XI Corps (India): Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Military field formation of the Indian Army}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = XI Corps
| unit_name = XI Corps
| image                         =  
| image = File:Vajra Corps, Indian Army.svg
| caption                       =  
| image_size = 190px
| dates                         = 1939 - 1945<br/> 1950 - present
| caption = Vajra Corps formation sign
| country                       = [[India]]
| dates = 1950 - present
| branch                       = [[Indian Army]]
| country = [[India]]
| role                         = Strike [[Corps]]
| branch = [[Indian Army]]
| size                         = [[Army Corps]]
| role = Holding [[Corps]]
| command_structure             = [[Western Command (India)|Western Command]]
| size = [[Corps]]
| garrison                     = [[Jalandhar]]
| command_structure = [[File:Western Command (India).png|20px]] [[Western Command (India)|Western Command]]
| equipment                     = <!-- Commanders -->
| garrison = [[Jalandhar]]
| current_commander             = [[Bansi Ponnappa|Lt Gen C B Ponnappa]]
| equipment = <!-- Commanders -->
| ceremonial_chief             =  
| current_commander = [[Lt Gen]] Ajay Chandpuria<br/>{{post-nominals|country=IND|size=75%|sep=,|AVSM|VSM|}}<ref>{{cite web|date=1 July 2024 |title=Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria takes over command of the Vajra Corps from Lt Gen Vijay B Nair.|url=https://x.com/adgpi/status/1807781017916182546?t=cteXC01xTHiHz8mzik95KA&s=19|website=x (formerly twitter)}}</ref>
| colonel_of_the_regiment       =  
| ceremonial_chief =  
| notable_commanders           = [[General (India)|General]] [[Om Prakash Malhotra]]<br/>[[General (India)|General]] [[Ved Prakash Malik]]<br>Lt Gen [[T. B. Henderson Brooks]]<br>Lt Gen [[Harbaksh Singh]]<br>Lt Gen [[Joginder Singh Dhillon|J. S. Dhillon]]
| colonel_of_the_regiment =  
<!-- Insignia -->| identification_symbol         =  
| notable_commanders = [[General (India)|General]] [[Ved Prakash Malik]]<br/>[[General (India)|General]] [[Om Prakash Malhotra]]<br/>[[Lt Gen]] [[Naveen Chand Rawlley]]<br />[[Lt Gen]] [[Joginder Singh Dhillon|J S Dhillon]]<br/>[[Lt Gen]] [[T. B. Henderson Brooks|T B Henderson Brooks]]
| identification_symbol_2       = <!-- Culture and history -->
<!-- Insignia -->| identification_symbol =  
| nickname                     = ''Vajra Corps''
| identification_symbol_2 = <!-- Culture and history -->
| patron                       =  
| nickname = ''Vajra Corps''<br />''Defenders of Punjab''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/vajra-corps-celebrates-71st-raising-day-219416|title=Vajra Corps celebrates 71st Raising Day|date=2021-03-01|access-date=2021-07-26}}</ref>
| motto                         =  
| patron =  
| colors                       =  
| motto =  
| mascot                       =  
| colors =  
| battles                       =  
| mascot =  
| anniversaries                 =  
| battles = [[2025 India–Pakistan border skirmishes]]
| decorations                   =  
| anniversaries =  
| battle_honours               =  
| decorations =  
| battle_honours = Theatre Honour:<br />''Punjab''<br />Battle Honours:<br />''Dograi''<br />''Barki''<br />''Asal Uttar''<br />''Sehjra''<br />''Dera Baba Nanak''<ref name="ToI">{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/vajra-corps-defenders-of-punjab-celebrates-platinum-jubilee/articleshow/74427425.cms|title=Vajra Corps - 'Defenders of Punjab' - celebrates Platinum Jubilee|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=2021-03-01|access-date=2021-07-26}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{Indian Army Corps
{{Military unit sidebar|title=Indian Army Corps (1915 - Present)|previous=[[X Corps (India)|X Corps]]|next=[[XII Corps (India)|XII Corps]]}}
|previous=[[X Corps (India)|X Corps]]
The '''XI Corps''' of the [[Indian Army]] is based in [[Jalandhar]] and is a part of [[Western Command (India)|Western Command]]. XI Corps is also known as '''Vajra Corps'''.
|next=[[XII Corps (India)|XII Corps]]
 
}}
==History==
The '''XI Corps ''' of the [[Indian Army]] is based in [[Jalandhar]] and is a part of [[Western Command (India)|Western Command]].  
XI Corps was raised to take command of the formations in the Punjab in 1950<ref>Renaldi & Rikhye 2011, 26.</ref> as India reorganised its post-1947 army to meet the new threat of Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://forum.pakistanidefence.com/lofiversion/index.php/t7640.html |title=IPS Driver Error |access-date=21 September 2009 |archive-date=20 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220000836/http://forum.pakistanidefence.com/lofiversion/index.php/t7640.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was raised on March 1, 1950 at [[Ambala Cantonment|Ambala]] under the command of Lieutenant General Kalwant Singh.<ref name="OneIndia">{{cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/2007/03/01/vajra-corps-celebrates-raising-day-1174118193.html|title=Vajra Corps celebrates Raising Day|date=2007-03-17|access-date=2021-07-23}}</ref> The corps headquarters was relocated to Jalandhar in July 1951.<ref name="ToI"/>
XI Corps was raised to take command of the formations in the Punjab in 1950<ref>Renaldi & Rikhye 2011, 26.</ref> as India reorganised its post-1947 army to meet the new threat of Pakistan.<ref>http://forum.pakistanidefence.com/lofiversion/index.php/t7640.html</ref>
 
To reduce the load of XI Corps, [[X Corps (India)|X Corps]] was formed at [[Bathinda]] on 1 July 1979, taking over south [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] and north [[Rajasthan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2019/jan16-19/h8.htm|title=Commands of the Indian Army, South Western (Sapta Shakti) Command: Forever Victorious|date=2019-01-16|access-date=2021-07-26}}</ref>
 
==Formation sign==
The Corps formation sign consists of the 'red-white-red background' depicting a corps of the Indian Army overlaid by a '''[[Vajra]]''', the powerful thunderbolt weapon of Lord [[Indra]], the symbol of sacrifice of the great sage [[Dadhichi]], who voluntarily sacrificed his body to make the fiercest weapon from his thighbone.<ref name="OneIndia"/>
[[File:Vajra platinum jubilee.jpg|thumb|Vajra Corps Platinum Jubilee, 1 March 2020]]
 
==Organisation==
 
The corps consists of:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/jalandhar/vajra-corps-celebrates-infantry-day-315973|title=Vajra Corps celebrates Infantry Day|date=2016-10-28|access-date=2021-07-26}}</ref>
 
*[[7th Indian Infantry Division|7 Infantry Division]] ''(Golden Arrow Division)'' headquartered at [[Firozpur]], raised in 1964.<ref>Renaldi & Rikhye 2011, 40</ref>
*[[9th Infantry Division (India)|9 Infantry Division]] ''(Pine Division)'' headquartered at [[Meerut]].<ref>{{cite web |date=2014-08-09 |title=Golden moments at Pine Division |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/golden-moments-at-pine-division/articleshow/39962414.cms |access-date=2021-07-25}}</ref> It has one brigade each at Meerut, Delhi and Jalandhar.
*[[15th Infantry Division (India)|15 Infantry Division]] ''(Panther Division)'' headquartered at [[Amritsar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/india/20091001/1353313.html|title=15 Infantry division celebrates its raising day|date=2009-10-01|access-date=2021-07-25|archive-date=25 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725104246/https://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/india/20091001/1353313.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Appears to include 350 Infantry Brigade.<ref>Renaldi & Rikhye 2011, 166.</ref>
*23 (Independent) Armoured Brigade ''(Flaming Arrow Brigade)'' at Khasa, [[Amritsar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uniindia.com/army-commander-western-command-visits-khasa-military-station/north/news/2084906.html|title=Army Commander Western Command visits Khasa Military station|date=2020-07-18|access-date=2021-07-05}}</ref>
*55 (Independent) Mechanised Brigade ''(Double Victory Brigade)'' at [[Beas City|Beas]]<ref>Renaldi & Rikhye 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2019/jan16-19/h12.htm|title=War Disabled Soldiers and Veer Naris Meet Organised at Beas|date=2019-01-16|access-date=2021-07-26}}</ref>
*Corps Artillery Brigade headquartered at [[Jalandhar]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/jalandhar/vajra-corps-organises-veer-nari-meet-76021|title=Vajra Corps organises Veer Nari meet|date=2015-05-04|access-date=2021-07-26}}</ref>
*Corps Air Defence Brigade headquartered at [[Ludhiana]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-02-23 |title=Vajra Air Defence Brigade organises Veer Nari meet |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/vajra-air-defence-brigade-organises-veer-nari-meet/articleshow/74266512.cms |access-date=2024-08-10 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1619877740479664130 |user=westerncomd_IA |title=#VajraCorps #AirDefenceBrigade conducted training & validation of battle drills to optimise operational readiness... |first= |last= |date=2023-01-30 |access-date=2025-07-11}}</ref>
*[[333 Missile Group]] equipped with [[Prithvi (missile)|Prithvi-I]] missile at [[Secunderabad]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=333rd Artillery Group - India Special Weapons Agencies |url=https://nuke.fas.org/guide/india/agency/333.htm |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=nuke.fas.org}}</ref>


It consists of:{{Citation needed|date=July 2010}}
[[File:Vajra Shaurya Sthal.jpg|thumb|Vajra Shaurya Sthal, Jalandhar Cantonment - the Corps war memorial]]
*7th Infantry Division headquartered at [[Firozpur]], raised in 1964.<ref>Renaldi & Rikhye 2011, 40</ref>
*[[9th Infantry Division (India)|9th Infantry Division]] headquartered at [[Meerut]], one brigade Meerut, one brigade Delhi, one brigade Jalandhar.
*[[15th Infantry Division (India)|15th Infantry Division]] headquartered at [[Amritsar]]. Appears to include [[350th Infantry Brigade (India)|350th Infantry Brigade]].<ref>Renaldi & Rikhye 2011, 166.</ref> The [[66th Armoured Regiment (India)|66th Armoured Regiment]] fought in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]] as the integral armoured regiment of the 15th Infantry Division.<ref name="Nath2009">{{cite book|last=Nath|first=Ashok|title=Izzat: historical records and iconography of Indian cavalry regiments, 1750-2007|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sGQeQwAACAAJ|year=2009|publisher=Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research, United Service Institution of India|isbn=978-81-902097-7-9|pages=644-646}}</ref>
*[[23rd Armoured Brigade (India)|23rd Armoured Brigade]]
*55th Mechanised Brigade ([[Beas]])<ref>Renaldi & Rikhye 2011.</ref>


In 1984, [[46th Armoured Regiment (India)|46th Armoured Regiment]], [[Indian Army Armoured Corps]], was based in [[Amritsar]] as part of an armoured brigade at the time of [[Operation Blue Star]].
==Operations==
*[[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]]<ref name="Defenders">{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/saluting-defenders-of-punjab-51983|title=Saluting 'Defenders of Punjab'|date=2020-03-07|access-date=2021-07-26|archive-date=26 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726121617/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/saluting-defenders-of-punjab-51983|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]<ref name="Defenders"/>


== List of Commanders ==
== List of Commanders ==
[[File:Vajra Museum.jpg|thumb|Vajra Museum, Jalandhar<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/jalandhar/vajra-museum-inaugurated-843190|title=Vajra Museum inaugurated|date=2019-10-06|access-date=2021-07-26}}</ref>]]
{{Incomplete list|date=June 2021}}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Rank
!Name
!Name
!Rank
!Appointment Date
!Appointment Date
!Left Office
!Left office
!Unit of Commission
!Unit of Commission
!References
!References
|-
|-
!JS Cheema
| rowspan="36" |[[Lieutenant general (India)|Lieutenant General]]
! rowspan="6" |[[Lieutenant general|Lieutenant General]]
|Kalwant Singh
!
|1 March 1950
!31 August 2016
|
![[Sikh Regiment]] <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://flamecareeracademy.com/guest-speaker-6|title=LT GEN JS CHEEMA, PVSM, AVSM (RETD)
|[[1st Punjab Regiment]]
|access-date=2019-11-20}}</ref>
|<ref name="OneIndia"/>
!
|-
|[[S. P. P. Thorat|S P P Thorat]]
|1955
|May 1957
|[[14th Punjab Regiment|1/14 Punjab Regiment]]
|<ref>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=VK|title=Leadership in the Indian Army: Biographies of Twelve Soldiers|publisher=SAGE India|date=2005|isbn=978-0761933229|page=140}}</ref><ref name="OneIndia"/>
|-
|[[T. B. Henderson Brooks|T B Henderson Brooks]]
|1962
|1963
|[[Maratha Light Infantry|5th Maratha Light Infantry]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/1962-war-report-when-nehru-stepped-on-the-dragons-tail/articleshow/32274881.cms|title=1962 war report: When Nehru stepped on the Dragon's tail|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=2014-03-19|access-date=2021-07-24}}</ref>
|-
|[[Joginder Singh Dhillon]]
|November 1963
|August 1966
|[[Bengal Engineer Group|Bengal Sappers]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/last-salute-to-the-lion-of-1965/|title=Last salute to the lion of 1965|date=2003-12-19|access-date=2021-07-24}}</ref>
|-
|[[Premindra Singh Bhagat]]
|August 1966
|August 1970
|[[Indian Army Corps of Engineers|Bombay Sappers]]
|
|-
|[[N. C. Rawlley|Naveen Chand Rawlley]]
|1970
|1972
|[[12th Frontier Force Regiment]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/1971-operations-case-west-i/|title=1971 operations - Case West - I|access-date=2021-07-24}}</ref>
|-
|[[Om Prakash Malhotra]]
|May 1972
|July 1974
|[[Regiment of Artillery (India)|Regiment of Artillery]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=134065|title=COAS pays Tribute to Former COAS Gen Om Prakash Malhotra|date=2015-12-31|access-date=2021-07-24}}</ref>
|-
|Krishnaswamy Gowri Shankar
|1984
|1985
|[[Indian Army Corps of Signals|Corps of Signals]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idsa-india.org/an-sep-6.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000903033823/http://www.idsa-india.org/an-sep-6.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=3 September 2000|title=Examples of Learning in Counter-Insurgency|access-date=2021-07-24}}</ref>
|-
|[[V. K. Nayar|V K Nayar]]
|1985
|31 October 1987
|[[Parachute Regiment (India)|Parachute Regiment]]{{refn|group=nb|Originally a [[Indian Army Corps of Signals|Signals]] officer, General Nayar, after persistent pestering of his bosses, managed a transfer to his desired regiment — the [[Maratha Light Infantry]] (MLI), securing a billet with 2 Para (3rd battalion, MLI, converted to paratroop infantry).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bharatkarnad.com/2013/08/11/unforgiving-take-on-the-past/|title=Unforgiving take on past|date=2013-08-11|access-date=2021-07-24}}</ref> }}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1987-JULY-DEC-DEFENCE-/PDF/DEF-1987-10-27_123.pdf|title=PIB Release|date=1987-10-27|access-date=2021-07-24}}</ref>
|-
|[[B. K. N. Chhibber|Bakshi Krishan Nath Chhibber]]
|July 1990
|September 1992
|[[9th Gorkha Rifles]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://osamohindracollege.org/dwn/souvenir1995.pdf|title=Souvenir 1995|access-date=2021-07-25}}</ref>
|-
|[[Ved Prakash Malik]]
|August 1992
|March 1994
|[[Sikh Light Infantry]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporatecitizen.in/v3-issue11/cover-story-decorated-duo.html|title=COVER STORY: DECORATED DUO|date=2017-08-16|access-date=2021-07-23}}</ref><ref name="OneIndia"/>
|-
|H B Kala
|April 1994
|
|[[Jat Regiment]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.apsbeas.org/about_us.php|title=About Us|date=|access-date=2021-07-23|archive-date=23 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723161236/https://www.apsbeas.org/about_us.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|Virendra Kumar Sewal
|
|
|[[Indian Army Armoured Corps|Armoured Corps]]
|
|-
|[[Kamal Davar]]
|March 2000
|April 2001
|[[7th Light Cavalry]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000304/punjab.htm#20|title=Golden jubilee of Vajra Corps|date=2000-03-04|access-date=2021-07-23}}</ref>
|-
|Shantonu Choudhry
|April 2001
|April 2002
|[[Regiment of Artillery (India)|Regiment of Artillery]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2002/dec/14army.htm|title=Lt Gen Shantonu Choudhry appointed Vice Chief of Army Staff|date=2002-12-14|access-date=2021-07-24}}</ref>
|-
|Krishnamurthy Nagaraj
|Apr 2002
|May 2003
|[[Maratha Light Infantry]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030302/punjab1.htm#12|title=Vajra Corps celebrates Raising Day|date=2003-03-01|access-date=2021-07-24}}</ref>
|-
|S Pattabhiraman
|May 2003
|May 2004
|[[Bombay Engineer Group|Bombay Sappers]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050203/cth1.htm|title=Pattabhiraman takes over as GOC-in-C, Western Command|date=2005-02-03|access-date=2021-07-23}}</ref><ref name="OneIndia"/>
|-
|Parmendra Kumar Singh
|May 2004
|May 2005
|[[Regiment of Artillery (India)|Regiment of Artillery]]
|<ref name="Tribune">{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050522/punjab.htm|title=Lieut-Gen Mandhata Singh is new GOC of Vajra Corps|date=2005-05-22|access-date=2021-07-23}}</ref>
|-
|Mandhata Singh
|May 2005
|April 2006
|[[9th Gorkha Rifles]]
|<ref name="Tribune"/>
|-
|Noble Thamburaj
|May 2006
|September 2007
|[[Bombay Engineer Group|Bombay Sappers]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/2007/09/29/lt-gen-kumar-takes-over-as-goc-of-vajra-corps-1191056855.html|title=Lt Gen Kumar takes over as GOC of Vajra Corps|date=2007-09-29|access-date=2021-07-23}}</ref>
|-
|S S Kumar
|October 2007
|August 2008
|[[Brigade of the Guards]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2008/apr15-08/h6.html|title=Vajra Celebrations|date=2008-04-08|access-date=2021-07-23}}</ref>
|-
|Virender Singh Tonk
|August 2008
|July 2009
|[[Rajput Regiment]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/2008/08/21/lt-gen-vs-tonk-takes-command-of-vajra-corps-1219313021.html?story=1|title=Lt Gen VS Tonk takes command of Vajra Corps|date=2008-08-21|access-date=2021-07-24}}</ref>
|-
|[[Ramesh Halagali|Ramesh Halgali]]
|24 July 2009
|August 2010
|[[Sikh Light Infantry]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/89484/ktaka-man-head-military-training.html|title=K'taka man to head military training|date=2010-08-17|access-date=2021-07-23}}</ref>
|-
|Munish Sibal
|August 2010
|November 2011
|[[Rajputana Rifles]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://twocircles.net/2010aug17/lt_gen_sibal_head_vajra_corps.html|title=Lt.Gen. Sibal to head Vajra Corps|date=2010-08-18|access-date=2021-07-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2010/sep16-10/h16.htm|title=Appointment|date=2010-08-17|access-date=2021-07-23}}</ref>
|-
|Sanjeev Madhok
|November 2011
|March 2013
|[[Brigade of the Guards]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/BriefLt-Gen-Madhok-takes-over-Vajra-Corps-command/articleshow/10699394.cms|title=BriefLt Gen Madhok takes over Vajra Corps Command|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=2011-11-12|access-date=2021-07-23}}</ref>
|-
|Ashwini Kumar Bakshi
|March 2013
|July 2014
|[[Bihar Regiment]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/lieutant-general-ak-bakshi-assumes-command-of-vajra-corps/story-CSYNFvD5ZZqqM6zS7Ncb9N.html|title=Lieutant general AK Bakshi assumes command of Vajra Corps|date=2013-03-13|access-date=2021-07-23}}</ref>
|-
|N P S Hira
|August 2014
|31 July 2015
|[[Sikh Light Infantry]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uniindia.com/news/regional/lt-gen-hira-to-take-over-as-new-northern-command-chief-of-staff-tomorrow/148070.html|title=Lt Gen Hira to take over as new Northern Command Chief of Staff today|date=2015-08-01|access-date=2021-07-24}}</ref>
|-
|Jagbir Singh Cheema
|21 August 2015
|31 August 2016
|[[Sikh Regiment]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://flamecareeracademy.com/guest-speaker-6|title=LT GEN JS CHEEMA, PVSM, AVSM (RETD)|access-date=2019-11-20|archive-date=14 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214025303/http://flamecareeracademy.com/guest-speaker-6|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/deadlock-over-army-postings-goc-11-corps-appointed-officiating-western-army-commander-2941574/|title=Deadlock over Army postings: GOC 11 Corps appointed officiating Western Army Commander|date=2016-01-29|access-date=2021-07-22}}</ref>
|-
|-
!B S Sahrawat
|B S Sahrawat
!1 September 2016
|1 September 2016
!2 November 2017
|2 November 2017
![[Kumaon Regiment]]  
|[[Kumaon Regiment]]  
!<ref>{{Cite news|date=2016-09-03|title=Lt Gen BS Sahrawat takes over as commanding officer of Vajra Corps|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Lt-Gen-BS-Sahrawat-takes-over-as-commanding-officer-of-Vajra-Corps/articleshow/53988631.cms|language=en |location=Chandigarh|access-date=20 November 2019}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite news|date=2016-09-03|title=Lt Gen BS Sahrawat takes over as commanding officer of Vajra Corps|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Lt-Gen-BS-Sahrawat-takes-over-as-commanding-officer-of-Vajra-Corps/articleshow/53988631.cms|language=en |location=Chandigarh|access-date=20 November 2019}}</ref>
|-
|-
![[Dushyant Singh (General)|Dushyant Singh]]
|Dushyant Singh
!2 November 2017
|2 November 2017
!4 November 2018
|4 November 2018
![[Maratha Light Infantry]]  
|[[Maratha Light Infantry]]  
!<ref>{{Cite news|date=2017-11-03|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/vajra-corps-goc/491716.html|title=Vajra Corps GOC}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite news|date=2017-11-03|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/vajra-corps-goc/491716.html|title=Vajra Corps GOC|archive-date=27 March 2019|access-date=19 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327172402/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/vajra-corps-goc/491716.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|-
![[Arvind Dutta]]
|Arvind Dutta
!5 November 2018
|5 November 2018
!5 November 2019
|5 November 2019
![[Dogra Regiment]]
|[[Dogra Regiment]]
!<ref>{{cite news|date=2018-11-05|title=Lt Gen Arvind Dutta takes over command of Vajra Corps|url=http://www.uniindia.com/lt-gen-arvind-dutta-takes-over-command-of-vajra-corps/north/news/1398252.html|language=en |location=Jalandhar|access-date=20 November 2019}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite news|date=2018-11-05|title=Lt Gen Arvind Dutta takes over command of Vajra Corps|url=http://www.uniindia.com/lt-gen-arvind-dutta-takes-over-command-of-vajra-corps/north/news/1398252.html|language=en |location=Jalandhar|access-date=20 November 2019}}</ref>
|-
|-
![[Sanjeev Sharma (General)| Sanjeev Sharma]]
|Sanjeev Sharma
!6 November 2019
|6 November 2019
!2 December 2020
|2 December 2020
![[Rajputana Rifles]]
|[[Rajputana Rifles]]
!<ref name=Sanjeev_Sharma_GOC_Vajra>{{cite news|date=2019-11-07|title=Lt Gen sharma is Goc vajra corps|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/lt-gen-sharma-is-goc-vajra-corps/857336.html|language=en |location=Jalandhar|access-date=20 November 2019}}</ref>
|<ref name=Sanjeev_Sharma_GOC_Vajra>{{cite news|date=2019-11-07|title=Lt Gen sharma is Goc vajra corps|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/lt-gen-sharma-is-goc-vajra-corps/857336.html|language=en|location=Jalandhar|access-date=20 November 2019}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
|-
|-
![[Bansi Ponnappa|C B Ponnappa]]
|[[Bansi Ponnappa|C B Ponnappa]]
!2 December 2020
|2 December 2020
!Incumbent
|10 February 2022
![[Mahar Regiment]]
|[[Mahar Regiment]]
!<ref>{{Cite web|last=Service|first=Tribune News|title=Lt Gen C Bansi Ponnappa is new GOC Vajra Corps|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/campus-notes-179325|access-date=2020-12-04|website=Tribuneindia News Service|language=en}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite web|last=Service|first=Tribune News|title=Lt Gen C Bansi Ponnappa is new GOC Vajra Corps|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/campus-notes-179325|access-date=2020-12-04|website=Tribuneindia News Service|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|[[Devendra Sharma (general)|Devendra Sharma]]
|11 February 2022
|15 May 2023
|[[Scinde Horse|14th Horse (Scinde Horse)]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/lieut-gen-sharma-is-new-vajra-corps-commander-369202|title=Lieut Gen Devendra Sharma is new Vajra Corps commander|date=2022-02-12|access-date=2022-02-12}}</ref>
|-
|Vijay B Nair
|15 May 2023
|30 June 2024
|[[Punjab Regiment (India)|Punjab Regiment]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/lt-gen-sharma-to-take-over-as-western-command-chief-of-staff/articleshow/100264849.cms|title=Lt Gen Sharma to take over as Western Command chief of staff|date=2023-05-16|access-date=2023-05-16}}</ref>
|-
|Ajay Chandpuria
|1 July 2024
|''Incumbent''
|[[Dogra Regiment]]
|<ref>{{cite web|date=1 July 2024 |title=Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria takes over command of the Vajra Corps from Lt Gen Vijay B Nair.|url=https://x.com/adgpi/status/1807781017916182546?t=cteXC01xTHiHz8mzik95KA&s=19|website=x (formerly twitter)}}</ref>
|}
|}
==Notes==
{{reflist|group=nb}}


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Military of India}}
{{Indian Army}}{{Active_corps_of_the_Indian_Army}}
{{Indian Army}}{{Active_corps_of_the_Indian_Army}}


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[[Category:Military units and formations of the British Empire in World War II]]
[[Category:Military units and formations of the British Empire in World War II]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1950]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1950]]
{{India-mil-unit-stub}}

Latest revision as of 00:48, 18 March 2026


XI Corps
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Vajra Corps formation sign
Active1950 - present
CountryIndia
BranchIndian Army
RoleHolding Corps
SizeCorps
Part ofError creating thumbnail: File missing Western Command
Garrison/HQJalandhar
Nickname(s)Vajra Corps
Defenders of Punjab[1]
Engagements2025 India–Pakistan border skirmishes
Battle honoursTheatre Honour:
Punjab
Battle Honours:
Dograi
Barki
Asal Uttar
Sehjra
Dera Baba Nanak[2]
Commanders
Current
commander		Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria
AVSM, VSM[3]
Notable
commanders		General Ved Prakash Malik
General Om Prakash Malhotra
Lt Gen Naveen Chand Rawlley
Lt Gen J S Dhillon
Lt Gen T B Henderson Brooks

Template:Military unit sidebar The XI Corps of the Indian Army is based in Jalandhar and is a part of Western Command. XI Corps is also known as Vajra Corps.

History[edit | edit source]

XI Corps was raised to take command of the formations in the Punjab in 1950[4] as India reorganised its post-1947 army to meet the new threat of Pakistan.[5] It was raised on March 1, 1950 at Ambala under the command of Lieutenant General Kalwant Singh.[6] The corps headquarters was relocated to Jalandhar in July 1951.[2]

To reduce the load of XI Corps, X Corps was formed at Bathinda on 1 July 1979, taking over south Punjab and north Rajasthan.[7]

Formation sign[edit | edit source]

The Corps formation sign consists of the 'red-white-red background' depicting a corps of the Indian Army overlaid by a Vajra, the powerful thunderbolt weapon of Lord Indra, the symbol of sacrifice of the great sage Dadhichi, who voluntarily sacrificed his body to make the fiercest weapon from his thighbone.[6]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Vajra Corps Platinum Jubilee, 1 March 2020

Organisation[edit | edit source]

The corps consists of:[8]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Vajra Shaurya Sthal, Jalandhar Cantonment - the Corps war memorial

Operations[edit | edit source]

List of Commanders[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Vajra Museum, Jalandhar[21]
This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.
Rank Name Appointment Date Left office Unit of Commission References
Lieutenant General Kalwant Singh 1 March 1950 1st Punjab Regiment [6]
S P P Thorat 1955 May 1957 1/14 Punjab Regiment [22][6]
T B Henderson Brooks 1962 1963 5th Maratha Light Infantry [23]
Joginder Singh Dhillon November 1963 August 1966 Bengal Sappers [24]
Premindra Singh Bhagat August 1966 August 1970 Bombay Sappers
Naveen Chand Rawlley 1970 1972 12th Frontier Force Regiment [25]
Om Prakash Malhotra May 1972 July 1974 Regiment of Artillery [26]
Krishnaswamy Gowri Shankar 1984 1985 Corps of Signals [27]
V K Nayar 1985 31 October 1987 Parachute Regiment[nb 1] [29]
Bakshi Krishan Nath Chhibber July 1990 September 1992 9th Gorkha Rifles [30]
Ved Prakash Malik August 1992 March 1994 Sikh Light Infantry [31][6]
H B Kala April 1994 Jat Regiment [32]
Virendra Kumar Sewal Armoured Corps
Kamal Davar March 2000 April 2001 7th Light Cavalry [33]
Shantonu Choudhry April 2001 April 2002 Regiment of Artillery [34]
Krishnamurthy Nagaraj Apr 2002 May 2003 Maratha Light Infantry [35]
S Pattabhiraman May 2003 May 2004 Bombay Sappers [36][6]
Parmendra Kumar Singh May 2004 May 2005 Regiment of Artillery [37]
Mandhata Singh May 2005 April 2006 9th Gorkha Rifles [37]
Noble Thamburaj May 2006 September 2007 Bombay Sappers [38]
S S Kumar October 2007 August 2008 Brigade of the Guards [39]
Virender Singh Tonk August 2008 July 2009 Rajput Regiment [40]
Ramesh Halgali 24 July 2009 August 2010 Sikh Light Infantry [41]
Munish Sibal August 2010 November 2011 Rajputana Rifles [42][43]
Sanjeev Madhok November 2011 March 2013 Brigade of the Guards [44]
Ashwini Kumar Bakshi March 2013 July 2014 Bihar Regiment [45]
N P S Hira August 2014 31 July 2015 Sikh Light Infantry [46]
Jagbir Singh Cheema 21 August 2015 31 August 2016 Sikh Regiment [47][48]
B S Sahrawat 1 September 2016 2 November 2017 Kumaon Regiment [49]
Dushyant Singh 2 November 2017 4 November 2018 Maratha Light Infantry [50]
Arvind Dutta 5 November 2018 5 November 2019 Dogra Regiment [51]
Sanjeev Sharma 6 November 2019 2 December 2020 Rajputana Rifles [52]
C B Ponnappa 2 December 2020 10 February 2022 Mahar Regiment [53]
Devendra Sharma 11 February 2022 15 May 2023 14th Horse (Scinde Horse) [54]
Vijay B Nair 15 May 2023 30 June 2024 Punjab Regiment [55]
Ajay Chandpuria 1 July 2024 Incumbent Dogra Regiment [56]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Originally a Signals officer, General Nayar, after persistent pestering of his bosses, managed a transfer to his desired regiment — the Maratha Light Infantry (MLI), securing a billet with 2 Para (3rd battalion, MLI, converted to paratroop infantry).[28]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Vajra Corps celebrates 71st Raising Day". 1 March 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Vajra Corps - 'Defenders of Punjab' - celebrates Platinum Jubilee". The Times of India. 1 March 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  3. ↑ "Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria takes over command of the Vajra Corps from Lt Gen Vijay B Nair". x (formerly twitter). 1 July 2024.
  4. ↑ Renaldi & Rikhye 2011, 26.
  5. ↑ "IPS Driver Error". Archived from the original on 20 February 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2009.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 "Vajra Corps celebrates Raising Day". 17 March 2007. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  7. ↑ "Commands of the Indian Army, South Western (Sapta Shakti) Command: Forever Victorious". 16 January 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  8. ↑ "Vajra Corps celebrates Infantry Day". 28 October 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  9. ↑ Renaldi & Rikhye 2011, 40
  10. ↑ "Golden moments at Pine Division". 9 August 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  11. ↑ "15 Infantry division celebrates its raising day". 1 October 2009. Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  12. ↑ Renaldi & Rikhye 2011, 166.
  13. ↑ "Army Commander Western Command visits Khasa Military station". 18 July 2020. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  14. ↑ Renaldi & Rikhye 2011.
  15. ↑ "War Disabled Soldiers and Veer Naris Meet Organised at Beas". 16 January 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  16. ↑ "Vajra Corps organises Veer Nari meet". 4 May 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  17. ↑ "Vajra Air Defence Brigade organises Veer Nari meet". The Times of India. 23 February 2020. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
  18. ↑ @westerncomd_IA (30 January 2023). "#VajraCorps #AirDefenceBrigade conducted training & validation of battle drills to optimise operational readiness..." (Tweet). Retrieved 11 July 2025 – via Twitter.
  19. ↑ "333rd Artillery Group - India Special Weapons Agencies". nuke.fas.org. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Saluting 'Defenders of Punjab'". 7 March 2020. Archived from the original on 26 July 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  21. ↑ "Vajra Museum inaugurated". 6 October 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  22. ↑ Singh, VK (2005). Leadership in the Indian Army: Biographies of Twelve Soldiers. SAGE India. p. 140. ISBN 978-0761933229.
  23. ↑ "1962 war report: When Nehru stepped on the Dragon's tail". The Times of India. 19 March 2014. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  24. ↑ "Last salute to the lion of 1965". 19 December 2003. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  25. ↑ "1971 operations - Case West - I". Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  26. ↑ "COAS pays Tribute to Former COAS Gen Om Prakash Malhotra". 31 December 2015. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  27. ↑ "Examples of Learning in Counter-Insurgency". Archived from the original on 3 September 2000. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  28. ↑ "Unforgiving take on past". 11 August 2013. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  29. ↑ "PIB Release" (PDF). 27 October 1987. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  30. ↑ "Souvenir 1995" (PDF). Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  31. ↑ "COVER STORY: DECORATED DUO". 16 August 2017. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  32. ↑ "About Us". Archived from the original on 23 July 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  33. ↑ "Golden jubilee of Vajra Corps". 4 March 2000. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  34. ↑ "Lt Gen Shantonu Choudhry appointed Vice Chief of Army Staff". 14 December 2002. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  35. ↑ "Vajra Corps celebrates Raising Day". 1 March 2003. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  36. ↑ "Pattabhiraman takes over as GOC-in-C, Western Command". 3 February 2005. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 "Lieut-Gen Mandhata Singh is new GOC of Vajra Corps". 22 May 2005. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  38. ↑ "Lt Gen Kumar takes over as GOC of Vajra Corps". 29 September 2007. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  39. ↑ "Vajra Celebrations". 8 April 2008. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  40. ↑ "Lt Gen VS Tonk takes command of Vajra Corps". 21 August 2008. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  41. ↑ "K'taka man to head military training". 17 August 2010. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  42. ↑ "Lt.Gen. Sibal to head Vajra Corps". 18 August 2010. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  43. ↑ "Appointment". 17 August 2010. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  44. ↑ "BriefLt Gen Madhok takes over Vajra Corps Command". The Times of India. 12 November 2011. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  45. ↑ "Lieutant general AK Bakshi assumes command of Vajra Corps". 13 March 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  46. ↑ "Lt Gen Hira to take over as new Northern Command Chief of Staff today". 1 August 2015. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  47. ↑ "LT GEN JS CHEEMA, PVSM, AVSM (RETD)". Archived from the original on 14 February 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
  48. ↑ "Deadlock over Army postings: GOC 11 Corps appointed officiating Western Army Commander". 29 January 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  49. ↑ "Lt Gen BS Sahrawat takes over as commanding officer of Vajra Corps". Chandigarh. 3 September 2016. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
  50. ↑ "Vajra Corps GOC". 3 November 2017. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 19 November 2019.
  51. ↑ "Lt Gen Arvind Dutta takes over command of Vajra Corps". Jalandhar. 5 November 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
  52. ↑ "Lt Gen sharma is Goc vajra corps". Jalandhar. 7 November 2019. Retrieved 20 November 2019.[permanent dead link]
  53. ↑ Service, Tribune News. "Lt Gen C Bansi Ponnappa is new GOC Vajra Corps". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  54. ↑ "Lieut Gen Devendra Sharma is new Vajra Corps commander". 12 February 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  55. ↑ "Lt Gen Sharma to take over as Western Command chief of staff". 16 May 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  56. ↑ "Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria takes over command of the Vajra Corps from Lt Gen Vijay B Nair". x (formerly twitter). 1 July 2024.
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