Alwar's role in Second World War and Israel - Palestine conflict

Historian Dr Phool Singh Saharia had a special conversation with ETV Bharat regarding the role of Alwar in the battles that took place between World War II and the 1947 Israel-Palestine conflict.

Alwar:For the past 70 years, Israel and Palestine have been in constant conflict for various issues including the raging dispute over Gaza Strip. Recently, the missile strike between the two countries intensified, which lasted for many days before they reached a truce. It is the time when the whole world is struggling with the menace of coronavirus. In such a situation, there was a sigh of relief when the ceasefire between the countries became a reality but only after pressure and intervention from the US and Russia. Alwar, a town in Rajasthan, has special importance in this 70 years old conflict between countries.

It is said that before 1947, the soldiers of the princely state of Alwar had participated in the Second World War. During this time, fighter ships, rifles, ammunition and other important items were made available for the war on behalf of the princely state of Alwar. The soldiers were sent to the war. During this time, several programmes were also organized in the princely state of Alwar to raise funds.

Historian Dr Phool Singh Saharia had a special conversation with ETV Bharat regarding the role of Alwar in the wars that took place between World War II and 1947.

Dr Phool Singh Saharia has presented 35 national and international research papers so far and more than a dozen of his books have also been published on international issues related to Alwar. Dr Phool Singh said that the dispute between Israel and Palestine is several decades old. He said that the princely state of Alwar was under British rule. During this time, according to the treaty with the British, the soldiers of the princely state of Alwar fought wars with many countries. Referring to old records and published newspapers and research works, he said that the imperial Indian artillery of Hong Kong and Singapore had grounded many Italian airplanes in their attacks.

Dr Saharia said the German Air Force also attacked London. At least 400 people were killed in this attack, while around 1400 were left injured. In early July 1940, India sent ammunition, which was worth Rs 7 crore 50 lakh at that time. Two lakh of all types of shells, 600 rifles and one lakh 10 thousand sacks of ammunition were sent.

In addition, 95 wave increment sets, 39,00,000 blankets, 9,00,000 Khaki jeans and 17,000 cots were also sent. During that time, many programs were held in the princely state of Alwar to collect funds.

Dr Saharia said that the Washington Star Post reported that America will also be involved in the World War on behalf of its allies. During this time a treaty was inked with Japan and Germany.

It was also published in the newspaper that Hitler was thinking of invading Russia in 1941. It was reported that 7,000 Italians have been imprisoned by the US and western forces. On November 29, 1941 the British Post destroyed 11 German aircrafts. In the western desert of Egypt, there was a lot of enthusiasm among the soldiers of the Indian army. By the end of September 1940, orders for goods worth Rs 56 crore 50 lakh for civil and military had been placed by the two procurement agencies of the Supply Department.

He said that in total, 1,08,000 contracts had been awarded to the countries part of the British Empire and other countries, which were not part of the empire, for the troops protecting Iraq, Egypt and India within the first 14 months of the war.

Combat aircraft were also given from the state of Alwar. The first training school for flying was opened in Ambala Cantonment. After that, training was given in Lahore. 74 Indian officers were admitted to primary training school in Lahore, out of which 15 were Muslims.

During the debate in the Central Assembly, the Congress members said that no one wants Germany's rule. After that, 16,000 Italian prisoners were brought to India. During World War II, the British forces captured the capital of Eritrea,Asmara.

During that time, 5000 Italian soldiers had surrendered before the British troops. The princely state of Alwar also gave its support. The war started on July 9, 1940, and during that time an amount of Rs 2,36,096 was collected in three months and 10 days on the orders of the king of the princely state of Alwar. Rs 3,50,157 had been transported till March 31, 1941.

On October 19, 1940, a general meeting of the War Purpose State Committee was held under the chairmanship of Alwar Maharaj in which Rs 1,40,000 was given to Great Britain to prepare a navy ship. Jawans were provided for a motor transport unit of the Indian Army. Under this, 106 people were sent in the beginning.

On 11 November 1940, a letter was sent to Sawai Maharaja Alwar Range in which thanks were conveyed for the leave of November 6. Funds collected by the Central Alwar War Committee will be used. A library was established in Alwar Town Hall, Rajgarh, Tijara, and Alwar to collect funds. Several tournaments were organized with the printing of war news along with the Alwar state gazette.

On Israel - Palestine conflict, Professor Phool Singh Saharia said that there have been disputes between the two countries over border occupation for several years.

In such a situation, other countries of the world also want peace between these two countries. The continuous bombing is killing the civilians during the attacks. He said that the princely state of Alwar has been very important since the beginning. The soldiers of the Alwar princely state of Rajasthan have taken part in most of the wars in the world. Other goods including ammunition funds were made available by the princely state of Alwar. Women have also played an important role in the princely state of Alwar. From time to time, women supported through awareness programmes and they also played an important role in fundraising.