Brave Soldiers · Param Vir Chakra
Dhan Singh Thapa
Major · 1928 – 2005
He held Srijap-1 on the shores of Pangong Lake against repeated attacks in 1962.
In October 1962 Major Dhan Singh Thapa commanded the Srijap-1 post on the northern bank of Pangong Lake in Ladakh. His small force repulsed three attacks before being overrun. He was taken prisoner and, initially believed killed, returned after the war.
Early life and background
Born in Shimla, Dhan Singh Thapa was commissioned into the 1st Battalion, 8 Gorkha Rifles in 1949.
Historical context
During the 1962 war, Chinese forces advanced against Indian posts north of Pangong Lake, including Srijap and Yula.
Key achievements
Surrounded by a far larger force, Major Thapa and his men held Srijap-1 through heavy shelling and three assaults, inflicting heavy losses before the post was overrun.
Important events and milestones
- 1949 Commissioned into 1/8 Gorkha Rifles.
- 21 October 1962 Defence of Srijap-1; captured.
- 1962–63 Released after the war.
- 6 September 2005 Dies.
Awards and honours
Param Vir Chakra.
Later life
Thapa was taken prisoner and was initially believed to have been killed. He was released after the war, continued to serve, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He died in 2005.
Enduring legacy
He is honoured by the Gorkha regiments and at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
References
- Gallantry Awards portal, Ministry of Defence (opens in a new tab)
- Wikipedia — Dhan Singh Thapa (with cited sources) (opens in a new tab)
Portrait: Official portrait (painting) · Indian Army · GODL-India · Source (opens in a new tab) · Licence terms (opens in a new tab)
This account is compiled from the sources listed and is offered as a tribute, not as an official record. Corrections are welcome at connect@vedacloud.ai.