Col Parmjit
Born in Bilaspur. His stars foretold .
Would leave homeland and find glory and death in distant land. He died a warrior’s death in TOYO- TIBET fulfilling the prophecy made at his birth. His military acumen well known. His par excellence military prowess beyond doubts. To military historians very well known. An expert in mountain warfare. Equally highly competent in high altitude warfare. Very able General , a great warrior , a great hero , a great General, everybody in him found. Physically very fit and mentally highly sound. Known by many names, “ Napoleon of India , “ Napoleon of trans Himalayan campaigns. Also “ Conqueror of Ladakh” he is known. Earned a good name and fame. A proud name of Dogras in him we found.
He rose to the rank of General from a humble background.
One can start from a humble background and reach the highest pinnacles of victory ( one can start from nadir and reach the zenith as simple)
The conquests of Himalyas by Gen Zorawar singh provided erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and to India subsequently a strategic depth in military operations very essential ingredient to fight successfull operations and win.
It will not be out of place to call Gen Zorawar singh as napoleon of trans Himalyan campaigns.
A better trained soldier doesn’t fight a loosing battle, whereas converts the loosing battle into a win win battle and achieves victory at the end. He achieved tremendous victory across all frontiers in Jammu and Kashmir and extended boundaries of princely state as is to military historians well known.
A determined soldier thinks nothing short of victory. He lived upto the expectations of his Maharaja and gained victory after victory for him.
A determined and nationalist soldier despite constraints enroute in the form of an inclement weather, less strength and iciey heights fights and fights , encounters challenges and achieves victory.
A determined soldier takes bull by the horns and fights to win and ultimately wins.
A determined warrior becomes an inspiration for others in the times to come.
Gen Zorawar singh is an inspiration and a role model for the army commanders at whatever level in the times to come.
A soldier must fight with grit and determination and aims nothing short of victory.
Surprise , one of the principles of war was well achieved by Gen Zorawar singh when he attacked Baltistan. The Baltistan army was taken by surprise, since Baltistan army was never prepared for the same , considering no attacker could attack due to enroute constraints like terrain and climate etc
Selection of aim was well conceived , conceptualized and well achieved during conquests of Himalyas by Gen Zorawar singh. So as a guide the aim selected should be achievable.
Dogra soldiers were well trained under the able guidance and leadership of General Zorawar Singh who participated in the Himalyan operations and this training infact led to successful operations and final victory by Gen Zorawar singh.
Dogra soldiers under the able military command and acumen leadership of General Zorawar Singh proved their mettle during Himalyan operations that they were mentally and physically fit and robust which led to final victory.
General Zorawar Singh was a renowned military commander and statesman who served under Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu and Kashmir. Born on 13 April in 1784 in a Kahluria Hindu Rajput family in present-day Himachal Pradesh, Singh rose to prominence for his exceptional military skills and strategic thinking . He was very famous for his strategic manoeuvres. Because after capturing Ladakh, he continued his operations further relentlessly and captured other areas too and is also known as master of peaks.
Worthwhile achievements of General Zorawar Singh:-
He led a successful military campaign in Ladakh in 1834 and conquered Ladakh defeating the local ruler and incorporating the region into the Dogra state.
He conquered Baltistan, including Skardu, Gilgit, and Hunza, and proved his effective military leadership beyond comparison.
General Zorawar Singh extended his reach into western Tibet, capturing key territories and forts, but ultimately lost his life in the Battle of To-yo in 1841. He was shot in the arm , but despite suffering from grievous injury continued to fight till he died .
General’s military campaigns showcased his exceptional leadership and tactical skills, particularly in high-altitude warfare. He was an expert in mountain warfare.
He implemented effective administrative systems in the conquered territories, ensuring stability and revenue collection. He had rightfully earned the title of Wazir-e-Wazarat, as he administered the regions most efficiently and effectively and was called a Chief Administrator.
General’s conquests earned him the title of “Napoleon of India” and “Conqueror of Ladakh”.
His campaigns helped shape the modern political boundaries of Jammu and Kashmir, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s history and culture.
How effective and great military warrior the General was can be fathomed from the very fact that after the martyrdom of General Zorawar Singh, his enemies constructed his samadhi where women visit even today to pray for motherhood of a child like the great warrior.
HUM SABH KI AAN BAAN AUR SHAAN( pride and glory) HAMARA PAYARA GENERAL ZORAWAR SINGH MAHAAN.
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