Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat: The Immortal Soldier – Complete Biography & Wiki

Category	Details
Primary Schooling	Attended village school in his hometown.
Further Schooling	Joined parents in Dobhawala, Dehradun; took admission in Gorkha Military School.
Education Level Completed	Studied up to Class 9.
Enrollment in Military Training	Enrolled in Garhwal Rifles Regimental Center, Lansdowne, Uttarakhand after Class 9.
Academic Abilities	Brilliant student with strong academic potential.
Reason for Leaving Studies	Financial problems in the family forced him to discontinue formal education.
Childhood Traits	Born a twin; active child; participated in all sports; physically fit and competitive.
Suitability for Army	Strong physical fitness and sports involvement made him ideal for military service.
Joining the Indian Army	Joined at age 19, on August 19, 1960 (his birthday).
Regiment	4 Garhwal Rifles, Garhwal Rifles Regiment.
Regiment Reputation	Known for gallantry and distinguished battle honours.
Transformation Through Training	Rigorous training at Lansdowne shaped him into a disciplined and skilled soldier.
Historic Contribution	Within two years of service, he became a legendary figure due to his extraordinary courage and sacrifice in the 1962 Indo-China War.

Physical Statistics of Jaswant Singh Rawat

Physical Attribute	Measurement
Height	5 feet 7 inches (approx. 170 cm)
Weight	65-70 kg (approx.)
Build	Athletic and Muscular
Eye Color	Dark Brown
Hair Color	Black
Complexion	Wheatish (typical Garhwali)
Physical Fitness	Excellent (Military Standard)
Distinguishing Features	Strong build, characteristic Garhwali features

Physical Attributes and Fitness of Jaswant Singh Rawat

Jaswant was an active child who participated in every sports activity, which contributed to his excellent physical conditioning. As a rifleman in the Garhwal Rifles, Jaswant Singh Rawat maintained peak physical fitness, essential for operations in the challenging Himalayan terrain where temperatures drop below freezing and altitudes exceed 13,000 feet.

His physical endurance was proven during the Battle of Nuranang, where despite being severely wounded, Jaswant Singh Rawat continued fighting for 72 consecutive hours in extreme weather conditions at high altitude.

Military Career Timeline of Jaswant Singh Rawat

Date	Rank/Position	Location/Unit	Milestone Achievement
19 August 1960	Recruit	Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre, Lansdowne	Enrolled on his 19th birthday
August-December 1960	Trainee Rifleman	Lansdowne, Uttarakhand	Completed basic military training
January 1961	Rifleman	4th Battalion, 4th Garhwal Rifles	Posted to active battalion
1961-1962	Rifleman	Various postings	Regular military duties
October 1962	Rifleman	North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA)	Deployed for Sino-Indian War
November 1962	Rifleman	Nuranang sector, Arunachal Pradesh	Battle preparations
17 November 1962	Rifleman	Battle of Nuranang	Neutralized Chinese MMG position
17-20 November 1962	Rifleman	Nuranang Post	72-hour solo defense
17 November 1962	Rifleman	Nuranang	Attained martyrdom
1963	Posthumous	–	Awarded Maha Vir Chakra
Post-1962	Honorary Promotions	Jaswant Garh Memorial	Continues receiving promotions

The Battle of Nuranang: 17 November 1962 – Complete Account

Strategic Context and Pre-Battle Situation

By the closing days of October 1962, the Sino-Indian conflict in the eastern Himalayas had reached breaking point. The 4 Garhwal Rifles was brought under 62 Infantry Brigade, joining other battalions in a defensive shield across the North-East Frontier Agency.

The task of his battalion was to establish a bridgehead and secure the Nuranang ridge. There was a looming threat of a Chinese invasion of Arunachal Pradesh in an attempt to capture Sela Pass from Indian control.

The 4th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles was the only army unit stationed at Nuranang; as most of the army units had withdrawn according to the orders issued to them. Jaswant Singh was a part of the Delta Company of his battalion.

The Morning Attack: 17 November 1962

On 17 November 1962, at around 5 am, the 4th Garhwal Rifles had beaten back two People’s Liberation Army charges on their position.

The Machine Gun Mission – Act of Supreme Valor

During a third intrusion, a Chinese medium machine gun (MMG) had come close to the Indian defenses and was firing accurately at their positions. Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, along with Lance Naik Trilok Singh Negi and Rifleman Gopal Singh Gusain volunteered to subdue the MMG.

Rawat and Gusain, aided by covering fire from Negi closed within a grenade-throwing distance of the machine gun position and neutralized the Chinese detachment of five sentries, seizing the MMG in the process.

However, while returning, Gusain and Negi lost their lives and Rawat was seriously injured, although he managed to return with the captured weapon.

The 72-Hour Solo Defense by Jaswant Singh Rawat

Rawat’s company eventually decided to fall back, but Rawat remained and kept up the fight with the help of two local Monpa girls named Sela and Nura (Noora).

Rushing from position to position, Rawat held off the enemy for 72 hours. They continuously jumped from one bunker to another to confuse the enemy as well as avoid getting hit by enemy fire. For three days, the Chinese were not able to ascertain how many Indian soldiers were engaged in the battle with them.

The Betrayal and Final Battle

The Chinese captured a local supplier, who told them that they were facing only one fighter. When Jaswant Singh Rawat was fighting with the assistance of the two local girls, a man who was supplying food and other rations to Rawat was captured by the PLA soldiers and told the Chinese that there was only one man fighting from the bunkers.

The Chinese then stormed Rawat’s position. Later, Sela was killed and Noora captured.

The Death of Jaswant Singh Rawat: Two Accounts

The exact details of his death are unclear. Some accounts claim that Rawat shot himself with his last round of ammunition; others state that he was taken prisoner and executed by the Chinese.

Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat killed himself with his last bullet before getting captured by the Chinese. This angered the Chinese so much that they cut his head off and took it back to China.

Enemy’s Tribute: Unprecedented Respect

The Chinese commander returned Rawat’s severed head and a brass bust of him to India after the war was over. Later, after the ceasefire, impressed by Rawat’s bravery, the Chinese returned his head along with a brass bust of the brave soldier as a mark of honour.

Battle Results and Impact

The battle resulted in 300 Chinese casualties, whereas the 4th Garhwal Rifles lost two men and had eight wounded.

Major Achievements & Recognition of Jaswant Singh Rawat

Award/Honor	Year	Authority	Description
Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)	1963 (Posthumous)	President of India	India’s second-highest military decoration for conspicuous gallantry
Battle Honour: Nuranang	1962	Indian Army	Only battle honor awarded during 1962 War to 4th Garhwal Rifles
Jaswant Garh Memorial	Post-1962	Indian Army	Army post renamed and memorial built
Posthumous Promotions	Ongoing	Indian Army	Continues to receive regular promotions
Deity Status	Post-1962	Local Monpa People	Worshipped as “Baba Jaswant” and “Major Sahab”
Daily Military Honors	Ongoing	Indian Army	Room maintained with full military protocol
Sela Pass Named	Post-1962	Government of India	Named after Sela who helped Jaswant
Nuranang Falls Named	Post-1962	Government of India	Named after Noora/Nura
Film: 72 Hours	2019	Avinash Dhyani	Biographical movie
Nuranang Day	17 November (Annual)	Indian Army	Commemorated annually

Administrative Positions & Honors of Jaswant Singh Rawat

Positions Held During Life

Period	Rank	Unit	Location
1960-1962	Rifleman	4th Battalion, 4th Garhwal Rifles	NEFA (Arunachal Pradesh)
17 Nov 1962	Rifleman	Delta Company, 4 Garhwal Rifles	Nuranang Sector

Posthumous Honors and Continuing Service

Additionally, Rawat has received several posthumous promotions.

The Indian Army maintains a unique tradition for Jaswant Singh Rawat:

1. Active Service Status: Officially considered “still on duty”
2. Regular Promotions: Receives periodic rank advancements
3. Salary Credits: His account continues to receive military pay
4. Leave Grants: Granted periodic “leave” to his village
5. Full Military Protocol: All honors maintained as if alive

Financial Information of Jaswant Singh Rawat

Financial Category	Details
Military Salary (1962)	₹300-400 per month (Rifleman rank)
Current “Salary”	Continues to be credited per tradition
Family Pension	Battle casualty pension to family members
Memorial Budget	Funded by Indian Army budget
Net Worth	Not applicable (martyred soldier)
Financial Philosophy	Duty before personal gain

Detailed Biography: The Life Journey of Jaswant Singh Rawat

Early Life: Humble Beginnings in Uttarakhand

Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat was born on 19 August 1941 in Baryun village (also known as Badu Patti) in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Born into a modest Garhwali Rajput family, his father Guman Singh Rawat worked at the Military Dairy Farm in Dehradun to support the family.

Jaswant was born as a twin with his sister, but tragedy struck early when his sister died in childhood. Following this loss, his maternal grandmother took young Jaswant to Lingal village in Pauri Garhwal, where he spent his formative years. This period in his grandmother’s village would shape his character, instilling in him the values of simplicity, hard work, and devotion to duty.

Childhood: Sports, Studies, and Financial Struggles

As a child, Jaswant Singh was very active and participated in every sports activity. His physical fitness and competitive spirit made him popular among his peers. He was also a brilliant student, showing promise in academics despite studying in a village school.

When Jaswant rejoined his parents at Dobhawala in Dehradun, he took admission in Gorkha Military School. He continued his education with dedication and performed well in his studies. However, financial constraints forced the family to make difficult decisions. Despite being an exceptionally bright student with tremendous academic potential, Jaswant had to drop his studies after completing Class 9th due to financial problems in his family.

This setback, however, did not diminish his spirit. Instead, it redirected his path toward military service, where he would ultimately achieve immortality.

The Decision to Join the Army

With his education discontinued and the family’s financial situation remaining challenging, young Jaswant needed to find employment. His maternal uncle, Major Pratap Singh Negi (Retired), recognized the young man’s potential and suggested military service as a noble career path.

The Rawat family had a proud military heritage. His ancestors, Veer Senani Bhupu Raut and Tilu Rautali, had served as military officers in the Garhwal Court and were remembered for their bravery. This military tradition in the family, combined with Major Negi’s guidance, influenced Jaswant’s decision.

Military Training: Transformation at Lansdowne

On 19 August 1960 – his 19th birthday – Jaswant Singh Rawat was enrolled in the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre at Lansdowne, Uttarakhand. This date would prove significant: joining the army on his birthday symbolized his rebirth as a soldier.

At Lansdowne, the young Garhwali underwent rigorous basic military training. The Garhwal Rifles, one of India’s most decorated regiments, had high standards. Jaswant adapted quickly, his childhood sports activities having prepared him well for the physical demands of military life.

Upon completion of his training, Jaswant was recruited into the 4th Battalion of the 4th Garhwal Rifles. He was posted to Delta Company and soon proved himself a dedicated and capable rifleman.

Deployment to NEFA: The Road to Nuranang

In 1962, tensions between India and China escalated dramatically along the Himalayan border. The 4th Battalion of 4th Garhwal Rifles was deployed to the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), now Arunachal Pradesh, as part of India’s defensive preparations.

The task of his battalion was to establish a bridgehead and secure the Nuranang ridge. There was a looming threat of a Chinese invasion of Arunachal Pradesh in an attempt to capture Sela Pass from Indian control.

By October 1962, the situation had deteriorated into open warfare. The 4th Garhwal Rifles was brought under 62 Infantry Brigade and positioned in the Tawang sector. The battalion was tasked with defending crucial positions near Sela Pass, a vital strategic location at 13,700 feet altitude.

The Battle of Nuranang: Three Days That Made History

Day 1: Morning of 17 November 1962

At approximately 5:00 AM on 17 November 1962, Chinese forces launched a massive assault on the positions held by 4th Garhwal Rifles. The battalion, though heavily outnumbered, fought with extraordinary determination. They successfully beat back two People’s Liberation Army charges, inflicting significant casualties on the attackers.

During the third Chinese intrusion, a medium machine gun (MMG) position came dangerously close to Indian defenses and began firing accurately, causing severe casualties. The situation was critical – the MMG had to be neutralized or the entire defensive position would be compromised.

The Volunteer Mission

Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, along with Lance Naik Trilok Singh Negi and Rifleman Gopal Singh Gusain, volunteered for this extremely dangerous mission. Without hesitation, these three brave soldiers decided to eliminate the threat.

Lance Naik Negi provided covering fire while Rawat and Gusain crawled through exposed terrain toward the Chinese position. Under heavy enemy fire, displaying exceptional courage, Rawat and Gusain closed within grenade-throwing distance of the machine gun position.

They successfully neutralized the Chinese detachment of five sentries with grenades and seized the MMG. However, triumph turned to tragedy during their return. While returning, Gusain and Negi lost their lives, and Rawat was seriously injured. Despite his wounds, Jaswant managed to return with the captured weapon.

The Decision to Stay

As the battle intensified and casualties mounted, Rawat’s company eventually decided to fall back according to orders. The 4th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles was the only army unit stationed at Nuranang, as most other army units had withdrawn.

But Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat made a fateful decision. Despite being seriously injured and having clear orders to retreat, he chose to remain at his post. At just 21 years old, he understood the strategic importance of holding the position and decided that duty came before personal safety.

Days 1-3: The 72-Hour Defense

What followed became one of the most extraordinary individual stands in military history. Rawat remained and kept up the fight with the help of two local Monpa girls named Sela and Nura (Noora).

Displaying remarkable tactical brilliance, Rawat set up multiple firing positions across different bunkers. Rushing from position to position with the help of Sela and Noora, he created the illusion of a much larger defending force. The girls helped by carrying ammunition, running between bunkers, and even firing weapons.

For 72 hours, the Chinese were not able to ascertain how many Indian soldiers were engaged in the battle with them. They believed they were facing a substantial Indian force, not realizing that one severely wounded rifleman and two brave local girls were holding them at bay.

During these three days, Jaswant Singh Rawat displayed superhuman endurance. Fighting at 13,000 feet altitude, in freezing temperatures, with severe injuries, with minimal food and water, he continued to inflict casualties on the enemy. The battle resulted in approximately 300 Chinese casualties during this period.

The Betrayal and Final Stand

The deception continued successfully until a local supplier was captured by Chinese forces. Under interrogation, this man who was supplying food and other rations to Rawat revealed that they were facing only one fighter.

Learning this shocking truth – that they had been held back for three days by a single wounded soldier – the Chinese forces launched a massive, overwhelming assault. The Chinese then stormed Rawat’s position in force.

In the final battle, Sela was killed by enemy fire, and Noora was captured. Jaswant Singh Rawat, now completely alone and out of ammunition, faced his final moments.

The Controversial End

The exact details of Jaswant Singh Rawat’s death remain unclear, with two accounts in historical records:

Account 1: Rawat shot himself with his last round of ammunition to avoid capture, choosing death over dishonor.

Account 2: He was taken prisoner and executed by the Chinese forces.

What is certain is that Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat died on 17 November 1962, having fought with unmatched bravery for 72 consecutive hours.

The Enemy’s Unprecedented Tribute

The Chinese forces were so impressed by Rawat’s extraordinary courage that they took an unprecedented step. They cut off his head and took it back to China. However, later, after the ceasefire, the Chinese commander returned Rawat’s severed head and a brass bust of him to India after the war was over.

This gesture was extremely rare in military history – an enemy force honoring a fallen opponent by returning his remains with a commemorative bust. It spoke volumes about the respect Jaswant Singh Rawat had earned even from those he fought against.

The Immortal Legacy: Life After Death

Immediate Aftermath and Recognition

News of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat’s extraordinary sacrifice reached military headquarters and eventually the highest levels of government. His actions had not only inflicted heavy enemy casualties but also bought crucial time for other Indian forces to regroup and establish better defensive positions.

In 1963, Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest military decoration for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy.

More significantly, 4th Garhwal Rifles was awarded the Battle Honour “Nuranang” – the only battle honor awarded to an army unit during the entire 1962 War. This distinction recognized the battalion’s exceptional performance, largely due to Jaswant’s heroic last stand.

The Creation of Jaswant Garh

The bravery of Jaswant Rawat was honored by naming the army post held by him as the “Jaswant Garh post” where he fended off the People’s Liberation Army. The Jaswant Garh War Memorial was built at this post, transforming it into a shrine of valor and sacrifice.

But what makes Jaswant Garh truly unique is the tradition that developed there – a tradition that continues to this day, more than six decades after Jaswant’s death.

The Eternal Soldier: Unique Military Tradition

At Jaswant Garh, Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat is treated as if he is still alive and on active duty. This is not mere symbolism but a detailed, daily practice:

Morning Routine (4:30 AM)

• His bed is made fresh every morning
• Tea is prepared and served at his bedside
• His uniform is pressed and laid out
• Room is cleaned with military precision

Daily Meals

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared
• Meals are served at his place setting
• Food is kept near his statue and belongings

Financial Records

• His salary continues to be credited
• He receives periodic promotions as per military tradition
• Financial records maintained as for serving personnel

Leave Protocol

• When granted leave, his framed photograph is prepared
• Full military escort accompanies photo to Baryun village
• Photograph kept at ancestral home for duration of “leave”
• Brought back with military honors after leave period

Daily Honors

• Salutes rendered by passing military personnel
• His room maintained as officer’s quarters
• All military courtesies extended

The Spiritual Dimension

The local Monpa people of Arunachal Pradesh have elevated Jaswant Singh Rawat to deity status. They refer to him as “Baba Jaswant” and “Major Sahab” and believe his spirit continues to protect the region.

Soldiers deployed at Jaswant Garh report numerous experiences:

• Feeling a protective presence during patrols
• Mysterious awakening when sentries fall asleep on duty
• Sense of being watched and guarded
• Unexplained phenomena attributed to his spirit

Whether these are genuine supernatural occurrences or psychological phenomena born from deep respect and tradition, they serve an important purpose: keeping alive the memory and values that Jaswant Singh Rawat represented.

Geographic Legacy

Sela Pass, Sela Tunnel, and Sela Lake were named after Sela in commemoration of her actions. This young Monpa girl who sacrificed her life helping Jaswant is now permanently commemorated in the geography of Arunachal Pradesh.

Nuranang Falls was named after Nura (Noora), the other brave girl who was captured but survived. The spectacular 100-meter waterfall stands as a natural monument to her courage.

These geographic tributes ensure that every traveler through the region encounters reminders of the Battle of Nuranang and the sacrifice made there.

Conclusion: The Eternal Guardian of India

Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat lived for only 21 years, but his legacy has endured for over six decades and will continue for generations to come. From the humble village of Baryun in Pauri Garhwal to the frozen heights of Nuranang in Arunachal Pradesh, his journey represents the transformation that occurs when ordinary people are called to extraordinary duty.

The Essence of His Legacy

Jaswant Singh Rawat’s story is not just about military heroism – though he displayed that in abundance. It’s about:

• Duty over comfort: Choosing to stay when he could have retreated safely
• Strategic thinking: Using deception and tactics to multiply his effectiveness
• Physical courage: Fighting despite severe injuries in extreme conditions
• Moral courage: Choosing death over dishonor
• Inspiration: Motivating others (Sela and Noora) through personal example
• Transcendence: Becoming more than an individual – becoming a symbol and spirit

Read More : anshika verma ips  ,    kanishak kataria    ,  shakti dubey age

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Jaswant Singh Rawat

Q1: Who was Jaswant Singh Rawat?

Answer: Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, MVC (19 August 1941– 17 November 1962) was an Indian soldier and a posthumous recipient of the prestigious Maha Vir Chakra awarded for his actions of valor during the Battle of Nuranang in the Sino-Indian War. He single-handedly held off Chinese forces for 72 hours at Nuranang in Arunachal Pradesh, inflicting approximately 300 enemy casualties before attaining martyrdom.

Q2: When and where was Jaswant Singh Rawat born?

Answer: Jaswant Singh Rawat was born on 19 August 1941 in Baryun village (also called Badu Patti) in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand (then United Provinces, British India).

Q3: What was Jaswant Singh Rawat’s educational qualification?

Answer: Jaswant Singh Rawat completed his education up to Class 9th. As a child, he was a very brilliant student, but he had to drop his studies due to financial problems in his family. He later joined the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre at Lansdowne for military training.

Q4: Which regiment did Jaswant Singh Rawat serve in?

Answer: He served in the 4th Battalion of the 4th Garhwal Rifles, one of India’s most decorated regiments. He was part of Delta Company during the Battle of Nuranang.

Q5: When did Jaswant Singh Rawat join the Indian Army?

Answer: He joined the Indian Army as a 19-year-old young man on 19 August 1960 – exactly on his 19th birthday. He was enrolled in the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre at Lansdowne, Uttarakhand.

Q6: What is the Battle of Nuranang?

Answer: The Battle of Nuranang was fought on 17 November 1962 during the Sino-Indian War in the North-East Frontier Agency (now Arunachal Pradesh). On that day, the 4th Garhwal Rifles had beaten back two People’s Liberation Army charges on their position before Jaswant Singh Rawat’s heroic solo defense began.

Read More: Uma Harathi IAS