The name “Punjab” means “land of five rivers” and derives from the Persian words ‘punj’ meaning five, and ‘ab’ meaning water. The rivers, tributaries of the Indus River, are the Jhelum, Chenab Ravi, Sutlej and Beas. The five rivers, now divided between India and Pakistan, merge to form the Panjnad, which joins the Indus. Beas River joins with the Sutlej near the Harike Barrage in Indian Punjab.
The Punjab Regiment of India was formed from the 2nd Punjab Regiment of the British Indian Army in 1947. It is one of the oldest regiments still in service in the Indian Armyand has taken part in various battles and wars winning numerous honours for the same. It is one of the most acclaimed regiments of the Indian Army.
Prior to independence and partition there were a number of "Punjab regiments" in the British India. These were amalgamated to form six regiments: the 1st Punjab Regiment, the 2nd Punjab Regiment, the 8th Punjab Regiment, the 14th Punjab Regiment, the 15th Punjab Regiment and the 16th Punjab Regiment.
At the onset of independence in 1947, the 1st, 8th, 14th, 15th and 16th Punjab Regiment went over to the newly raised Pakistan army, while the 2nd Punjab Regiment was retained in the Indian Army. Troops were transferred between regiments based on whether the soldiers would be a part of Pakistan or India.
The Punjab Regiment is one of the oldest in the Indian Army. The first battalion which today constitutes this regiment was raised in 1805. This was done by the then Maharaja of Patiala
The first four British-raised battalions of what later became the 2nd Punjab Regiment and finally the Punjab Regiment, were raised during the hostilities in the Carnatic in South India between 1761 and 1776. The numbers and titles of the battalions changed during the successive reorganisations of the Madras Presidency Army,
The British Indian Army and the Indian Army during the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries. The names changed from Coast Sepoys to Carnatic Infantry, Madras Native Infantry, Punjabis and finally to the Punjab Regiment. After 1857, the British applied the Martial Races theory and north Indian troops replaced the South Indians, the regiment eventually being renamed as The Punjab Regiment.
Through nearly two hundred years of exciting and arduous journey the battalions of the Punjab Regiment saw the birth, growth and fulfillment of the British rule. They took part in many wars that affected the destiny of millions and survived many changes of organization and destination.
One thing above all a tradition of gallantry and loyalty remained a guiding light to the officers and men of the Regiment and shortly before partition as a token of recognition of the Regiment’s meritorious services and faithfulness and being senior in service of all the Corps and units Punjab Regiment Group This hackle, much prized by all ranks, further cemented the bond between them is unmatchable to describe.
Today Stamp despite of Uniforms of 1799, 1901 & 1979 and badge: Punjab Regiment Department of Posts issued Commemorative postage stamps on Punjab Regiment on its Fourth Reunion
Issued Date: 20. 02.1979
Denomination: 25 Paise
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