The Dogras
There is some little doubt about the derivation of the word “Dogra.” Some say it is derived from the Indian word “dogur” or “dugur,” meaning “hill” or “mountain,” and that the Dogra country is so called because the whole of it is more or less mountainous. Others maintain that the origin of the name is found in two Sanscrit words, “do,” meaning “two,” and “girath,” meaning “lake,” there being two small lakes of great beauty known as Man Sur and Sardin Sur. The first derivation is most probably the correct one, for it is a matter of history that the pioneer Rajputs, who left the plains to make their home in the hills to found the Dogra principalities, styled themselves Dogras, or Hillmen, as distinguished from men of the plains.
The district of Dogra lies between the rivers Chenab and Sutlej, including all the hills and valleys on the slopes of the Western Himalayas.
The Dogra is a shy, reserved man, with considerable strength of character. He may not be so brilliant as the Pathan, nor so tenacious and subtle as the Gurkha, but he has a high idea of honour, is very self-respecting, and makes a capital soldier. Since he is always ready to cast aside his social prejudices he affords recruiting officers little trouble. The virtues of this solid, quiet, resolute, reliable man are seen in moments of peril, when, without any boasting or striking of attitudes, he will face certain death with a calm determination to do before he dies.
From the above description it will be gathered that the Dogra is simple-minded and generous, capable of the highest loyalty, and a complete stranger to anything like treachery or cruel barbarity. It is through the combination of all these qualities that the Dogras as a race have justly earned, and faithfully maintained, the reputation of being among the best fighting material to be found in India.
The Dogra’s physique is not so fine as that of the Pathan or Sikh. He is a man of average height, somewhat sparely built, with fine, sensitive features. His complexion is fair, though not as fair as that of the Todas.
The Dogras are very particular in all matters relating to food and drink. They are keen sportsmen, and in rifle-shooting they maintain a fair standard of excellence. Hawking and snaring birds are favourite pastimes among them, and even such games as tip-cat, leap-frog, and hop-scotch are not unknown to them.
This brave and loyal race were faithful to us during the Mutiny, and their services at the siege of Delhi were invaluable; but as early as 1849 their soldierly qualities had been recognised, for it was at that time that the Government enlisted great numbers of them in the Punjab Frontier Force. The reason of this lay chiefly in their military value, although it was at the same time evident that they would be useful to balance the influence of the Sikhs, who were still imbued with Khalsa traditions.
The 2nd Sikh Infantry, raised at Kangra in 1846, consisted entirely of Dogras. This was the regiment that ratified its loyalty by assisting to quell a rebellion of its own countrymen. Later, in the second Afghan war, this same regiment, the majority still being Dogras, fought gallantly at the battle of Ahmad Khel. Indeed, there was a moment in this battle when victory or defeat depended entirely on this regiment. At this critical juncture it behaved splendidly, and disaster was averted.
The Dogra Regiments, With Their Battle Honours
Company Regiments—Cavalry
It must be borne in mind that Company Regiments are those which contain squadrons or companies of different native classes. The following regiments of Indian Cavalry contain Dogras in the proportions given:
7th Hariana Lancers, one squadron.
9th Hodson’s Horse, half a squadron.
10th Duke of Cambridge’s Own Lancers (Hodson’s Horse), one squadron.
11th King Edward’s Own Lancers (Probyn’s Horse), one squadron.
12th Cavalry, one squadron.
13th Duke of Connaught’s Lancers (Watson’s Horse), one squadron.
16th Cavalry, one squadron.
19th Lancers (Fane’s Horse), half a squadron.
21st Prince Albert Victor’s Own Cavalry (Frontier Force) (Daly’s Horse), half a squadron.
23rd Cavalry (Frontier Force), half a squadron.
25th Cavalry (Frontier Force), one squadron.
Class Regiments—Infantry
37th Dogras. Raised 1858, disbanded 1882, re-formed 1887.
Comprises 8 companies of Dogras.
Battle Honours.—“Chitral,” “Punjab Frontier.”
Uniform.—Scarlet, facings yellow.
38th Dogras. Raised 1858.
Comprises 8 companies of Dogras.
Battle Honours.—“Punjab Frontier,” “Malakand.”
Uniform.—Scarlet, facings yellow.
41st Dogras. Raised 1900.
Comprises 8 companies of Dogras.
Uniform.—Scarlet, facings yellow.