Indian Army’s one of the oldest and most decorated regiments, the Maratha light Infantry Regiment, on Sunday began year-long celebrations to mark its 250th anniversary. The Regiment's training centre is located in Belgaum, Karnataka. The Martha regiment has bagged  56 battle honours and 10 theatre honours.

"Maratha light infantry regiment is crossing the milestone of 250 years of glorious rising. It draws its inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji and the Maratha warriors who were adept in guerrilla warfare. As a result, the regiment was involved in Afghanistan and other theatres before Independence,” lt Gen P J S Pannu, the Colonel of the Regiment and Deputy Chief, Directorate of Organisational Training (DOT) at Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) said here.

Stating that Maratha light Infantry was the first infantry unit to be designated “light infantry” by the British during the first Afghan war for being “swift-footed,” he said the regiment is good  in night warfare.  Outlining the regimental philosophy, Pannu said “we do not have a command called attention. We are in relaxed position but ready for a task.”

The first battalion of the Regiment was raised as 'second battalion Bombay Sepoys’ in 1768 which was later known as ‘jangi paltan’. February Four also has a historical significance as on this day in 1670 Chhatrapati Shivaji conquered Fort Kondana, famously known as Sinhgarh.

The regiment has a long history of gallantry and sacrifice. During the World War I the regiment was honoured with 15 battle honours. In the World War II the regiment size increased from six to 13 battalions and has the rare honour of winning two Victoria Crosses - Naik Yeshwant Ghadge and Sepoy Namdev Jadhav.  At present, the regiment has 21 regular battalions, four Rashtriya Rifles battalions and two Territorial Army battalions. Highlighting ther achievements of the regiment, Colonel S S Shekhawat said it is the only regiment of the Army from which two battalions were converted into the Special Forces(SF) including the 2 and 21 Para Special Forces. 

Shekhawat of 21 Para SF is one of the most decorated soldiers serving and his medals for gallantry include Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra and Sena Medal(gallantry) and Vishisht Sena Medal(VSM) for distinguished service.

The Regiment has inter-service affiliation with Navy ship INS Mumbai and 20th Squadron of the Indian Air Force besides Indian Coast Guard Air Station Daman and Diu.