Introduction
India is an ancient civilization with a rich military history and legacy which goes back many millennia. India’s Military ethos is rooted in the indigenous Military culture of the country and the spirit of self-sacrifice, that is central to this ethos. There are numerous examples of the valour and sacrifice displayed by the Armed Forces on the battlefield through the ages.
It is important that this rich military history is preserved and showcased in an appropriate manner. This has immense educational value across the spectrum of age and gender and will also help foster and develop a sense of patriotism and pride in the legacy of the Armed Forces.
Military Heritage Tourism is more than just visiting old sites; it’s about connecting with the stories and sacrifices that have defined our history. From ancient fortresses to modern military museums, these sites offer a window into the challenges and triumphs of those who came before us. It allows individuals to understand the complexities of historical conflicts and the development of military strategy and technology. It’s an immersive experience that educates and inspires, bringing to light the personal stories and larger-than-life events that have shaped our nation.
Exploring interactive exhibits that bring history to life, participating in reenactments that recreate pivotal moments and uncovering the stories hidden within military archives, all contribute to a rare insight into an aspect of our history that has not been given the exposure it merits due to a variety of reasons. Each site offers a unique perspective on how military events influenced societies, economies, and cultures as well as the challenges faced by the individuals.
From the battlefields of yesteryear to the peaceful memorials of today, Military Heritage Tourism sheds new light into a rich and enviable history. It’s about honoring those who served, understanding the past, and appreciating the heritage that connects us all.
Armed Forces Opening Up
Military tourism is a discrete tourism segment which intertwines military locations, historical battlefields, border areas, military museums, and military history archives. Military Heritage Tourism aims to explore and promote India’s very rich and largely untapped military history legacy by identifying key heritage sites and transforming them into vibrant tourist destinations.
The Indian Armed Forces are spread across the length and the breadth of the country and have a presence in our border areas which includes areas such as the Himalayas in North and North East, plains of Punjab, the deserts of Rajasthan and the hills both in Jammu & Kashmir and the North East as well as the jungles of the North East, Island territories to include Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and our coastal areas.
The picturesque landscapes, serene beauty and clean air of these places are a treat to visit. Military tourism not only opens these hidden gems but also gives an insight into the way of life of the Armed Forces in some of the most remote and challenging places, weather, and terrain wise in the country.
The Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi while speaking at a “Border Area Development Conclave” hosted by the Ministry of Defence on 11 September stated; “Now, you are allowed to climb to Tiger Hill and see the battlefield.” Incidentally, pitched battles were fought on the Tiger Hill during the Kargil conflict in May-July 1999. He said “The saga of battles in the Himalayas need to be told, and we are now allowing trekkers to come and see these areas,” he said.
On 13 September 2023, while addressing the Tourist Summit and Travel Mart, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said every village had an imprint of martyrs who had laid down their life for the sake of the country both in pre/post-Independence, which needed to be showcased properly. He had then laid the foundation stone of the Saragarhi Memorial at Ferozepur to commemorate the martyrdom of 21 valiant Sikh warriors during the historic battle of Saragarhi.
He said the Saragarhi Memorial and Hussainiwala Memorial, where Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were martyred, and also where a major battle of 1971 War was fought. These are places of immense historical importance along with the Hussainiwala border and deserves to be showcased.
Importance of Military Heritage Tourism
Military Heritage Tourism offers a unique and enriching experience for a variety of reasons. It is common for our heritage sites to be closely linked with aspects of military history from forts and cities dating back in centuries to the more recent battlegrounds on our borders. These destinations evoke and retell histories of important martial events.
Deep Historical Insight. Military Heritage Tourism provides an in-depth understanding of historical events that shaped nations. By visiting battlefields, forts, and military museums, a person gains a comprehensive view of the strategic, political, and social aspects of historical conflicts. This perspective helps appreciate the complexities of history beyond what is taught in textbooks.
Educational Value. Engaging with military history enhances an individual’s knowledge of military strategy, technology, and the human stories behind significant historical events. Interactive exhibits, guided tours, and reenactments offer immersive learning experiences that make history come alive in a way that traditional education often cannot.
Cultural Appreciation. Military heritage sites reflect the cultural and historical contexts in which they were built. They offer insights into the values, traditions, and innovations of different eras and societies. Exploring these sites help citizens appreciate the diverse ways in which different cultures have addressed challenges and celebrated victories.
Preservation of History. By participating in Military Heritage Tourism, individuals contribute to the preservation of historical sites and artifacts. Tourism helps fund conservation efforts and supports the maintenance of these important landmarks, ensuring that future generations can also learn from and enjoy them.
Personal Connection. Visiting these sites allow tourists to connect personally with history. Standing on a battlefield or exploring a historic military vessel can evoke a profound sense of connection to the past. This personal engagement can foster a deeper understanding and respect for those who served.
Respect and Remembrance. Such visits offer an opportunity to pay homage to the courage and sacrifices of soldiers and their families. Visiting memorials and cemeteries provides a space for reflection and appreciation of the lives lost.
Unique Experiences. From exploring ancient fortifications and World War-era bunkers to attending live reenactments and military parades, military heritage tourism offers a variety of unique and memorable experiences. These activities provide a rare glimpse into history that you won’t find in conventional tourist destinations.
Community and Networking. Engaging with other history enthusiasts, veterans, and historians can enrich your experience. Military heritage sites often host events and forums where you can meet like-minded individuals, share insights, and deepen your understanding of military history.
Adventure and Exploration. Many military heritage sites are located in scenic or historically significant areas. Exploring these sites often leads to discovering beautiful landscapes, architectural marvels, and lesser-known historical treasures, combining adventure with education.
Inspiration and Reflection. Understanding the sacrifices and achievements of past generations can be deeply inspiring. Military heritage tourism encourages reflection on the values of courage, resilience, and leadership, which can be motivating and thought-provoking.
Military Museums
India’s military history dates back several millennia, with several armies fighting to govern Indian soil over the centuries. It is a experience of a lifetime to know about these wars, reading about the bloody battles, courageous acts of soldiers, and armies of that time. Apart from visiting the sites it is also fascinating to visit military museums that showcase the weapons, vehicles and aircraft used by the Indian military over the years, as well as give an insight into the manner in which our soldiers fought. Some of these are given below:
Jaisalmer War Museum
Jaisalmer War Museum is located 10 km from Jaisalmer City on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway. It has been set up by the Indian Army to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers, specifically during the 1965 Indo-Pak War and the 1971 Loungewala battle. It also traces the evolution of the Indian Army. There are many war trophies and vintage equipment on display, along with tanks, guns, and military vehicles. It is a major tourist attraction due to its aesthetic layout, fountains, green lawns, and amenities. The Museum has:
- Two information display halls (Laungewala Hall, Indian Army Hall).
- An Audio-Visual Room.
- A Souvenir Shop.
Air Force Museum, New Delhi
The Indian Air Force Museum lies at the Palam Air Force Station, New Delhi, which usually goes unnoticed by visitors to Delhi. The Museum was the only one of its kind in India until the unveiling of the Naval Aviation Museum in Goa in 1998.
This Museum is divided into two sections – an Annexe and a Main Hangar. As you enter the Annexe, you will get into the history of the Indian Air Force laid out in a pictorial form. The indoor display includes photographs of Air Force and personnel in various uniforms. There are photographs of officers who fought bravely during the 1966 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars and the Second World War before that.
The Hangar Section of the Museum showcases several vintage aircraft, helicopters, jet engines, air craft guns and recovered enemy aircraft and army tanks. Outside the Hangar, there are displays of larger aircraft, including helicopters and jet aircraft like the Sukhoi Su7, MIG 21 and 23, and the MI-4 helicopter. Airplane enthusiasts would love to have a look at the Hurricane, Tempest, and Lysander of Second World War fame.
Indian War Memorial Museum, New Delhi
The Indian War Memorial Museum, is located in the Naubat Khana of the Red Fort Complex in Delhi which is dedicated to the Army’s actions under the British. There are some details of the battle of Panipat and on display are traditional items such as daggers, gupti, arms and helmets. Various badges, ribbons, and uniforms of Turkish and New Zealand Army officers, and flags are also on display.
Naval Aviation Museum, Goa
Goa is the home to this captivating Museum that captures the evolution of Indian Naval Air Arm. The Museum is divided into two main parts, an outdoor exhibit, and a two-storey indoor gallery. The Museum was inaugurated in October 1998. The Naval Aviation Museum is the only one of its kind in the entire continent of Asia.
The Museum’s interior is designed to look like INS Viraat aircraft carrier, and includes galleries showcasing naval equipment, photographs of major battles, a plaque remembering those who sacrificed their lives for the country, and a simulation room. Located near Bogmala, the Museum overlooks scenic Bogmala Beach and includes several aircraft, including the HAL HT-2, Westland Sea King, and HAL Chetak.
Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Andaman and Nicobar
Lying in Port Blair at the South of the Andaman Islands, the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum is also known as Fisheries Museum. It is maintained by Indian Navy but its exhibits are not of the military kind. Instead, it showcases the tribal communities of Andaman and Nicobar and the diverse ecosystem that you can find on the Islands and within the ocean waters off the Island coasts.
This Museum generates awareness about the environment in the ocean and the marine life. The museum has five sections covering the history of Andaman Islands, Geographical information, people of Andaman, Archaeology and Marine life.
Kursura Submarine Museum, Vizag
INS Kursura Submarine, a Soviet built-I-641 class Submarine was inducted into the Indian Navy on 18 December 1969 and was decommissioned on 28, February 2001 after 31 years of service. She played a key role in patrol missions during the 1971 war. After decommissioning, this submarine was preserved as a museum for public access on Ramakrishna Mission Beach in Visakhapatnam.
INS Kurusura Submarine Museum offers a chance to get inside a real submarine. It offers a quick walkthrough of the submarine, the compartments within and the lifestyle of mariners inside this machine.
The concept of using a submarine as a museum is the first of its kind in Asia. It was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu on 09 Aug 2002. It is a special ship because despite being a decommissioned submarine, it still receives the navy’s “Dressing Ship” honour, which is awarded only to active ships.
Cavalry Tank Museum, Ahmednagar
The first Museum dedicated to tanks in Asia is located in Ahmednagar in Maharashtra and has about 50 vintage exhibits on display. The oldest one is a Ghost Rolls Royce Armoured Car. There are also some tanks which were used during World War I in the battlefields of Cambria, Somme and Flanders. There are also tanks from World War II, the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and 1971 including the American made M47 Patton, Chafee and Walker BullDog and the Russian T -54 and T -55 and the Indian Vijayanta tank.
The Museum is extremely well maintained and laid out. The environment is green and serene. Each tank has a small board where its brief history is given. They are well presented and clearly marked with their origin.
Army Heritage Museum, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Nestled in the picturesque Annadale glade of Shimla, the Army Heritage Museum stands as a testament to the Indian Army’s illustrious history. The Museum, located at an altitude of 6,117 feet, showcases an impressive collection of modern and traditional weapons, uniforms, flags, and armoury. The exhibits span from artefacts dating back to 2,500 BC to mementoes from the Indo-Pak War of 1971 and the Kargil War of 1999. A small cactus Museum nearby, adds to the unique charm of this military heritage site.
Artillery Museum, Deolali, Maharashtra
Asia’s largest Artillery Museum is located in Deolali, Nashik, Maharashtra. It was opened to the public in January 2005. The Museum boasts an extensive collection of vintage and modern weapons, including the Bofors gun apart from other guns, radar systems, and aircraft. Key attractions include the AOP aircraft, MIG-23UM, and historic artillery pieces such as a wooden catapult from 400 B.C. and a Mughal brass cannon from the First Battle of Panipat. The Museum provides a comprehensive overview of artillery used by various armies throughout history, making it a must-visit for military enthusiasts.
Hall Of Fame
The Hall of Fame, Leh, is a museum that is constructed and maintained by the Indian Army. The Hall of fame is located near the Leh Airfield. This Museum has been built in memory of the soldiers who had lost their lives through the wars. The building comprises of two floors and in the ground floor there is information about the courageous soldiers. The Hall of Fame Museum also showcases objects of various wars including weapons and documents. Another segment is devoted to Siachen Glacier. The second floor has guns and equipment that have been captured by the Indian Army during its battles with Pakistan. The museum also has information that is related to Leh culture, way of life, history, vegetation, and animals originate in this part of the world. The Hall of Fame Museum also includes a 30-minute film that comprises of 1999 ‘Kargil War’ and a daily Sound and Light show.
War Memorial Kohima, Nagaland
The Kohima War Cemetery located in the centre of Kohima City, is a Memorial dedicated to soldiers of the 2nd British Division of the Allied Forces who died in the Second World War in April 1944 fighting the Japanese invasion. The soldiers died on the battleground of Garrison Hill in the Tennis Court area of the Deputy Commissioner’s residence. The Cemetery is sited at the exact location where the battle was fought, and provides a panoramic view of Kohima. The Cemetery is set in peaceful surroundings and is very well maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. At the lower part of the Cemetery, a bronze plate carries an epitaph which reads:
“When you go home tell them of us and say for your tomorrow, we gave our today”
Conclusion
Whether one is a history enthusiast, a passionate traveler, or just curious about our past. The fascinating world of Military Heritage Tourism has something rich to offer to all. There is a need to uncover the stories that have shaped our world. Military Heritage Tourism awaits a journey through history, remembrance, and discovery.
The deep connection between the military history of a country, its community and cultural heritage plays a crucial role, not only as a testimony to the past, but also as an essential driver of future. It is also a vital link in sustaining narratives and developing a sense of patriotism and nationalism.
A large number of domestic and foreign tourists are deeply interested in exploring and commemorating our nation’s military triumphs and historic events. Military heritage tourism will undoubtedly attract these individuals who have a love for history, military affairs, & adventure.
The vast avenues available will also open doors for a variety of business opportunities built around these border areas and military sites creating avenues for new career opportunities for the local population and better facilities for the tourist. However, this requires a planned approach to ensure the sanctity of the place and avoid environmental hazards and other malpractices that discourages the development of the same.
Opting for military heritage tourism means embarking on a journey that enriches the understanding of the past, supports the preservation of history, and offers unique and memorable experiences. It’s a way to connect with the stories and sacrifices that have shaped the world we live in today. There is no doubt that measures being taken to enhance and promote the country’s military and historical heritage are steps in the right direction.