Valour and Honour: Indian Army through the Ages provides a sweeping view of the army’s history from the mid-1700s till current times. The Indian Army is one of the largest armies in the world, with over 1 million men in uniform. It is also unique in the sense that it is a volunteer army. The army has evolved from colonial times into a truly modern, professional service that guards the nation’s borders. It has participated in the First and Second World Wars and, since 1947, has protected the territorial integrity of the nation. It has fought four major wars since independence; of these, the 1971 India-Pakistan War which led to the creation of Bangladesh is considered its greatest victory. The Indian Army has extensive experience in counter-insurgency and internal security within the borders of India as well as externally in peacekeeping activities undertaken under the aegis of the United Nations.

The Indian Army has the distinction of being considered as one of the most professional armies in the world today. It is a true reflection of the diversity of India. A unique ethos and set of values, customs and traditions, and the regimental spirit underpins the cohesiveness of this vast organisation. As the Indian Army marches on into the twenty-first century, it is evolving with the times to be ready to guard the borders of the nation at all times.

The United Service Institution of India (USI) was founded in 1870 by a soldier scholar, Colonel (later Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor. The story of its growth is the story of the growth of the Indian Armed Forces. It was founded for ‘furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services.’

The USI’s Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies (formerly the Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research), was established in December 2000 with an aim to encourage the objective study of all facets of Indian military history in general, and the history of the Indian Armed Forces in particular.