Nehru wanted to appoint a British as The Head of Indian Army at eve of Independence.

What stopped him & How Field Marshal Cariappa became the First General of Indian Army.

How was Independent India's Suzerainty Saved!

A story very few know, Lets dive in!

Lt. Gen Nathu Singh Rathore was born in Princely State of Dungarpur to descendants of Rathore Jaimal who fought Akbar under the Banner of Maharana Pratap.

He was educated at Mayo College & Royal Military College Sandhurst & Staff College Chamberley.
After serving with Mewar Army, he went on to join 1/7 Rajput Regiment of Independent Indian Army. He had served in Afghanistan, Burma, Deccan & various other expeditions with distinction.
Soon after independence from British rule in 1947, Nehru called a meeting of senior Army Officers to select the first General for the Independent Indian Army.

Present was Lt. Gen Nathu Singh Rathore & many other Military & Ministerial Men.
Nehru in his Victorian English proposed, "I think we should appoint a British Officer as General of Independent Indian Army as we don't have enough experience to lead."

Lt. Gen Nathu Singh Rathore, asked for permission to speak to the meeting & Nehru on this.
Lt. Gen Nathu Singh Rathore said, "You see, sir, we don't have enough experience to lead a nation too so shouldn't we appoint a British person as the first Prime Minister of India?"

You could hear a pin drop silence in the room.
After a pause, Nehru asked Lt. Gen Rathore, "Are 'You' ready to be the General of The Indian Army?"
Rathore in all his chivalry declined the offer saying "Sir, we have a very talented army officer, my senior General Cariappa, who is the most deserving among us."
His son Rear Admiral Ran Vijay Singh joined & served Indian Navy.

He passed away on 5 November 1994. He has been forgotten by the normal civilians today, I hope he is remembered in the Army he served.

At his cremation Police presented Final Arms to him, though I doubt this.
Govt. Of India & Majority of Citizenry may forget soilders, Indian Army & Few People will never.

I tried but couldnt find any Gazette Notifications, Official Condolences, etc.

A book written by V K Singh mentions him
https://t.co/PTfm7uNSeK
Two Links might help you with the understanding on subject of Lt. Gen Nathu Singh Rathore.

https://t.co/ROzgLSaagi

https://t.co/ixXF39W3HX
Ham bhi ban gaye @Maverickmusafir ab toh @LevinaNeythiri didi 🙃

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