Captain Hardwari Singh Ahlawat

• 14 Aug 2025

Why in News? 

Captain Hardwari Singh Ahlawat of Azad Hind Fauj, played an instrumental role in liberating the Jhansi Regiment (Rani of Jhansi Regiment) from British siege.  

• Rani of Jhansi Regiment was an armed unit of women warriors headed by Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan. It is believed to be the first female infantry in military history. 

Key Points 

• Liberation of Jhansi Regiment: In 1945, Captain Ahlawat, under Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's orders, led a successful operation to free the Jhansi Regiment from British forces, firing over 4,000 rounds and killing around 300 British soldiers. 
• Role in the INA: Captain Ahlawat, born in Deighal village (Jhajjar, Haryana), joined the Azad Hind Fauj in 1942, along with 32 soldiers from his village.  
  • Netaji Bose honored him with the prestigious “Sher-e-Hind” award for his courage and appointed him as his Personal Staff Officer (PSO). 
• Military Achievements: Under Ahlawat’s leadership, INA forces freed the Lepoppa Hills area near Burma, defeating the British forces and hoisted India’s flag on the mountain post (elevation of 7,000-8,000 feet). 
• Post-War Life: After the surrender of Azad Hind Fauj in 1945, Ahlawat, along with 17,000 INA soldiers, was imprisoned in Delhi’s Red Fort.  
  • He was released on 31^st December 1945, by the British government (after INA trials or Red Fort trials).