BSF CAMEL SANGRAM’S LAST AMBLE DOWN RAJPATH THIS REPUBLIC DAY PARADE 2015

The Republic Day parade is a matchless display of the state of defense

preparedness of the Nation as well as a showcase of its diverse and rich cultural

heritage. This most eagerly watched event occurs on 26th January every year in the

national capital, New Delhi.

Camelry (another name for the camel cavalry – similar to the term “Cavalry’

which is associated with units of mounted horsemen) units or the Camel Contingents,

that participate in the Republic Day Parade belong to the Border Security Force of

India. These ceremonial contingents are not merely the pride of that magnificent force,

but also that of the entire nation. Troops of the BSF on camels, holding various

modern arms of combat & the BSF musical contingent on camels inspire as well AS

elevate the head and heart of the millions of viewers.

An introduction of BSF Camels

The BSF has on its rolls a large number of camels. A number of Seema

Praharis and camel teams perform numerous duties in several sensitive zones of our

national frontiers. A substantial number of such teams are generally stationed near the

border outposts located on the India-Pakistan border, predominantly situated in the

states of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Some interesting facts about the camels of the BSF:-

 The Border Security Force has an authorized strength of 1200 male camels

 Camels are acquired at 5 years of age, after a formal veterinary inspection

 On an average, a camel serves the force for 15 years

 Camels at BSF retire from active duty at the age of 21 years

 BSF primarily has 3 sub types of dromedary camels: Jaisalmeri (sturdy build),

Bikaneri (high speed runner) and Nachna (ceremonial usage)

 The camels of the BSF are allowed to stay in the open, though the Camel

Training Center in Jodhpur (Mandera Road Camp) places them inside a fairly

big walled enclosure. The place has ideally suitable sand based ground

conditions and some tree cover. Such as arrangement suits the camels best and

is also easy for the supervision of the camels in the enclosure.

Camel training Unit as Jodhpur (Rajasthan)

The Camel Training Center of the Border Security Force is located in the

Frontier Head Quarters, Jodhpur and is the first permanent training center of the BSF

meant exclusively for its camels.

The BSF Camel Training center has 62 camels and 70 Jawans (i.e., handlers of

camels) on its rolls drawn from various units of the Jodhpur Frontier HQ. The training

program is intended to enable the men to learn the art of handling camels as well as to

train the animals in a successful manner. Among other things, the Camel Training

Center has two specialized programmes. The first one deals with a “Desert Course”

intended to familiarize the trainees with the use of camels. The other programme is

known as the “Camel handling and Management Course” to train the personnel of the

BSF in making them skilled in riding camels as well as taking care of them.

Evolution of standardized training of camels at the jodhpur Frontier HQ

After the BSF was established in 1965, camels were made a part of the

organization. Soon after, the Jodhpur camp became the training ground for the camels.

Various informal and native ideas were in vogue to keep the camels in good stead and

all such ideas were pursued post 1965.

Battle Readiness of BSF’s Camel Contingent

The camel units have various patrolling and surveillance related responsibilities. Such

tasks call for effective usage of camels for travel to various outposts and other border

locations. The camels are specially trained to respond as per requirement in various

hostile situations. Arms and ammunition are also utilized as and when needed. The

camel bound Seema Prahari and his/her camel, both receive the required training and

resources to safeguard the nation’s interest.

Colour and pageant of the camels & camel riders – dressed ceremonially

It may surprise many to note that there are over seventy-five different dress

items that are necessary to ceremonially dress camels and riders of the BSF. The

visual appeal of the ceremonial outfit of BSF camels and riders is a stunning riot

colors and beauty. Though the dress order of the camel riders is similar to the

uniforms and decorations worn by the erstwhile Ganga Risala, save the organizational

and frontier identities (like the BSF logo / Rajasthan Frontier logo / badges of rank

and so on), many ceremonial dress items used on camels have undergone changes

over the years.

Camel Band of the BSF

The Camel Band is a creative and innovative way of presenting martial music

and has gone through various stages of evolution, more particularly since 1986.

Successive band masters of the Camel Band have contributed to the growth and

development of this unit and they are remembered with pride, admiration and with a

sense of satisfaction, that is perhaps exclusive to martial force like the BSF.

Camel musical rides of the camel acrobatic shows of the BSF are very popular

and eagerly awaited events in places where such shows are organized. Besides the

Republic Day Parade and the BSF Raising Day Event, camel contingents participate

in various festivals and major events like the Jodhpur Sthapana Divas, Desert Festival,

Thar Mahostav at Barmer, Desert Festival of Jaisalmer, Annual Camel fiar & festival

of Bikaner, Marwar Festival, Rajasthan Sthapana Divas and many other places on

invitation.

Acrobatics on camels:

Universally riding a camel is more difficult than riding a horse. However, riders of the

camel contingent of the BSF showcase their amazing riding skills and expertise with a

daring display of acrobatics of various kinds. This display visibly conveys their ability

and talent in the art of riding a camel.

Glorious heritage of the Camels of the BSF – the Ganga Risala

The Camel Contingent of the BSF is the proud inheritor of a great heritage of

the Bikaner Royal Camel Force, Known as the Ganga Risala. Though the Bikaner

Kingdom had well-developed teams of camel riding soldiers in its ranks, the use of

camels in wars (on the Indian subcontinent) has a past dating back to a much earlier

period. Historical records indicate that a camel army was set up in Bikaner in 1465. It

is also known that many irregular camel forces were found in various other princely

states in the region.

Maharaja Ganga Singh, (1880 – 1943) who ruled the Bikaner Princely State for

56 years and was responsible for many other improvements and developments of the

Bikaner State (including the steps to get precious water to the region through the

Ganga Nahar). He ventured to streamline his armies and that effort merits to be

remembered. One of the troops he focused intensely (and which was said to be very

dear to him) was the Camel Contingent, which was named after him as the Ganga

Risala.

About the Border Security Force of India

India’s first line of defence, the Border Security Force (BSF) is one of the

world’s largest Para-Military forces. It has been safeguarding the India-Pakistan and

India-Bangladesh borders since its inception on December 1, 1965. Apart from its

prime responsibility of guarding the international borders of India during times of

peace and harmony, BSF continues to remain deeply involved in combating

insurgency, militancy and law & order related issues across various interior regions of

the country. Similarly, during an actual war or war-like situation, the BSF works as a

force multiplier and contributes substantially towards the overall war efforts. It helps

and enables in building a formidable front line to protect India’s national interests.

The world’s largest border guarding force, Border Security Force (BSF)

entered its 50th year of distinguished service to the nation and started ‘Golden Jubilee

Celebrations’.