Decoding the War Cries of Indian Army Regiments (Full List): From ‘Jo Bole So Nihal’ to ‘Ayo Gorkhali’

The Madras Regiment is one of the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army, raised in 1758 by the British East India Company. Active since its inception, the regiment has long rallied behind the war cry “Veer Madrasi Adikol Adikol Adikol,” which translates to “Brave Madrasi, strike and kill, strike and kill!” Steeped in centuries of tradition, this cry remains a powerful emblem of its valour, heritage, and unbroken service through generations.

The Rajputana Rifles are the oldest rifle regiment of the Indian Army. Its war cry — “Raja Ram Chandra Ki Jai” — translates to “Victory to Lord Ramchandra!” Carried through countless campaigns — from the World Wars to the Indo-Pak conflicts and the 1999 Kargil War — this war cry continues to unite the regiment’s soldiers under a shared spirit of honour, discipline, and devotion.

Raised in 1778, the Rajput Regiment is among the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army, with a legacy reflected in its war cry — “Bol Bajrang Bali Ki Jai,” which translates to “Hail Lord Hanuman!” This war cry possesses virtues that closely reflect the ethos of the Rajputs, evoking fearlessness and divine protection in combat.

Raised in 1877, the Dogra Regiment traces its origins to the hill country of Jammu and Himachal. Its war cry, “Jawala Mata Ki Jai” — “Victory to Goddess Jawala” — reflects the Dogra community’s deep spiritual roots. Associated with the flame goddess Jawala, it stands for courage, purity, and divine strength.

The Sikh Regiment is one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army. Its war cry, “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal” — “He who cries ‘God is truth’ is ever happy” — embodies the Sikh spirit of faith and fearlessness. The Sikh Light Infantry, rooted in the same tradition, echoes this call, as does the Punjab Regiment, which also uses “Bol Jwala Ma Ki Jai” alongside it. Deeply rooted in Sikhism, it reflects unwavering courage, devotion, and unity — values shared across both regiments.

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Raised in 1795, the Jat Regiment traces its origins to the sturdy farming communities of North India — particularly Haryana, Rajasthan, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Its war cry, “Jat Balwan, Jai Bhagwan” — “The Jat is powerful, victory to God” — emerged from this blend of physical strength and deep-rooted spirituality.

“Balidan Param Dharma” — “Sacrifice is the highest duty” — captures the spirit of absolute dedication and selflessness of the Parachute Regiment, elite airborne and special forces of the Indian Army. The phrase embodies the spirit of the regiment, which places service before self and accepts sacrifice as its ultimate honour.

“Sarvada Shaktishali,” or “Ever Powerful,” is the proud war cry of The Grenadiers, one of the oldest and most battle-hardened infantry regiments of the Indian Army. The cry reflects their enduring motto of strength, resilience, and readiness—a reminder that the Grenadiers stand strong, always and everywhere.

The Maratha Light Infantry traces its lineage to the Bombay Sepoys, raised in 1768. Initially formed with Maratha recruits from the Maratha Empire, their war cry — “Bolo Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai” (Say Victory to Emperor Shivaji) honours the legendary warrior-king Shivaji Maharaj. The cry binds soldiers to their cultural roots and the indomitable spirit of the Maratha fighters who inspired generations to follow.

This regiment was originally raised in 1887 as the 39th (Garhwal) Regiment of the Bengal Army. It adopted the war cry “Badri Vishal Lal Ki Jai,” which translates to “Victory to the Great Lord Badri Nath.” The cry is deeply rooted in the Garhwali soldiers’ faith in Lord Badri Nath, uplifting their spirits and strengthening their resolve during battle, while reflecting the devotion and discipline that define the regiment to this day.

The Kumaon Regiment, one of the Indian Army’s most decorated infantry regiments, was raised in 1813 and draws its troops largely from the hill regions of Uttarakhand. The regiment has three war cries — “Kalika Mata Ki Jai” (Victory to Goddess Kali), “Bajrang Bali Ki Jai” (Victory to Lord Hanuman), and “Dada Kishan Ki Jai” (Victory to Dada Kishan) — each invoking divine strength, protection, and courage.

Deeply rooted in Kumaoni tradition, the cry embodies courage, devotion, and fearlessness — values that have guided the regiment through generations of steadfast service.

The Assam Regiment brings together soldiers from all the Seven Sister States of Northeast India. Their war cry, “Rhino Charge,” mirrors the spirit of the region and their identity. The regiment’s unique identity is reflected in its traditions: the signature Rhino Hat tilted to the right, the greeting “Tagra Raho”, meaning “Stay Strong.”

The Bihar Regiment draws its strength from the hardy and spirited people of Bihar and eastern India. Its war cry, “Jai Bajrang Bali” — “Victory to Lord Hanuman” — invokes the deity known for courage, strength, and unwavering devotion. The call embodies the regiment’s fearless character and deep-rooted faith, inspiring its soldiers to face every challenge with determination and an unbreakable spirit.

The Mahar Regiment, raised in 1941, has its origins in the valiant Mahar soldiers who served in the British Indian Army. Its war cry, “Bolo Hindustan Ki Jai” — “Victory to India” — reflects a strong sense of national pride and unity. Rooted in the spirit of patriotism, the cry embodies the regiment’s identity — disciplined, determined, and devoted wholly to the nation.

The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, one of the most prestigious infantry regiments of the Indian Army, draws its inspiration from the war cry “Durge Mata Ki Jai” — “Victory to Goddess Durga.” The call invokes the strength and divine energy of Maa Durga, symbolising courage and righteousness in battle. Known for its exceptional valour, the regiment has produced many heroes — including Captain Vikram Batra, PVC.

Active since 1947, the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) embodies the spirit of selfless service and sacrifice. Its motto, “Balidanam Vir Lakshanam” (Sacrifice is the characteristic of the brave), perfectly complements its war cry, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” (Victory to Mother India). It remains a proud expression of patriotism and devotion to the nation.

Raised in November 1970 at the Kumaon Regimental Centre, Ranikhet, the Naga Regiment was born from the proud martial traditions of the Naga tribes and the ethos of the Indian Army. And this regiment chants the name Durga Naga in their war cry of “Jai Durga Naga”, which translates to “Victory to Goddess Durga Naga,” combining the spiritual strength with tribal pride.

Since 1947, six Gorkha regiments joined the Indian Army under the Britain–India–Nepal Tripartite Agreement, with the 11th Gorkha Rifles raised in 1948, making a total of seven. Comprising soldiers of Nepali Gurkha lineage and Indian Nepali communities, these regiments carry forward centuries of martial tradition. Their war cry, “Jai Ma Kali, Ayo Gorkhali” — “Hail Goddess Kali, the Gorkhas are here!” — echoes their fierce warrior spirit and unwavering devotion, striking courage into friend and foe alike.

Raised in 1963, the Ladakh Scouts are the Indian Army’s specialist regiment for high-altitude warfare, recruiting primarily from the Ladakhi and Tibetan-origin communities. Their war cry, “Ki Ki So So Lhargyalo” — roughly translating to “Victory to the God.” Rooted in local traditions and the ethos of the Himalayas, the cry unites the regiment, inspiring determination and fearlessness in the face of extreme conditions.

The Brigade of the Guards holds a special place in the Indian Army as its first “all-India, all-class” mechanised infantry regiment, raised after Independence. Its war cry — “Garud ka hun bol pyare” — translates to “I am the son of Garuda, say O my friend.”

The cry (and insignia) draws inspiration from Garuda, the mighty eagle of Hindu mythology and the divine mount (vahana) of Lord Vishnu, symbolising vigilance, courage, and readiness to strike.

“Bolo Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” or “Say, Victory to Mother India,” is the war cry of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, one of the youngest regiments of the Indian Army. Born from lessons learned in the 1965 Indo-Pak War, the cry reflects their spirit of duty, discipline, and patriotism—a constant reminder that the regiment defends the nation with courage, precision, and unwavering resolve.

Every war cry of the Indian Army carries more than words—it carries centuries of courage, devotion, and identity. From “Jo Bole So Nihal” to “Ki Ki So So Lhargyalo,” these calls have echoed across battlefields and parade grounds, binding soldiers to their regiments, their heritage, and to each other.

They are reminders of the sacrifices made, the pride of service, and the unshakable spirit that defines the Indian soldier. In every shout, there is history, heart, and a commitment that continues to inspire generations.

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