After the termination of British
power from India the various bands of the Indian Army had to be re-oriented
to render them truly Indian. The task was not easy as with the division of the
country many bandsmen of various units opted for Pakistan. Under the
distinguished patronage of Gen. K.M Cariappa, OBE the then Commander-In-Chief of the
Indian Army, a Military School of Music was established in Pachmarhi in 1950. Here the bandsmen of
various bands of the defence forces are given training in playing
the various instruments used in the military bands.
In the early years, our bandsmen had to play western martial
tunes as suitable native material scores did not exist. Gradually over the
years a small group of composers sprang up who composed martial music
appropriate for our bands based on the folk-lore of the regions which
contributed most to the strength of the Indian Defence Forces. Thus, the folklores
of Punjab, Rajasthan, Marwar, Garhwal and Konkan coast have given inspiration to
the Indian composers.
Music has been an integral part of the Indian armed forces. It is
used during parades and other occasions. During the Republic Day parade, military bands of various regiments march ahead
of the marching contingents. Every Army regiment, Air force, Navy and Paramilitary
force have its own song which is played during important occasions and which identifies
the force.
Military music and bands were used to motivate and lead soldiers
to war in the olden days. Indian military bands play Saare jahan se achha and Vande
Mataram to motivate soldiers. Kadam
kadam badhaaye jaa is played during the passing out parade at the Indian
Military Academy. The influence of the British Raj can be seen in military
music. Auld Lang Syne, (a poem
written by Robert Burns, set in the
tune of a traditional folk song) is played during the passing out parade of the
Indian Military Academy as cadets cross the Final Step to become officers.
Some of the most popular numbers of military
music have been composed by British officers. After independence, Officers and
JCOs of the Indian armed forces started composing their own songs. Sam Bahadur is a great example of a
music number which was composed to pay tribute to the great Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.
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