Page 349 - Leadership in the Indian Army

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L IEUTENANT G ENERAL H ANUT S INGH ,

PVSM, MVC

A Brilliant Tactician

If one were asked to describe Hanut Singh in just a word, the one that
would fit the bill is ‘soldier’. He epitomises courage, both moral and

physical, fair-mindedness, a high standard of morality, discipline and
professionalism. Though he did not reach the highest rank—he retired as
Lieutenant General—Hanut had become a legend even as Lieutenant
Colonel, when he was commanding the most prestigious cavalry regiment
in the Indian Army, 17 Horse. Also called the Poona Horse, this unit has the
unique distinction of winning four VCs and two PVCs. Hanut was himself
decorated with the MVC in 1971, when he was in command of the

regiment. His subsequent tenures with the Armoured Division and the
Strike Corps only reinforced his claim as the best armour commander India
has produced, and the only one the Pakistani Army feared and respected.
To understand Hanut, one must know his background and early life,
which were instrumental in shaping his unique character and values. Hanut
is the scion of a proud clan of Rathore Rajputs from Jasol, in Barmer

district of Rajasthan. The Jasol Rajputs are known for their valour,
patriotism, courage, and highly individualistic nature, born out of centuries
of independent existence. After losing Kanauj, a branch of the Rathores led
by Rao Siaji, the son of Raja Jai Chand of Kanauj, established a kingdom at
Khed, near Jasol. It was from here that the Rathores branched out and
established the kingdoms of Jodhpur, Bikaner and Idar. For this reason, the
Rathores of Jasol consider themselves as the senior house of the Rathores.

They have maintained their independent status ever since, defending it
against all comers. Hanut’s father, Lieutenant Colonel Arjun Singh, was
himself a great soldier who served in the Jodhpur Lancers, and later
commanded the famous Kachawa Horse.