The Maratha Light Infantry Band at the Rashtrapati Bhavan

The Maratha Light Infantry Band is one of the oldest amongst the Indian Army Bands. The band has performed several honourable duties within and outside the country, viz at Rashtrapathi Bhavan, at the various formation head quarters, National functions and with United Nations Emergency Force at Ghaza.

The Regimental Band stood upto its reputation as one of the finest bands during the colour presentation parades in the year 1968, 1980, 1986 and 1990. In 1979 the Band was adjudged as the Best Band in the Southern Command. The band also bagged the COAS Best Band Trophy in 1981 and 1995. The Band is equipped with Silver instruments.

In 1972 the then Band Master, Subedar Alex James on retirement left for Oman where he was a Music Instructor and composer. A few other band masters of this regiment have served as music instructors at Army School of Music, Pachmarhi. The band is presently conducted by Subedar Uttam Karanjwane and Subedar Shrikant Killekar.

The Maratha Sphurti Geet was written by the well known marathi poet, Gajanan Digambar Madgulkar. It was arranged for the military band, by Subedar Alex James.

English Translation

We Marathas are true men, The enemy dreads us, To protect the Nation and uphold our faith, We never hesitate to fight. We always surge forward Like a gale, And charge thundering and roaring "JAI SHIVAJI" - our war cry. A Maratha never withdraws From the battle field, And kills ten, before he falls. To Indus and beyond Our bayonets flashed bare, How can we retrace. The steps that took us there. Dhanaji and Baji, our heroes of Yesteryears Inspire us to charge ahead, The Drums roar and beckon us to rise. The victory cry echoes all over, And like our forefathers, We are invincible in war. We pounce on the enemy like a tiger, Even the Death is afraid of us Oh 'Bharat' we consider you as our God, And follow this as the only religion of Marathas. We maintain our great traditions by sprinkling Our blood to keep the Motherland pure Even if we die on this soil, Our brave deed will remain.

The Regimental March Pasts

Regimental marching tune is called 'SINHGARH' to commemorate the famous battle of Kondana where one of the ablest of Shivaji's Lieutenants Tanaji Malusare died while capturing this impregnable fort. When Shivaji heard about the death of Tanaji, he exclaimed "Garh Ala Pan Sinh Gela". ( The fort is captured but the Lion is dead). Kondana was thus renamed Sinhgarh. This is a special tune respected by standing in 'Savadhan' (attention) when it is played. The tune was composed and arranged by Subedar AP James.

Another quick march of the Regiment is 'GARY OWEN'. This tune was played as the Quick March until 1967. It is still played by ten battalions of the Maratha Light Infantry.