A commemorative postage stamp on 300 years of the 16^th Punjab Regiment – 2^nd Patiala Infantry, most senior regional infantry regiment of Indian Army :

Issued by India

Issued on Mar 19, 2010

Issued for : India Post is proud to issue a commemorative postage stamp on the tercentenary of 16 Punjab (2^nd Patiala).

Credits :
Stamp, FDC & Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.3 Million

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

About : 

• 16 Punjab (Patiala) is an embodiment of the martial spirit and personal valour, representing the warrior traditions of military service. Its history represents the legacy of honour, courage and devotion to duty, distinguishing itself in all fields of endeavour.
• The battalion was raised in 1710 in “Dehra formation” by Baba Ala Singh, who was the founder of Patiala State. It was reorganized by Maharaja Sahib Singh in 1819 and again in 1892, being designated as the 2^nd Imperial Service Infantry. Later, in 1920, the Battalion was renamed as ‘2^nd Patiala Infantry‘ and was brought under the Indian State Forces Army. The Unit was again renamed as ‘2^nd Patiala Yadvindra Infantry‘ by Hony Lieutenant General His Highness Maharaja Sir Yadvindra Singh of Patiala, who commanded one of its Rifle Companies in the rank of Captain.
• Pre Independence, the Battalion saw gallant action at various places in India and abroad during the 2^nd Afghan War, the South African War 1900-1901, 1^st World War and 2^nd World War among others and was awarded as many as 15 Battle Honours. Post Independence, after joining the 26 Indian Division as its Reconnaissance Battalion initially, it was amalgamated with the Indian Army in 1951, and was redesignated as 16 Punjab (Patiala). Today it consists largely of Sikh and Dogra troops.
• Since Independence, the Battalion has actively participated in most of the major operations including Indo Pak War (1965 & 1971). It has also taken active part in counter insurgency operations such as Operations Raji, Orchid, Mahan Kartavya (1979), Rakshak (1990-93), Vijay (1999), Rhino (1999-2003) and Rakshak (8^th October 2005 to 28 September, 2007).
• Post Independence also the Battalion has won many honours and awards. During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, the Battalion took part in the battle for the capture of ‘Barki‘ on the east bank of the lcchogil Canal, in Lahore Sector. The Battalion was awarded Battle Honour ‘BARKI’ for its outstanding operational achievements.
• Text : Based on the material provided by the proponent.

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