With a war cry hailing Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj, and drawing inspiration from the king’s army known in history for its guerrilla warfare, the Maratha Light Infantry, which completes 250 years in 2018, is the only regiment of the Indian Army from which two units of Special Forces have been drawn.

  Celebrating its Regimental Day on February 4, the Maratha Light Infantry is among the oldest of the Indian Army and classified as “light infantry”, where soldiers operate with minimal equipment and orders so as to engage the enemy faster and more quietly.

  The Maratha Light Infantry is the only regiment in the Army from which two Special Forces units have been drawnthe 2nd and 21st Battalions of Parachute Regiment.

  With its war cry “Bol Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai (Say Victory To King Shivaji)”, the soldiers on Maratha Light Infantry are also known for their quick march speed of 140....