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{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict = Rajasthan Front
| place = Rajasthan, India
| partof = [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]]
| image = Kishangarh Fort Capture.jpg
| caption = Pakistani troops in front of captured Kishangarh Fort
| date = 8–23 September 1965
| result = Pakistani victory
| territory = Pakistani claims:<br>Pakistan captures 1200 square kilometers of territory
Neutral claims:<br> Pakistan captures 500-600 square kilometers
| combatant1 = {{flag|Pakistan}}
| combatant2 = {{flag|India}}
| commander1 = {{flagicon|Pakistan}} Brig. Khuda Dad Khan<br/>{{flagicon|Pakistan}} Brig. K. M. Azhar Khan
| commander2 = {{flagicon|India}} Brig. J.C. Guha<br/>{{flagicon|India}} Lt. Gen. Moti Sagar<br/>{{flagicon|India}} Maj. Gen. N.C. Rawlley<br/>{{flagicon|India}} Brig. H.N. Summanwar
| units1 = Pakistan Rangers<br/>18th Punjab Regiment<br/>51st Infantry Brigade<br/>14th Artillery Regiment<br/>Hur tribal force
| units2 = Maratha Regiment<br/>Rajasthan Armed Constabulary<br/>30th Indian Infantry<br/>3rd Guards<br/>1st Garhwal<br/>4th Maratha Light Infantry<br/> 85th Indian Infantry<br/>17th Madras<br/>13th Grenadiers
| casualties1 = minimal
| casualties2 = 250-300 killed<br/>237+ captured<br/>3 tanks captured
| strength1 = 50,000-60,000
| strength2 = 100,000
}}
{{Campaignbox Indo-Pakistani War of 1965}}
{{Campaignbox Indo-Pakistani Wars}}

The '''Rajasthan Front''' was a military theatre of the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]] in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The campaign saw the [[Pakistan Rangers]], accompanied by the Hurs tribal warriors, raid and capture numerous Indian positions and fortifications along the border between Sindh and Rajasthan. The campaign was a success for Pakistan with 500-1200 square kilometers of Indian territory captured, comprising the bulk of Pakistan's territorial advances during the war.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=www.webspider.pk |first=Web Spider (pvt) Ltd |title=Glorious September: 1965 War |url=https://www.hilal.gov.pk/eng-article/detail/NDkw.html |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=www.hilal.gov.pk |language=en}}</ref>

==Background==
The initial stages of the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]] were confined to the disputed region of [[Kashmir]]. Although India saw initial success battling Pakistani-supported guerillas in Kashmir in late-August, the situation changed on 1 September when the [[Pakistan Army]] launched [[Operation Grand Slam]], a large offensive with the aim of capturing crucial locations in [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK)]]. India subsequently suffered heavy losses; at the [[Battle of Chumb (1965)|Battle of Chumb]], their only tank battalion in the whole area was wiped out. In order to relieve pressure in the region, India crossed the international border in Punjab on 6 September. This led to the escalation of the war to other fronts, such as Rajasthan and [[Battle of Chawinda|Sialkot]].

==The Hurs==
The main tribe living in the border areas of Sindh are the Hurs. They had rebelled against the British in the [[World War II|Second World War]], and had experience fighting in the terrain. This made them a crucial asset for Pakistan in the campaign. Their desert warfare and survival skills were far superior to those of the [[Indian Army]]. Thousands of Hurs volunteered to fight for Pakistan, commanded by Faqir Jamal Mangrio. Due to financial constraints, they could only be given basic training and weaponry, but they proved to be the most effective unit in the campaign nonetheless.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Imran |date=2019-10-22 |title=The lost graves of Munabao |url=https://www.meemainseen.com/2019/10/the-lost-graves-of-munabao/ |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=MANI JUNCTION |language=en-US}}</ref> Together with the [[Pakistan Rangers]] they formed the 'Desert Force' of the 1965 war. The capture of numerous fortresses and outpost by the Hurs is regarded as one of the finest examples of use of local militia in South Asia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=When Kishangarh Reverberated With Gunshots |url=https://www.thisday.app/en/details/when-kishangarh-reverberated-with-gunshots.html |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=www.thisday.app |language=en}}</ref>

==Pakistani Offensive==
Hostilities in Rajasthan began on 8 September 1965, with the Pakistan Desert Force carrying out raids on Indian border posts. The Hurs were utilized as light infantry and skirmishers, a task which they carried out on camel-back. Although India's war efforts were focused on northern Punjab, they had left some forces in Rajasthan with the aim of launching desert offensives. However, Pakistani-Hur operations forced India to be on the defensive throughout September right up till the ceasefire.

Several major engagements occurred during the campaign:

===Siege of Kishangarh===
[[File:Fortkash.jpg|thumb|The Pakistani flag being hoisted atop Kishangarh Fort following its capture]]
Kishangarh Fort (not to be confused with the [[Kishangarh|historic fortress of the same name]]) was a key Indian fortress located 11 kilometers from the border with Pakistan. It was situated along the only road which linked Rajasthan to the Pakistani city of [[Rahim Yar Khan]]. On 8 September, the first major incursion by Pakistan was launched and Kishangarh was besieged. After 10 days of fighting, the garrison surrendered and the fortress was captured on September 18.<ref name=":0" />

===Capture of Munabao Station===
Further south, the Desert Force launched a new attack on September 10. Munabao, station was shelled by Pakistan's 14th Artillery Regiment. Brigadier K. M. Azhar Khan and his forces of 18th Punjab regiment had captured the station by mid-day 11 September.<ref name=":1" />
[[File:1965 war Munabao (Flag).jpg|thumb|Immigration checkpost at Munabao captured by Pakistan]]

===Gadra skirmishes===
On 11 September, small skirmishes were reported near the Pakistani border village of Gadra. Retaliatory raids were launched by the Desert Force on the town of [[Gadra Road railway station|Gadra Road]] on the Indian side, where a railway station was located. A skirmish on 14 September resulted in the capture of an entire Indian platoon, with 36 captured including 1 officer.<ref name=":0" />

===Attacks on Rohera and Panchla===
Following the success at Munabao, Brig. Azhar Khan ordered further attacks on the nearby Indian posts of Rohera and Panchla. The attacks were successful and the positions were captured on 12 and 13 September respectively. Together with Munabao they formed a chain of Indian positions occupied by Pakistan.<ref name=":1" />

===Capture of Ghotaro Fort===
Ghotaro fort was another key Indian fortification located around 20 kilometers inside Indian territory. The fortress was attacked and captured by Pakistan on 22 September.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ananth |date=2018-12-16 |title=The Desert Raids of the Bangladesh Liberation War |url=http://ananthk.net/blog/the-desert-raids-of-the-bangladesh-war/ |access-date=2023-07-04 |language=en-US}}</ref> Five other Indian army posts (Bhutewala, Malesar, Rai Chandwala, Bulli Kallan and Kala Dhar Toba) had been captured by 23 September.<ref name=":0" />

==Indian Counterattack==
India was largely on the defensive throughout the Rajasthan campaign, save for minor raids early on which were repelled by Hurs.<ref name=":0" /> The only significant Indian counterattack in this sector of the war was launched on 21 September towards the Pakistani village of Dali, about 13 kilometers from the border.

===Battle of Dali===
{{Main|Battle of Dali}}
The counterattack consisted of elements of the Maratha regiment along with 17th Madras and a tank troop (consisting of 3 tanks).<ref name=":1" /> The initial engagement lasted several hours and India ended up capturing the village with some losses. The outnumbered Pakistani unit defending Dali retreated to the nearby town of Khinsar. When news of the attack reached Brigadier Azhar Khan, he turned 18 Punjab Reg. around from Munabao and launched a counterattack to reclaim Dali from the north.<ref name=":1" /> This move was a success and Dali was liberated on 22 September, with as many as 97 Indian soldiers killed<ref name=":0" /> and 180 more captured<ref name=":1" /> including at least 7 officers.<ref name=":0" /> All 3 Indian tanks involved in the battle were captured in working condition.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=PAK INDIA 1965 WAR |url=http://www.pakistanarmy.biz.tc/rajasthan.html |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=www.pakistanarmy.biz.tc}}</ref>

==Ceasefire and aftermath==
23 September saw only minor clashes in the region. The ceasefire was signed by India and Pakistan, bringing an end to hostilities across all fronts and subsequently the Rajasthan campaign drew to a close. It is generally regarded as a major Pakistani victory in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]].

==Casualties and Losses==
According to Pakistani sources, between 8 and 19 September, at least 150-200 Indian soldiers were killed and 57 captured (36 in the skirmish near Gadra on 14 September and 21 in other encounters).<ref name=":0" /> Another 97 Indian soldiers were killed and 180 captured in Dali on 22 September.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /> This makes India's total losses 250-300 killed and upwards of 237 captured, as well as 3 tanks captured.<ref name=":2" /> Pakistan's losses were minimal.

==References==
<references />

{{Wikipedia|Rajasthan Front}}
[[Category:Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]]
[[Category:Battles of Indo-Pakistani wars]]
[[Category:Battles in 1965]]
[[Category:Battles involving Pakistan]]
[[Category:Battles involving India]]
[[Category:Military history of Pakistan]]

Revision as of 09:34, 25 January 2024

Rajasthan Front
Part of Indo-Pakistani War of 1965

Pakistani troops in front of captured Kishangarh Fort
Date8–23 September 1965
Location
Rajasthan, India
Result Pakistani victory
Territorial
changes

Pakistani claims:
Pakistan captures 1200 square kilometers of territory

Neutral claims:
Pakistan captures 500-600 square kilometers
Belligerents
 Pakistan  India
Commanders and leaders
Pakistan Brig. Khuda Dad Khan
Pakistan Brig. K. M. Azhar Khan
India Brig. J.C. Guha
India Lt. Gen. Moti Sagar
India Maj. Gen. N.C. Rawlley
India Brig. H.N. Summanwar
Units involved
Pakistan Rangers
18th Punjab Regiment
51st Infantry Brigade
14th Artillery Regiment
Hur tribal force
Maratha Regiment
Rajasthan Armed Constabulary
30th Indian Infantry
3rd Guards
1st Garhwal
4th Maratha Light Infantry
85th Indian Infantry
17th Madras
13th Grenadiers
Strength
50,000-60,000 100,000
Casualties and losses
minimal 250-300 killed
237+ captured
3 tanks captured

The Rajasthan Front was a military theatre of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The campaign saw the Pakistan Rangers, accompanied by the Hurs tribal warriors, raid and capture numerous Indian positions and fortifications along the border between Sindh and Rajasthan. The campaign was a success for Pakistan with 500-1200 square kilometers of Indian territory captured, comprising the bulk of Pakistan's territorial advances during the war.[1]

Background

The initial stages of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 were confined to the disputed region of Kashmir. Although India saw initial success battling Pakistani-supported guerillas in Kashmir in late-August, the situation changed on 1 September when the Pakistan Army launched Operation Grand Slam, a large offensive with the aim of capturing crucial locations in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK). India subsequently suffered heavy losses; at the Battle of Chumb, their only tank battalion in the whole area was wiped out. In order to relieve pressure in the region, India crossed the international border in Punjab on 6 September. This led to the escalation of the war to other fronts, such as Rajasthan and Sialkot.

The Hurs

The main tribe living in the border areas of Sindh are the Hurs. They had rebelled against the British in the Second World War, and had experience fighting in the terrain. This made them a crucial asset for Pakistan in the campaign. Their desert warfare and survival skills were far superior to those of the Indian Army. Thousands of Hurs volunteered to fight for Pakistan, commanded by Faqir Jamal Mangrio. Due to financial constraints, they could only be given basic training and weaponry, but they proved to be the most effective unit in the campaign nonetheless.[2] Together with the Pakistan Rangers they formed the 'Desert Force' of the 1965 war. The capture of numerous fortresses and outpost by the Hurs is regarded as one of the finest examples of use of local militia in South Asia.[3]

Pakistani Offensive

Hostilities in Rajasthan began on 8 September 1965, with the Pakistan Desert Force carrying out raids on Indian border posts. The Hurs were utilized as light infantry and skirmishers, a task which they carried out on camel-back. Although India's war efforts were focused on northern Punjab, they had left some forces in Rajasthan with the aim of launching desert offensives. However, Pakistani-Hur operations forced India to be on the defensive throughout September right up till the ceasefire.

Several major engagements occurred during the campaign:

Siege of Kishangarh

The Pakistani flag being hoisted atop Kishangarh Fort following its capture

Kishangarh Fort (not to be confused with the historic fortress of the same name) was a key Indian fortress located 11 kilometers from the border with Pakistan. It was situated along the only road which linked Rajasthan to the Pakistani city of Rahim Yar Khan. On 8 September, the first major incursion by Pakistan was launched and Kishangarh was besieged. After 10 days of fighting, the garrison surrendered and the fortress was captured on September 18.[1]

Capture of Munabao Station

Further south, the Desert Force launched a new attack on September 10. Munabao, station was shelled by Pakistan's 14th Artillery Regiment. Brigadier K. M. Azhar Khan and his forces of 18th Punjab regiment had captured the station by mid-day 11 September.[2]

Immigration checkpost at Munabao captured by Pakistan

Gadra skirmishes

On 11 September, small skirmishes were reported near the Pakistani border village of Gadra. Retaliatory raids were launched by the Desert Force on the town of Gadra Road on the Indian side, where a railway station was located. A skirmish on 14 September resulted in the capture of an entire Indian platoon, with 36 captured including 1 officer.[1]

Attacks on Rohera and Panchla

Following the success at Munabao, Brig. Azhar Khan ordered further attacks on the nearby Indian posts of Rohera and Panchla. The attacks were successful and the positions were captured on 12 and 13 September respectively. Together with Munabao they formed a chain of Indian positions occupied by Pakistan.[2]

Capture of Ghotaro Fort

Ghotaro fort was another key Indian fortification located around 20 kilometers inside Indian territory. The fortress was attacked and captured by Pakistan on 22 September.[1][4] Five other Indian army posts (Bhutewala, Malesar, Rai Chandwala, Bulli Kallan and Kala Dhar Toba) had been captured by 23 September.[1]

Indian Counterattack

India was largely on the defensive throughout the Rajasthan campaign, save for minor raids early on which were repelled by Hurs.[1] The only significant Indian counterattack in this sector of the war was launched on 21 September towards the Pakistani village of Dali, about 13 kilometers from the border.

Battle of Dali

The counterattack consisted of elements of the Maratha regiment along with 17th Madras and a tank troop (consisting of 3 tanks).[2] The initial engagement lasted several hours and India ended up capturing the village with some losses. The outnumbered Pakistani unit defending Dali retreated to the nearby town of Khinsar. When news of the attack reached Brigadier Azhar Khan, he turned 18 Punjab Reg. around from Munabao and launched a counterattack to reclaim Dali from the north.[2] This move was a success and Dali was liberated on 22 September, with as many as 97 Indian soldiers killed[1] and 180 more captured[2] including at least 7 officers.[1] All 3 Indian tanks involved in the battle were captured in working condition.[5]

Ceasefire and aftermath

23 September saw only minor clashes in the region. The ceasefire was signed by India and Pakistan, bringing an end to hostilities across all fronts and subsequently the Rajasthan campaign drew to a close. It is generally regarded as a major Pakistani victory in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

Casualties and Losses

According to Pakistani sources, between 8 and 19 September, at least 150-200 Indian soldiers were killed and 57 captured (36 in the skirmish near Gadra on 14 September and 21 in other encounters).[1] Another 97 Indian soldiers were killed and 180 captured in Dali on 22 September.[2][1] This makes India's total losses 250-300 killed and upwards of 237 captured, as well as 3 tanks captured.[5] Pakistan's losses were minimal.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j www.webspider.pk, Web Spider (pvt) Ltd. "Glorious September: 1965 War". www.hilal.gov.pk. Retrieved 2023-07-04.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Imran (2019-10-22). "The lost graves of Munabao". MANI JUNCTION. Retrieved 2023-07-04.
  3. ^ "When Kishangarh Reverberated With Gunshots". www.thisday.app. Retrieved 2023-07-04.
  4. ^ Ananth (2018-12-16). "The Desert Raids of the Bangladesh Liberation War". Retrieved 2023-07-04.
  5. ^ a b "PAK INDIA 1965 WAR". www.pakistanarmy.biz.tc. Retrieved 2023-07-04.