World War Two: Recruitment for British Indian Army, Ramifications and Performance of Indian Army Units.

This article examines the response of the peasant classes of India, especially residents of north and north-west India, to the call for recruitment, prior to and especially during the Second World War. Amongst the issues assessed are the quantum of manpower recruited in some provinces as well as what factors motivated the recruits. In addition, there is a discussion of government efforts to support, expedite and enhance the numbers recruited. In view of the ongoing War, there were problems in the dispatch of manpower to the battle zones. Finally, due to the extremely hurried process and procedures, there were serious ramifications of the massive recruitment. This article also projects the excellent performance of the Indian units that took part in various battle zones during the duration of the War. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]