province, in a farmer’s family (nicknamed “Chimma”)
- Career Milestones:
- First Indian to command a battalion (1/7 Rajputs)
- Led Indian operations during the first Indo-Pak war (1947-48)
- Played a key role in reclaiming Naushera, Jhangar, Poonch, Zoji La, Dras, and Kargil
- Education: First Indian officer to attend the Staff College, Quetta
- Died: May 15, 1993
Cariappa’s leadership laid the foundation for an independent Indian Army. He is remembered not only for his tactical brilliance but also for championing secularism and discipline in the forces.
These two legendary soldiers remain symbols of excellence and integrity in India’s military history — a rare honour held by only a select few across the globe.
