House Hold Cavalry of The President

Considered as The President’s Personal Troops, The President Bodyguard (PBG) is the Household Ceremonial Cavalry Regiment of The President, stationed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. It is the oldest cavalry Regiment in the Indian Army and the senior most amongst all the Regiments of the Indian Army.

Raising and Early History

The elite President’s Bodyguard traces its lineage over 250 years, with establishment of The Governor’s Bodyguard, in 1773, at Benaras. Raja Chet Singh of Benaras significantly contributed to its formation by providing fifty horses and fifty troops. The original charter mandated the Regiment to accompany the Governor in times of war and to serve as a ceremonial bodyguard during peacetime. This spirit was retained through subsequent re-designations, the Governor General’s Bodyguard in 1774, and the Viceroy’s Bodyguard in 1857, continuing until India’s independence.

During World War I and World War II, the Regiment was modernized, acquiring Armoured Personnel Carriers in 1942. By 1944, it was designated as the 44 Division Reconnaissance Squadron of the 44th Indian Airborne Division, marking the establishment as the first Airborne Cavalry Regiment.

Following World War II and prior to 1947, the Regiment maintained its roles as a Cavalry, Armoured, and Airborne unit. Upon independence, the Regiment was bifurcated, with half the horses, troops and equipment allotted for the Governor General’s Bodyguard - India, stationed at Rashtrapati Bhavan, while the remainder was sent to Pakistan.

In 1950, with India’s transition to a Republic, the Regiment was officially re-designated as The President’s Bodyguard, continuing its legacy of service to the Honourable President and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of India.

Charter of Duties

Originally established as a horsed cavalry unit, the President’s Bodyguard’s mandate has evolved. The Raising charter over the years has translated into a unique dual mandate defined for the Regiment, which translates to an operational role with a Parachute Formation and Ceremonial Role at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Regiment has 99 Horses for its ceremonial duties and is also authorised armoured vehicles for its operational role. This multifaceted mandate ensures that the troops excel as cavalry horse riders, armoured vehicle crews, and paratroopers, an unparalleled distinction in military units world over.

Ceremonial Excellence

In peacetime, the President’s Bodyguard is primarily engaged in ceremonial duties, representing not only the Indian Army but also the nation on the world stage. The Regiment is prepared to deliver a world-class display at various national/internal protocol events, at all times. Since independence, the President’s Bodyguard has escorted one Governor General and 15 Presidents of India at both national and international functions, undertaking nearly 140 ceremonial parades/duties, annually. On about 70 of these occasions the troops participate mounted on their graceful horses, including the Republic Day Parade, the Beating of Retreat ceremony, President’s Address to both houses of the Parliament, and the weekly Change of Ceremonial Guard, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Other notable occasions for the President's Bodyguard include positioning alongside The President and at the hallowed corridors of Rashtrapati Bhavan during significant events such as the Presentation of Credentials by Ambassadors and High Commissioners, visits by Heads of State, Civil and Military Investiture Ceremonies, and the Swearing-in Ceremonies for the Prime Minister and Chief Justice of India, along with ensuring brilliant splendour during the President’s At-Home events.

The precision and professionalism of the President's Bodyguard in conducting ceremonial parades are the result of rigorous training, ensuring that both troops and horses are fully prepared for magnificent displays without distraction. The hallmark of the President’s Bodyguard ethos is characterized by unwavering focus and exemplary military bearing, reflecting the Regiment’s deep commitment to duty.

Troops demonstrate remarkable proficiency in maintaining steadiness while attired in ceremonial uniform, holding their lances in fixed positions for extended durations, often exceeding two to three hours. This exceptional capability is a testament to their gruelling training and steadfast devotion. Over the years, the members of the President’s Bodyguard develop immense resilience, patience, and stamina, allowing them to remain focused amidst the festive and dynamic environment of ceremonial events. The ‘Bodyguards’ are a silent presence, seen but seldom heard.

Forever uncompromising sense of security, unflinching devotion, highest loyalty & integrity, exemplary military bearing, excellent equitation skills, physical fitness and the traditional commitment & pride in the ‘Bodyguard Duties’ are key traits of The President’s Bodyguard. 

The President’s Bodyguard is a unique military unit which is intricately woven into the fabric of the history of our Nation, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the Indian Army. It is the show-window of not only the Indian Army, but the entire nation as well, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, throughout the year. The Regiment is an integral part of the cultural and traditional fabric of India, embodying the highest standards of loyalty, integrity, and dedication. The President’s Personal Troops are a unique symbol of national pride and commitment, serving both ceremonial and operational roles with distinction. 

Operational Contribution

The President’s Bodyguard has been awarded seven pre-independence Battle Honours. Key operational services post-independence include: 

• 1947-48: Upon independence, the Regiment provided stability to Delhi, especially in terms of the security of area of Rashtrapati Bhavan and adjoining areas in Delhi. 
• 1962:  Deployed at Chushul during the Sino-India Conflict.
• 1965: Deployed at Gadra Road in Operation ABLAZE during the Indo-Pak War.
• 1987-88: Paratrooper detachments to the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka.
• 1994-Present: Annual deployment at Siachen Glacier in Operation MEGHDOOT, at the highest battlefield in the world.

Additionally, nominated troops continue to serve in various high-altitude areas across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and the Northeast wherein they are also deployed in operations with Armoured formations.

Presidential Honours and Awards 

The President’s Bodyguard is the recipient of the ‘rarest of rare’ Presidential Awards.  Notable distinctions include: - 

• Standards/ Colours.    The President’s Bodyguard is the only Regiment which is permitted to carry two Standards i.e, the ‘Standard of Bodyguard’ (senior-most Standard/Colour) and ‘Regimental Standard of the PBG’, when escorting The Hon’ble President. Both were presented by successive Presidents, reflecting the Regiment’s elite position.
• The first-ever Standard, senior-most Colour (Nishaan) in independent India - ‘Standard of the Bodyguard’, was presented to The PBG in 1958, and the same year ‘Regimental Standard’ was also presented by Dr Rajendra Prasad, the then Hon’ble President.  The ‘Standard of Bodyguard’, and the ‘Regimental Standard of PBG’, both were presented afresh by the then Hon’ble President Dr S Radhakrishnan, in 1963.

  • The ‘Standard of the Bodyguard’ has been redesigned and presented anew, and the ‘Regimental Standard of PBG’ has been renewed, by Smt Droupadi Murmu, The Hon’ble President, on 16 November 2024, after six decades.

    

    President’s Silver Trumpet & Trumpet Banner.   The President’s Bodyguard has a unique distinction of being the only Regiment privileged to carry the ‘President’s Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner’.  The President’s Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner was first awarded to the ‘Bodyguards’ by Dr Rajendra Prasad, first President of India, in 1953. The PBG has been awarded the President’s Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner on 14 occasions, till date. 

    

Equestrian Sports and Polo

Over the years, The President’s Bodyguard has contributed immensely towards equestrian excellence. The President's Bodyguard has achieved remarkable success in equestrian sports, securing numerous medals at national competitions and Equestrian Federation of India Level Championships. Notably, the Regiment has been awarded the Army Equestrian Championship Trophy in 2024 in Bangalore. Historical outstanding accolades include:

• Arjuna Awards.   The Regiment has the honour of receiving two Arjuna Awards, i.e, late Brig VP Singh, and Col HS Sodhi, VSM both for excellence in Equestrian Sports and Polo.
• Asian Games Medal. Honorary Captain Milkha Singh won the Gold Medal in Asian Games - 1982 in Show Jumping.
• National Record.  Honorary Captain Sajjan Kumar won Gold Medal and created the National Record (195cm) in Show Jumping (Puissance), in 1993, which remained unbeaten for 30 years.