{"id":161,"date":"2026-01-10T13:51:45","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T08:21:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trunkstory.com\/?p=161"},"modified":"2026-01-12T10:36:46","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T05:06:46","slug":"company-havildar-major-piru-singh-shekhawat-pvc-the-hero-of-tithwal-1948","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trunkstory.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/10\/company-havildar-major-piru-singh-shekhawat-pvc-the-hero-of-tithwal-1948\/","title":{"rendered":"Company Havildar Major Piru Singh Shekhawat, PVC – The Hero of Tithwal, 1948"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the early days of India\u2019s independence, as the new nation struggled to integrate disparate regions and establish its political unity, the Indian Army was called upon not only to maintain internal security but also to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation. One of its earliest critical operations was the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947-48<\/strong>, which included fierce fighting along the border town of Tithwal in Jammu & Kashmir<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the many acts of gallantry during this turbulent period, the courage and sacrifice of Piru Singh Shekhawat<\/strong> stand out in Indian military history. His actions during the battle for a key position south of Tithwal earned him the Param Vir Chakra<\/strong> posthumously \u2014 the first person to be awarded this highest wartime gallantry honour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Historical Context: The Indo-Pakistan War (1947-48)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The conflict between India and Pakistan over the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir began soon after Partition in 1947. Following the accession of the Maharaja of Kashmir to India, tribal militias and irregular forces supported by Pakistan initiated an invasion into the state, prompting the Indian Army to intervene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The war, fought in extremely challenging terrain \u2014 including mountains, valleys, and narrow passes \u2014 was marked by uncertainty, supply difficulties, and harsh weather. One critical theatre of this campaign was around Tithwal<\/strong>, a town located north of the Kashmir Valley, where control of ridges and dominating heights influenced artillery and infantry movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was in this operational environment that Piru Singh\u2019s courage was put to the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Unit and Assignment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Piru Singh was serving with the 6th Battalion, Rajputana Rifles<\/strong>, one of the infantry battalions committed to the conflict. Infantry formations such as this were tasked with offensive and defensive missions on ground where mechanised support was minimal and engagements often occurred at close range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These units were often required to advance under heavy fire, clear enemy positions, and secure terrain that was both tactically significant and difficult to access. Such was the condition around Tithwal, where high ground and ridgelines dominated approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Battle for the Ridge, 18 July 1948<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The key engagement in which Piru Singh distinguished himself occurred on 18 July 1948<\/strong>, during an operation intended to dislodge entrenched enemy forces from a fortified ridgeline overlooking Indian positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the assault began, his company encountered fierce resistance from enemy positions protected by medium machine guns and rifle fire. This put the attacking infantry at a significant disadvantage, as the fire was coming from elevated and well-concealed positions, typical of defensive tactics in mountainous terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Act of Extraordinary Gallantry<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite being wounded in the initial onslaught, Piru Singh refused to withdraw or seek cover. Instead, he continued to press forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Showing exceptional determination:<\/p>\n\n\n\n