Colours of Indian Military Uniforms
‘The Persian khak or dust gave birth to the word khaki–the colour of dust. Khaki became a universal form of military dress, and later on, a casual style of trousers.’
- extract from ‘Khaki’, Drummers Call by Lieutenant General NS Brar.
’The uniform, originating from the Anglo-Sikh Wars, became standard attire for military and civil services in India and British colonies and how it was eventually replaced by olive green during World War II and phased out by the late 1980s.
With this as the strarting point, let's begin our exploration into the rich history and significance of the colours of Indian Military uniforms. These uniforms symbolise more than just attire; they embody the heritage, diversity, and adaptability of the Indian Armed Forces. Beyond their functional aspects, these uniforms showcase a spectrum of colours and styles, ranging from ceremonial regalia to practical combat attire. By tracing the evolution of these colours, we get a profound understanding of India's military legacy and its ongoing commitment to tradition and modernisation.
Evolution of the Indian Army Uniform
The East India Company Era
When the East India Company established its rule in Bengal, it began enlisting local Indians into its Army. These soldiers wore red tunics, similar to those of the English troops serving the Crown. The red coat was symbolic of the British Empire and Union Jack. Additionally, various regiments introduced unique colours such as yellow, green, grey, khaki, and blue.
Transition to Khaki
The brightly coloured uniforms of Indian troops serving under the East India Company made them easy targets, resulting in significant casualties. To address this, the British Indian Army transitioned to khaki uniforms. Sir Harry Burnett Lumsden and William Stephen Raikes Hodson introduced khaki uniforms in 1848 for British colonial troops in India, which proved highly effective for field service and combat. By the time of the Indian Mutiny (1857–1858), khaki had become the official colour for British army uniforms in India, extending later to other parts of the British Empire and adopted by various nations. During the South African War (1899–1902), cotton khaki was deemed inadequate due to the climate, leading to the introduction of woollen and worsted serge materials. Olive tints, designed to minimise visibility against natural surroundings like bare ground and foliage, were incorporated during World War I.
Independence and Olive-Green Fatigues
After gaining independence in 1947, the British Indian Army was renamed the Indian Army. Olive-green combat fatigues were adopted to distinguish the Indian Army from the Pakistani Army, which retained its khaki uniform. Over time, the Indian Army realised the need for camouflage uniforms, leading to the adoption of a brushstroke camouflage pattern in the early 1980s. This pattern allowed soldiers to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, providing a tactical advantage in combat.
PC DPM Camouflage Combat Uniform
At the turn of the millennium, the Indian Army introduced the contemporary PC DPM (Distributed Pattern Material) camouflage pattern. This change came as modern militaries globally were exploring innovative camouflage designs. The PC DPM, drawing inspiration from the French Woodland DPM, became the standard combat uniform for the Indian Army. While this pattern is well-suited for many Indian terrains, such as the dense jungles of the northeast and the thick vegetation along the Line of Control (LOC), it isn't ideal for desert landscapes like Rajasthan, where desert camouflage proves more effective. Despite this standardisation, certain branches of the Indian Army maintain distinct uniforms. For instance, the Military Police still don khaki uniforms, the NSG, commonly known as the Blackcats, wear black attire, and the Armoured Corps sport a standard black uniform.
On Army Day in 2022, the Indian Army unveiled its digital camouflage uniform, developed with the National Institute of Fashion Technology. This innovative design features a fabric blend of 70 per cent cotton and 30 per cent polyester, offering lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying properties.
Indian Army's Uniforms
The Indian Army proudly showcases 14 distinct uniforms, each tailored for specific purposes and occasions.
The general duty uniform features an olive colour half-sleeve shirt paired with olive green pants, complemented by a beret or peak cap depending on the soldier's regiment. For colder climates, the general duty winter uniform includes a peach-coloured full-sleeve shirt with a black tie, worn beneath an olive green overcoat. In contrast, the general duty Angola winter uniform opts for a dark brown full-sleeve shirt paired with black pants, catering to specific regions.
High-ranking officers don the ceremonial uniform during national events, embellished with medals and lanyards, while the Armoured Corps showcases a unique, knight-like attire. The mess dress is reserved for dining occasions, consisting of a white t-shirt, black pants, and a regimental colour cummerbund or sash.
The combat military uniform, or jungle dress, features camouflage patterns and is worn untucked with boots. For colder conditions, soldiers don the Combat Winter Uniform, a green jacket worn over the jungle dress. The combat uniform Leh Ladakh is specially designed for rugged terrains.
Dungarees, a single-piece dress with a central chain, are tailored for Army aviation to expedite dressing. During winters, soldiers opt for the winter dungarees, a light brown jacket worn over dungarees, complete with ranks, names, and attachments.
The black dress of the Armoured Corps is a prestigious uniform, distinguished by the absence of an ‘NSG’ tab on the shoulder. Smocks serve as winter uniforms for peaceful areas and special occasions, typically worn untucked. Lastly, the green vest comprises a half or full-sleeve t-shirt worn during training and leisure, paired with combat (jungle) pants.
Indian Navy’s Uniforms
The Indian Navy boasts a diverse array of uniforms tailored for various ranks and occasions. Dress No. 1 and Dress No. 3 feature officers and sailors in black jackets paired with either a peak cap or white turban, complemented by a black tie. Notably, higher-ranking officials sport striped jackets or distinctive lapels, and medals or ribbons adorn their attire respectively.
Dress No. 2 and Dress No. 4 present officers and sailors in white tunics with trousers, with shoulder straps for senior ranks and arm badges for others. Dress No. 4A, exclusive to captains and higher, emphasises a white ensemble, while Dress No. 7 opts for a white shirt and black jersey combo.
Dress No. 5 highlights white mess jackets, with female officers having saree alternatives. Dress No. 6 showcases white mess jackets with stripes, and Dress No. 6B includes a white shirt and black trousers combo.
Dress No. 8 encompasses white shorts and shirts, with a skirt option for women. Dress No. 8a details a white shirt and trousers set, with saree alternatives for women. Dress
No. 9 involves white or blue overall uniforms paired with peak caps or turbans, while Dress No. 10 features light blue shirts with navy trousers, accompanied by shoulder badges and arm badges respectively. In 2021, the Navy camouflage uniform replaced Dress No. 10 A. The pattern consisted of small rectangular pixels of colour. This proved to be more effective than the standard uniform pattern as it matched the dappled texture and rough borders found in the natural environment.
Additionally, in 2023, the Indian Navy showcased newly-designed uniform accessories at the Naval Commanders Conference in New Delhi. These accessories were introduced to provide enhanced comfort, hygiene, and functionality. The collection included high-absorption t-shirts, camouflage caps, jackets, and high-ankle shoes.
Reason for Indian Navy Uniform’s White Colour
Contrary to the common association of white with peace, in the Naval context, it embodies authority and resilience. The Indian Navy's iconic all-white uniform, accentuated with navy blue and gold-glow stripes, are steeped in historical significance dating back to 1748, mirroring the Royal Navy's navy blue and white ensemble. This choice of colour isn't arbitrary; it has practical implications. Historically, cotton, the predominant fabric, was easily dyed white. Additionally, symbolically, the white colour encapsulates the unity of the seven seas. In operational contexts, the high visibility of white uniforms aids in search and rescue operations during emergencies, standing out vividly against the sea's blue expanse. Furthermore, white's reflective nature provides respite from the sun's intense heat, ensuring the comfort of sailors on long voyages. Lastly, white uniforms, by repelling dust and stains, foster a hygienic environment onboard, promoting the well-being of naval personnel.
Indian Air Force's Uniforms
Summer Uniforms
The quintessential summer ceremonial dress showcases a light blue terry cot half-sleeve shirt, embellished with silk rank braids on the shoulders and collar tags. Complementing this are blue-grey terry cot trousers, cinched with a chrome-plated IAF crest-adorned nylon belt. Whether donning a peak cap or a navy blue turban with an authorised badge, every detail exudes elegance. The ensemble is completed with black OP shoes, plain black socks, aircrew badges, full medals, and an array of proficiency badges.
Winter Uniforms
As the seasons shift, the Indian Air Force dons its winter regalia with style. The winter ceremonial ensemble boasts a light blue full-sleeve shirt, paired seamlessly with a blue-grey terry wool tunic and trousers. Accentuating this outfit is a sharp black tie, a constellation of medals and badges, and the iconic peaked cap. The attire is grounded with black Oxford shoes and plain black socks, ensuring a blend of functionality and flair. Whether it's the chic leather jacket or the distinctive white terry wool tunic, each piece in this winter wardrobe narrates a tale of tradition and valour.
Indian Air Force's Latest Uniform
In a bold stride towards modernisation, the Indian Air Force unveiled its new digital camouflage uniform in 2022, gracing the occasion of the Indian Air Force Day. Presented before the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, this innovative attire, designed by the standing dress committee, merges style with functionality. Crafted with intricate details and a unique functional design to meet the demands of contemporary warfare, the uniform was showcased by officers at the event, including a specialised combat t-shirt. This transformative change underscores the IAF's commitment to excellence, readiness, and adaptability in the ever-evolving skies.
Whether it's the olive greens symbolising bravery or the blues representing integrity, each hue carries a story of sacrifice and duty. Through these vibrant uniforms, the Indian military not only signifies its presence but also its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation's sovereignty.