INDIAN ARMY The Indian Army is the land-based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces . The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Army, [4] and its professional head is the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who is a four-star general . Two officers have been conferred with the rank of field marshal , a five-star rank , which is a ceremonial position of great honour. The Indian Army originated from the armies of the East India Company , which eventually became the British Indian Army , and the armies of the princely states, which were merged into the national army after independence . The units and regiments of the Indian Army have diverse histories and have participated in a number of battles and campaigns around the world, earning many battle and theatre honours before and after Independence. [5] Indian Army Crest of the Indian Army Founded 1 April 1895 ; 125 years ago Country India Type Army Role Land warfare Size 1,237,117 a
