Knowtify 
Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, fondly known as “Kipper,” was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and one of only two Indian officers to hold the prestigious rank of Field Marshal, alongside Sam Manekshaw. Born to a humble family in Coorg, Cariappa was raised with strong values of honesty and integrity, which he upheld throughout his illustrious career.
From a young age, Cariappa was interested in military affairs. He closely followed World War I and later pursued military training at Indore after securing the only seat allotted to Coorg. He graduated in 1919, but due to British discrimination, he was given a temporary commission and was made junior to British officers who had passed out later than him.
He began his service in Mesopotamia and later joined the 7th Rajput Regiment, which remained his regimental home. He earned the nickname “Kipper” from a British officer’s wife who found his name difficult to pronounce. Despite facing discrimination in promotions and appointments, he continued to excel in his duties. He served in the North-West Frontier Province, defending against tribal attacks, and later became the first Indian officer to pass the Quetta Staff College entrance examination, although he was initially denied a staff appointment.
During World War II, Cariappa served in Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Burma. He became the first Indian to command a battalion, leading the 7 Rajput Machine Gun Battalion. He was later honored with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to the Burma campaign. After the war, he was posted in Waziristan, where he commanded the Bannu Frontier Brigade and worked alongside a young Ayub Khan, who later became the President of Pakistan.
Cariappa treated captured Indian National Army (INA) soldiers with fairness and advocated for their better treatment, recognizing that they had political support and could play a role in India’s future leadership. He opposed the partition of the Indian Army but successfully managed the division of military assets between India and Pakistan.
Post-independence, he played a key role in leading military operations in Jammu and Kashmir. He launched Operations Kipper, Easy, and Bison to push back Pakistani forces and secure key regions such as Naushehra, Poonch, Zozilla, Dras, and Kargil. However, due to Prime Minister Nehru’s decision to involve the United Nations, the military campaign was halted, much to Cariappa’s disappointment. He had foreseen the long-term security risks of leaving parts of Kashmir under Pakistani control.
In 1949, Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. January 15, the day he assumed command, is now celebrated as Army Day. As Chief of the Army, he played a vital role in forming the Territorial Army and strengthening the National Cadet Corps (NCC). He also introduced “Jai Hind” as the formal greeting in the Indian Army. He firmly opposed reservations in the military, believing that merit should be the sole criterion for recruitment and promotions.
After retiring in 1953, he served as India’s High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand. He also worked for the welfare of ex-servicemen by establishing the Ex-Servicemen’s League (ESL) and the Directorate of Resettlement. He provided military advisory services to newly independent nations and received the Legion of Merit from U.S. President Harry Truman for his contributions.
Despite his professional success, Cariappa’s personal life had its struggles. His marriage ended in separation in 1945. His son, K.C. Cariappa, served as a pilot in the Indian Air Force during the 1965 Indo-Pak War and was captured as a prisoner of war. When Pakistan’s President Ayub Khan, who had served under Cariappa, offered to release his son, Cariappa declined special treatment, insisting that all prisoners of war be treated equally.
Throughout his life, Cariappa remained a man of integrity, discipline, and service. He never misused his power or sought personal gain. He passed away in 1993 in Bangalore, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, patriotism, and selflessness that continues to inspire generations of Indians.
