The Role and Legacy of Indian Troops in World War I

This paper investigates the pivotal yet often overlooked role of Indian soldiers in World War I, emphasizing their contributions, lived experiences, and the long-term socio-political implications of their involvement. Over 1.3 million Indian troops served in various theaters of war—from the Western Front to Mesopotamia—demonstrating extraordinary valor under harsh conditions. Despite their substantial participation and sacrifices, Indian soldiers have been marginalized in mainstream global historiography. Using a combination of primary sources, including wartime letters, military archives, and recent scholarly analyses, this study explores the conditions these soldiers faced, their motivations for enlistment, and the impact of their wartime experiences on India's political awakening. The paper further examines how colonial attitudes shaped the inadequate recognition and limited commemoration they received post-war. By highlighting the erasure of Indian narratives from dominant war histories, this research calls for a critical reassessment of India’s place in the global memory of World War I and broader imperial conflicts.