Haifa has officially rewritten its school curriculum to credit Indian cavalry units for the 1918 victory over Ottoman forces, correcting a century‑long narrative that had credited only British troops. In a move that reverberates across the Middle East and South Asia, the city’s municipal council announced on September 23 that the Indian soldiers who rode into battle on horseback will now be named in textbooks, memorials, and civic ceremonies.
Background and Context
For decades, the story taught in Haifa’s schools was that the British and Allied forces alone liberated the port city from Ottoman rule. That narrative, rooted in colonial archives, omitted the crucial role played by the Jodhpur, Mysore, and Hyderabad regiments of the Indian Army. The omission was not accidental; it reflected a broader pattern of colonial erasure that has left many non‑European contributions invisible in official histories.
In recent years, India and Israel have deepened ties across defence, technology, and trade. The correction comes at a time when both nations are reassessing shared histories and seeking to honour mutual sacrifices. By acknowledging the Indian cavalry’s role, Haifa is not only rectifying a historical oversight but also strengthening diplomatic goodwill.
Key Developments
On September 23, 2025, Haifa’s municipal authorities approved a comprehensive curriculum overhaul. The new syllabus now:
- Names Commander Dalpat Singh Shekhawat and his cavalrymen as the primary actors in the 1918 assault.
- Includes detailed accounts of the charge on September 23, 1918, when the Indian units breached Ottoman defenses and secured the city.
- Replaces generic references to “British forces” with specific mentions of the Indian regiments.
- Introduces a new plaque at the Teen Murti Haifa Chowk, featuring statues of the three regiments that fought in Haifa.
- Adds a section on the burial sites of Indian soldiers in Haifa’s war graves, complete with photographs and names.
Mayor Yona Yahav emphasized that the change is “historical and moral.” He said, “For many years, the narrative relied on official British sources that obscured the contributions of non‑British units. It is our responsibility to correct that blind spot.”
In addition to textbooks, the city plans to host annual memorial ceremonies on Haifa Day, inviting Indian veterans’ families and diplomatic delegations. The mayor also announced a partnership with the Indian High Commission to document and preserve the stories of the soldiers who fought in 1918.
Impact Analysis
For students in Haifa, the revision offers a more accurate and inclusive understanding of their city’s past. “Knowing that Indian cavalrymen were the ones who rode into battle changes how we view our heritage,” said 16‑year‑old student Maya Cohen. “It makes history feel real and connected to people who were not just distant allies.”
For Indian families, the acknowledgment provides closure and recognition. “My great‑grandfather served in the Jodhpur regiment and died in Haifa,” said Ramesh Patel, a Delhi resident. “Seeing his name in Haifa’s history books is a powerful reminder that our sacrifices mattered.”
On a broader scale, the correction may influence how other former colonies view their wartime contributions. By setting a precedent, Haifa could inspire similar revisions in other cities that have long overlooked non‑European soldiers.
Expert Insights and Practical Guidance
Military historian Squadron Leader (Retd.) Rana Tej Pratap Singh Chhina notes that the omission was part of a systemic pattern. “In the Mesopotamian campaign, 70% of the forces were Indian; in Palestine, more than 50% were Indian. Yet official histories often foreground imperial command rather than the soldiers on the ground.”
Education specialist Dr. Leila Ben‑Amor advises teachers to incorporate primary sources into lessons. “Use diaries, military dispatches, and photographs from the 1918 campaign,” she suggests. “Let students analyze the language used in British reports versus Indian accounts to understand bias.”
For students and educators looking to deepen their knowledge, the following resources are recommended:
- “The Indian Army in World War I” – a comprehensive book detailing the contributions of Indian regiments.
- Haifa’s War Graves Registry – an online database of Indian soldiers buried in the city.
- India‑Israel Defence Cooperation Forum – a platform for sharing historical research and contemporary defence collaboration.
Parents and students can also engage with local museums that have begun to curate exhibits on the 1918 battle, featuring artifacts such as sabers, uniforms, and letters from soldiers.
Looking Ahead
Haifa’s revision is just the first step. The city plans to extend the initiative to other historical sites where Indian soldiers fought, ensuring that their names appear on plaques, in museum displays, and in public commemorations. The mayor hinted at a future “Indian Cavalry Heritage Trail” that would link battle sites, memorials, and educational centers.
Diplomatically, the move could pave the way for joint commemorations between India and Israel. “We are already discussing a joint ceremony on the 110th anniversary of the Haifa victory,” said Ambassador R. K. Sharma of India. “It will be a symbol of shared history and mutual respect.”
In the academic sphere, historians are encouraged to revisit colonial archives with a critical lens, seeking out overlooked narratives. The correction in Haifa may serve as a catalyst for similar projects worldwide, ensuring that the sacrifices of soldiers from all backgrounds are duly recorded.
For students, the updated curriculum offers a richer, more nuanced view of history that acknowledges the complexity of wartime alliances and the diverse actors who shaped the modern Middle East.
As Haifa moves forward, the city’s commitment to truth and remembrance sets a powerful example for how societies can confront past erasures and honor those who fought for freedom.
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