MCQ Detailed View

General Maharaja Rajendra Singhji Jadeja was the first Indian to be designated as the Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army. He took over this post in January 1955, succeeding General K.M. Cariappa, who was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief but retired before the title was officially changed to “Chief of Army Staff.” This change in designation was part of India’s effort to reorganize and modernize the military structure after independence.

Born in 1899 in the princely state of Rajkot (now in Gujarat), Rajendra Singhji belonged to a royal family and had a distinguished career in the armed forces. He was commissioned into the cavalry arm of the British Indian Army in the early 1920s and served in various capacities, including during World War II.

As Chief of Army Staff, General Rajendra Singhji oversaw the Indian Army during an important period of consolidation and development. He worked on expanding the army’s capabilities, strengthening training programs, and ensuring the smooth integration of diverse units. His leadership helped lay a solid foundation for the army’s structure in the decades that followed.

General Singhji retired from service in 1957 after more than three decades of dedicated duty. His contribution is remembered not only for his administrative leadership but also for his role in guiding the army through a time of transition from colonial legacy to an independent national defense system.

Although his name is sometimes overshadowed by other military leaders, his position as the first official Chief of Army Staff is an important part of India’s post-independence military history.

Key Points:

• 
  

  Full Name: General Maharaja Rajendra Singhji Jadeja

  
  


• 
  

  Born: 1899, Rajkot, Gujarat, India

  
  


• 
  

  Position: First Chief of Army Staff (designation introduced in 1955)

  
  


• 
  

  Took Office: January 1955

  
  


• 
  

  Predecessor: General K.M. Cariappa (last Commander-in-Chief)

  
  


• 
  

  Retired: 1957

  
  


• 
  

  Legacy: Guided Indian Army during early post-independence modernization