1 month ago
Punjab Registers Add 9,909 Indian WWI Soldiers to Records
A long time ago, during World War I, many Indian soldiers from Punjab fought for the British Indian Army.
However, their names were not recorded properly.
Recently, historians found old handwritten books called Punjab Registers in a museum.
These books had the names of nearly 3.2 lakh soldiers.
By comparing these books with existing records, they found the names of 9,909 soldiers who had not been remembered before.
This discovery helps families know more about their ancestors and ensures these soldiers are honored for their bravery.
34 handwritten Punjab Registers at the Lahore Museum helped identify 9,909 Indian soldiers who died in World War I but were not previously recorded.
The project involved photographing, digitizing, and cross-referencing records from the registers with existing Commonwealth War Graves Commission records.
Punjab was a major recruiting ground for the British Indian Army during the war, with nearly half a million recruits.
The discovery helps restore family histories and ensures these soldiers are commemorated for their sacrifices.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is working to create a permanent memorial for these soldiers.
- Who
- Indian soldiers, primarily from Punjab, who fought in World War I.
- What
- The discovery and recognition of 9,909 Indian soldiers' names in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records.
- Where
- The Punjab Registers were found at the Lahore Museum.
- When
- The project began in 2014 and concluded in 2026.
- Why
- To honor and commemorate the sacrifices of Indian soldiers who had been previously unrecognized.
Historical Preservation
Modern Commemoration
Importance of Historical Records
Historical Preservation
Preserving handwritten registers is crucial for understanding the past and honoring historical sacrifices.
Modern Commemoration
Modern efforts to digitize and cross-reference records are essential for accurate and inclusive commemoration.
Key facts
- Number of Soldiers Added
- 9,909
- Total Punjabi Recruits Documented
- 3.2 lakh
- Project Duration
- 5 years
- Organizations Involved
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission, UK Punjab Heritage Association, University of Greenwich
- Location of Registers
- Lahore Museum
- Total Indian Soldiers in WWI
- 13 lakh
- Punjab's Contribution
- Nearly half a million recruits
Quotes
Amandeep Madra
Historian and co‑founder of the UK Punjab Heritage Association
“"Over a century after the end of the First World War, our mission endures, ensuring all those who died in the service of the Commonwealth receive the commemoration they deserve," said Claire Horton.”
thebetterindia.com
“"Then I found him in the register," Madra recalled.”
thebetterindia.com
Sources
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