On creation of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment in 1922 the Red, Black and Grey colours of 114 Mahrattas, which became the Training Battalion, were adopted as the Regimental flag. The black colour being senior is on the top with red colour in the centre and grey colour at the bottom. The ratio of colours is 7:2:7.

 

In 1788 when the Bombay Army was reorganized by Lord Cornwallis into 1^st and 2^nd Brigades, Plumes and Badges for the Indian regiments were also specified. This was in keeping with tradition of the Maratha Armies where each chief wore a feather on his turban. The origin of the red portion of the Maratha hackle can be traced to the red plumes designated for the 2^nd battalion of 1^st Brigade in 1788. The green portion of the hackle, was added after the World War I as token of association with the 1^st Battalion of Ninth Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. In 1797 the green hackle or tufts became universal for Light Infantry regiment. The British Army and accordingly the 52 Light Infantry (The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire) started wearing the green hackle. During the   World War I, the 1^st Battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and 103^rd Maratha Light Infantry (later the 1/5) were part of the same Brigade, the 17^th Indian Infantry Brigade. Throughout the classic action in the Mesopotamia war till the capitulation at Kut-el-Amara, these two Battalions fought side by side and developed memorable camaraderie. This association was symbolized by the Marathas adding the green to their red hackle making the famous red and green hackle of the Maratha Light Infantry.    

 

CAP, BADGE AND LANYARD  

 

The origin of the bugle horn, the whistle and the lanyard also dates to the days of American sharp shooter who were the inspiration behind the Light Infantry man. As orders could not be given verbally to men in extended order the Forester’s Bugle was adopted to control movements. Besides, the drums carried by Infantry were found to be too cumbersome for swift movement. Hence, the bugle with cords which the Light Infantry wears as cap badge. The British crown worn on the top was replaced by the Indian National emblem as Ashoka Lion after India attained Independence in 1947.             To enable the Sergeants to control their men, a whistle with chain was used and later replaced by the present day cotton lanyard. The green colour of Light Infantry lanyard is explained by the fact that the original Light Infantry regiments while discarding the red coat favoured green which was the recognized colour for uniforms of the foresters throughout Europe and North America. The Regiment adopted the lanyard at the end of second World War from the British Light Infantry who wore the lanyard around the neck for securing the whistle and the Jackknife. In 2003, the Regiment decided to go back to their original (Pre-1950) lanyard thick olive green in colour to be worn on the left shoulder, except that of 5 MARATHA LI, who puts on a similar lanyard on the right shoulder, which is royal blue in colour.  The Maratha Light Infantry is the only regiment in the Indian Army to wear shoulder titles with the Regimental crest. 

   

MOTTO

04 Feb 1670 Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj started the victory campaign by capturing Kondhana Fort. This victory was a mile stone in expansion of influence of the Marathas in the region. The display of gallantry by Tanaji Malusare is an apt example where ‘Duty Honour Courage’ were clearly the tenets shown by the Maratha warriors, which is the motto of the Regt today. “??????? ??? ????” was instituted as Regimental Motto on 30 Jan 1970, with the accepted English equivalent.

“Duty-Honour-Courage”

These are the hallmarks of a soldier. Each of these have a lot of significance as given below.

• Duty.   It is expected that a soldier performs his duty at all times at all costs; whatever the allotted duty be.

• Honour.   Soldiering is a matter of honour. A man in uniform is respected by all.He must live up to the honour of the profession and must conduct himself as a soldier both in uniform or otherwise.

• Courage.   It is expected that a soldier be courageous both mentally and physically. It calls for a high order of motivation, dedication and sense of duty.A soldier must be prepared to make the supreme sacrifice when called for.  

MARATHA BATTLE CRY

“Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai”

04 Feb Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj started the victory campaign by capturing Kondana Fort. The display of gallantry by Tanaji Malusare is an apt example where “Duty Honour Courage” were clearly shown by the Maratha warriors, which is the motto of the Regt today.

While fighting Italian forces in World War II in Gallabat, Sudan the Marathas conceived their famous war cry. It was on 11 January 1941 while attacking an Italian fortification, things started to go out of hand and the Marathas were on the verge of losing the battle. It was then that Capt Boomgart, the officer in charge was advised to inspire the Marathas by reminding them of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Thus, the famous war-cry  “Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai” came to be associated with the regiment. On hearing this war cry, the Marathas leaped forward with great aggression and defeated the Italian garrison.

MARATHA MARCH PAST   The Maratha Light Infantry wear black facing on their uniforms, have a hunting horn for their badge, march at 140 paces to the minute as against the 120 of ordinary infantry, take all orders from the vishram (at ease) positions since they are ever alert. The Regimental marching tune is called “SINHGARH”. It was composed to commemorate the famous battle of Kondhana, this is a special piece of music which when played is honoured by the listeners standing at ‘Savadhan’. The tune ‘SINHGARH’ was composed and arranged by Sub AP James.

MARATHA CREST   During British India, as part of a Light Infantry Regiment, the Maratha soldiers used the bugle horn to coordinate swift movement of troops in sudden and surprising skirmishes. The bugle was prominently incorporated in the crest of the Regiment, along with the traditional crossed swords and a shield. When India gained independence, the Ashoka lions and the national emblem, replaced British crown atop the badge.