The role of India in the World War I extended beyond just the large number of Indian troops (1.3 million) that served far away from their homeland. India contributed to financial support, diplomacy and even the growth of intelligence gathering.
At a seminar on ‘India in the Great War’ held recently at Alliance Francaise and organised as part of the Indo-French cultural festival Pondy Partages, experts highlighted the multifaceted aspect of India’s involvement in the war.
Giving an overview of India and the Great War, Sqn (Retired) Rana Chhina, said that 30 per cent of the British forces fighting in France comprised Indian troops. Mr. Chhina heads the ‘India and the Great War: A joint USI (United Service Institution of India) — MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) Centenary Commemoration Project.’
Joining the war was seen as an opportunity to press for home rule in India, said Mr. Chhina. Importantly, the preparation for the war ‘served as an engine and a catalyst’ for the Indian Armed Forces, he said. India had also made financial contributions to the tune of £100 million, he said. Their gallantry earned them several Victoria Crosses.
Arguing that there had been a lack of acknowledgement of India’s place in WWI, Mr. Chhina said, “So far there has been the lack of an Indian voice. The war had an immense impact on socio-cultural aspects here. Memories tend to fade. It is time we gave these men their due.”
Elaborating on how India was at the centrestage of different conflicts during WWI, Samuel Berthet from Shiv Nadar University said that counter insurgency measures which were adopted by the British intelligence find their origins in the Rowlatt Act.
Tony McClenaghan from the Indian Military Historical Society said that around 50,000 troops were not just sent from the private armies of the Princely States, but also maintained at the expense of these rulers.
The Nizam of Hyderabad had provided funds worth £400,000, and bore the cost of equipping two hospital ships.
On the diplomatic front, Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner was a signatory to the Treaty of Versailles on behalf of India.
As far as French India was concerned, it contributed 1 million Francs and 1,200 troops, said Raphael Malangin, historian and teacher at Lycee Francais in Puducherry. Many citizens associations in Puducherry were involved in fund raising. “As the war grew, there was less distinction between the colonised troops and the indigenous troops. Strong solidarities were born in the trench,” said Mr. Malangin.
Olivier Litvine, director of Alliance Francaise, said, “The objective is for us to realise how the present is linked to events of the past such as the World Wars. We are in the midst of a historical process and we must feel responsible as actors.”
“India had also made financial contributions to the tune of £100 million and the gallantry earned several Victoria Crosses”
