Pakistan had the traditional support of western countries, particularly the US, and had fostered a friendship with China. But internally Pakistan was falling apart. The military dictatorship killed millions in Bangladesh, sending hordes of refugees into India, which had just signed a friendship treaty with the Soviet Union to stave of the US-China-Pak alliance. The 1971 Indo-Pak War was fought on two fronts, with Indian troops liberating Bangladesh and capturing 90,000 Pakistani POWs.
A Rathore Rajput from Jasol, Rajasthan, Hanut Singh commanded the 17 Horse armoured regiment in the Shakargarh Sector of the Western Front. In the Battle of Basantar, Hanut Singh's men in their tanks, defeated a Pakistani attack destroying 48 of their tanks. Lt. Col. Hanut Singh displayed conspicuous gallantry and leadership was awarded Mahavir Chakra
The head of all Kachhwaha Rajputs, and the last Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Bhawani Singh led a commando unit striking deep blows into Pakistan from an unexpected front. Prior to the 1971 War, Lt Col Bhawani Singh was training Mukti Bahini fighters in Bangladesh, and also helping in raising India's new Special Forces battalion, the 10 Para Commandos. The Rajpoot officer led his unit into Sindh, destroying enemy bases at Chachro, Virawah, Islamkot, and Nagarparkar, capturing immense territory and munitions. The unit received the unique theatre honour Sindh 1971, battle honours Chachro, and 10 gallantry awards. Sawai Bhawani Singh received the MVC for exceptional leadership and gallantry.
Naik Sugan Singh
A Rathore Rajput from Nagaur in Rajasthan, Sugan Singh was with the 7th Rajputana Rifles on the eastern front of Bangladesh, in Tripura. On 9/10 December the battalion was involved in a ferocious battle for Mynamati ridge. Naik Sugan Singh boldly charged an enemy MMG post and destroyed it. Despite his wounds, the brave Rajpoot continued fighting and destroyed a second MMG post. The Naik was awarded the MVC for this gallant action while the 7 Rajputana Rifles earned two Vir Chakras and battle honours Mynamati.Lance Naik Drig Pal Singh
A Rathore Rajput from Uttar Pradesh, Drig Pal Singh was on the western front of Punjab with the 15 Rajput Regiment, when the battle of Fazilka was on. With two men, Lance Naik Drig Pal Singh destroyed enemy bunkers, despite heavy MMG fire. The Indians won a great victory but the Rajpoot war hero paid with his life, and was awarded the MVC posthumously.Lieutenant Colonel Hanut Singh Rathore
Colonel Udai Singh
A Rathore Rajput from Rajasthan, Col Udai Singh commanded men of the Gorkha Rifles the mountains of Kargil, far in the north. Fighting at altitudes of 5,500 metres, and bereft of artillery support, Udai Singh and his men captured important enemy posts and large caches of ammunition. For his skilled leadership and command Colonel Udai Singh was decorated with Mahavir Chakra.Major Anup Singh
A Gahlaut Rajput from Delhi, Major Anup Singh commanded Dogra troops on the eastern front deep inside enemy territory. The Pakistanis, refusing to surrender, engaged the Indian troops in a bitter battle. Major Gahlaut led one platoon from the front, but was surprised by an unexpected enemy attack from the rear. There was a fierce hand to hand fight. The major sustained grievous wounds but refused to give in. Though bleeding profusely, he fought on, and the Pakistanis were finally beaten back. The exhausted Major collapsed on the battlefield, and died shortly thereafter. For displaying exemplary leadership Major Gahlaut was awarded Mahavir Chakra, posthumously.Lt Colonel Rajkumar Singh
A Rajpoot from Uttar Pradesh, Lt Colonel Rajkumar Singh, commanded Punjabi troops holding a defensive position on the eastern front in the early days of the 1971 war. The enemy attacked the area with two infantry battalions and a squadron of tanks. Lt Col Rajkumar Singh directed his troops with great courage and confidence, disregaring for his personal safety. The defeated Pakistanis left 350 dead behind. Indian army lost 90 men. The Rajput war hero was awarded the MVC for displaying conspicuous courage, exemplary leadership and professional skill.Major Basdev Singh Mankotia
A Mankotia Rajput from Himachal Pradesh, Major Basdev Singh commanded Punjabi troops on the western front, beating back three enemy attacks on his position. On the third attack, the major led a fierce counter-attack to repulse the Pakistanis, but sustained severe injuries. Refusing evacuation he persisted till the enemy had been driven back. For this heroic defence, the Rajpoot war hero was awarded the Mahavir Chakra.Major Jaivir Singh
A Rajput from Uttar Pradesh, Major Jaivir Singh, commanded Sikh troops in Chhamb on the western front during the 1971 War. SUffering heavy casualties, but led by the determined Rajpoot, the Sikh troops not only repulsed the enemy advance but recaptured an earlier lost post. Major Jaivir singh was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for his exemplary leadership and courage.Group Captain Chandan Singh
A Champawat Rajput from Jodhpur, Group Captain Chandan Singh, commanded an air force station on the eastern front. They led 18 strike and recce missions deep into the enemy territory. Group Captain Chandan Singh also led operations for airlifting commando troops to forward areas, the most staggering of which involved 3000 troops and 40 tons of army equipment in a single day. Group Captain Singh was decorated with the Mahavir Chakra for his exceptional drive, determination, courage and inspiring leadership.Brigadier Sawai Bhawani Singh
