State PCS - Haryana (HCS)

• 14 Aug 2025

Captain Hardwari Singh Ahlawat

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).