Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa (1899–1993) was a distinguished Indian military officer who became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on January 15, 1949, succeeding General Sir Roy Bucher.
Shanivarsanthe, Coorg Province (now Kodagu district), Karnataka, Cariappa joined the British Indian Army shortly after World War I. He was commissioned as a temporary first lieutenant into the 2/88 Carnatic Infantry and later transferred to the 1/7 Rajputs, which became his permanent regiment.
Cariappa was the first Indian military officer to attend the prestigious Staff College in Quetta, a significant achievement during the British colonial period.
He led Indian forces on the Western Front during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-48, playing a crucial role in the defense of Kashmir.
On January 15, 1949, Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, a landmark event in India’s post-independence military history.
In recognition of his exemplary service, he was conferred the rank of Field Marshal, becoming one of only two Indian Army officers to hold this five-star rank, the other being Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.
Field Marshal Cariappa is remembered for his leadership and commitment to the Indian Army during its formative years post-independence. His tenure set the foundation for the modernization and professionalization of the Indian military.
