Why Do We Know So Little About India's Contribution in World War I?
India's significant contribution to World War I has often been overshadowed by other nations' accounts. Despite the extensive involvement of Indian soldiers, their stories have not been fully documented in the same way as their European counterparts. This article aims to shed light on the contributions, challenges, and perspectives of Indian soldiers during this crucial period.
The Indian Expeditionary Forces: A Forgotten Legacy
During World War I, the Indian Expeditionary Force comprised a large number of illiterate soldiers. Unlike their European counterparts, these soldiers did not leave behind memoirs, wartime novels, or poems. However, this doesn't mean their experiences and sacrifices are entirely undocumented.
The Pivotal Work of David Omissi and Other Researchers
In 1999, David Omissi released a vast anthology titled 'Indian Voices of the Great War,' which included hundreds of wartime letters from Indian soldiers and their families. This collection is a valuable resource, but it is not without limitations. Many of the letters were heavily censored due to restrictions placed by the War Office, limiting what could be openly shared.
"The Indian soldiers were keenly aware that their letters were being censored severely, restricting what they were prepared to say in them. A number of their letters were blatantly first written in code to hide thoughts, and they often declined to discuss female family members—subjects too personal for British eyes. In addition, the soldiers' letters were generally addressed to parents, wives, brothers, sisters, and children at home, naturally leading them to lighten their messages about life on the Western Front to soothe family fears." — George Morton-Jack
Despite these limitations, the Indian Voices of the Great War is a poignant and insightful collection that provides a valuable glimpse into the experiences of these soldiers.
Contradictory Perspectives on the Indian Soldier's Conduct
Opinions on the conduct and performance of the Indian Expeditionary Force during the war vary widely. Historians have presented both positive and negative perspectives. On one side, there is a school of thought that portrays the Indian soldiers in a negative light, often based on the accounts of Frank Richards in his memoir 'Old Soldiers Never Die' and the work of American historians Jeffrey Greenspun and John Keegan. These narratives suggest that Indian soldiers faced insurmountable odds and were less effective than their European counterparts.
On the other side, historians like F. E. Smith, the Secretary of State at London's India Office, had a highly positive view of the Indian soldiers. Smith compared them to Leonidas' fabled Spartan warriors at Thermopylae, praising their dedication and bravery. Authors like Arthur Conan Doyle and Rudyard Kipling echoed this sentiment, writing sympathetically about the Indian soldiers who faced insurmountable odds in France.
Loyalty in the Middle East: The Indian Sepoys and Mussalman Sowars
The conduct of the Indian Expeditionary Force in the Middle East has been more uniformly praised, particularly in how Muslim soldiers remained loyal to the crown despite the Caliph's call for a jihad against the English. The Skinners Horse, now 1 Horse, was a Muslim Rajput-Punjabi regiment that distinguished itself during the war and was even led by the then Duke of York as its Regimental Colonel.
Mussalman Sowars, or Muslim cavalrymen, also played a crucial role in the Middle East campaign, demonstrating loyalty and bravery in the face of adversity. Their contributions are a testament to the resilience and dedication of Indian soldiers serving far from home.
Further Reading and Understanding the Campaign
To gain a deeper understanding of the Indian Campaign and the perspectives of the Indian soldiers, a good starting point would be George Morton-Jack's book 'Indian Empire at War.' Additionally, reading David Omissi's 'Indian Voices of the Great War' and Shantanu Dass's 'India Empire and First World War Culture' would provide invaluable insights into the experiences and contributions of the Indian soldiers.
By delving into these resources, one can uncover the rich and diverse story of India's contribution to World War I, shedding light on a previously overlooked aspect of history.