HISTORY DIVISION

The History Division

The History Division, earlier known as Historical Section was established on October 26, 1953 to compile the histories of the military operations conducted by the Indian Armed Forces since the independence. Till now, it has compiled and published 20 volumes including the History of Operations in Jammu & Kashmir 1947-48, Operation Polo, Operation Vijay (Goa), Military Costumes of India, Stories of Heroism, The India Pakistan War of 1965: A History etc. The operations conducted by the Indian Armed Forces on UN Peace Keeping Missions have also been compiled and these include the History of Indian Armed Forces in UN Operations in Congo, CFI or The Indian Troops in Korea 1953-54, Operation Shanti (Indian Troops in Egypt) and Terrific Responsibility (The Battle for Peace in Indo-China). Some of the publications have been brought out both in Hindi and English. Presently, the Division is working on the titles, viz. Stories of Heroism Vol. III and War Memorials of India.

The History Division also functions as the research, record and reference office of the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Armed Forces. It receives operational records and miscellaneous records pertaining to military matters from the Ministry of Defence, three Service HQrs and various Units on a regular basis for preservation and use. The Division is presently engaged in the digitization of records.

The Division also runs a Fellowship scheme under which two research fellowships are granted every three years to encourage research in military history. So far seventeen research fellows have benefitted under the scheme.

The Heraldic Cell of the Division assists the three Services Headquarters and the Ministry of Defence in all ceremonial matters such as naming of new establishments and acquisitions, designing of crests and badges and coining of suitable mottoes.

The Departmental Library houses more than five thousands titles, which include some rare books, periodicals and foreign publications of military importance. Efforts are also being made to digitize the catalogue of the Library to facilitate the availability of the books.

Note: Source - Annual Report 2011-2012