Field Marshal KM Cariappa: The legacy of India’s First Army Commander-in-Chief

KM Cariappa Jayanti 2024: January 28 marks the celebration of the birth anniversary of Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa, who was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. Recognized as a national hero, he played a key role in transforming the Indian military from being under colonial rule to serving an independent India. His contributions and legacy continue to be celebrated and respected.

Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, (born on January 28, 1899, and passed away on May 15, 1993), was a high-ranking Indian military officer and diplomat. He was the top leader of the Indian Army, known as the Commander-in-Chief. He played a leading role in the Indian army on the Western Front during the 1947 war between India and Pakistan. In 1949, he became the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. He is one of the only two Indian Army officers to ever reach the highest rank of Field Marshal, the other being Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

Cariappa was born into a Kodava farmer’s family in Shanivarsanthe, which was part of Coorg province (now Kodagu district). His father, Madappa, worked in the revenue department. Cariappa, who was affectionately called ‘Chimma’ by his family, was the second of six children, having two sisters and three brothers. He finished high school at Central High School in Madikeri in 1917 and then went on to Presidency College in Chennai. While at college, he learned about opportunities for Indians in the army and decided to apply because he wanted to be a soldier. Out of 70 candidates, he was among the 42 selected for training at Daly Cadet College in Indore. Cariappa excelled in his training and finished seventh in his class.

Cariappa underwent military training during World War I (1914-1918), but he didn’t see any active combat. Following the war, Indian leaders urged the British to include Indian officers in their military forces in India. In 1919, Cariappa became part of the initial batch of Indians chosen for this purpose. He was then sent to Indore for his training. After completing his training, he was assigned to the Carnatic Infantry in Bombay (present-day Mumbai).

Cariappa climbed the ranks in his military career, becoming a lieutenant in 1923, a captain in 1927, a major in 1938, a lieutenant colonel by 1942, and a brigadier in 1946. While serving under the British, he worked in various locations including the Middle East (1941-42) and Burma (now Myanmar; 1943-44). In 1942, he made history as the first Indian to lead a unit. For his contributions during World War II, he was honored by being made a member of the Order of the British Empire. During the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan, right before India became independent, Cariappa had the challenging job of dividing the military forces between the two new countries.

Following India’s independence, Cariappa was made the deputy chief of general staff with the rank of major general. Later, when he was promoted to lieutenant general, he took charge of the Eastern Army in November 1947. Then, in January of the next year, he became the army commander for the Delhi and East Punjab Command, which is now known as the Western Command.

In January 1949, Cariappa became the first Indian to be appointed as the commander in chief of the Indian army, taking over from the British commanding general, Sir Roy Bucher. As the head of the army, his main task was to reshape the army inherited from the British into a military force that served the nation.

Cariappa retired from the military in 1953 and then worked as India’s high commissioner to Australia and New Zealand until 1956. Even after his retirement, he stayed connected with the Indian military. He visited troops to encourage them during the wars India fought with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971.

Cariappa strongly believed that India should develop its industries to support its military needs. He also stressed that the military should not be involved in politics and should always follow the direction of the civilian government. In 1986, the Indian government honored him by making him a field marshal, as a tribute to his outstanding service to the country.

Girish Linganna

( The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach out to him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)