Jaswant Garh War Memorial
Jaswant Garh is a famous tourist attraction in Arunachal Pradesh and it is widely visited all year round. Jaswant Garh was famously known as Jaswantgarh War Memorial and this memorial is a garland in honor of the late Jaswant Singh Rawat. He was an Indian rifleman of 4 Garhwal Rifles, Uttarakhand, and for his bravery; Jaswant Rawat was honored by a memorial at the post where he fought the Chinese army. Today, you can notice Jaswant Garh flocking with visitors from different states. This is a major tourist attraction to visit in Arunachal Pradesh.
Jaswant Garh is located about 25 kilometers from Tawang in Nuranang district. This must-visit place sits at an altitude of about 10,000 feet and an interesting feature is that it has a temple-like structure is dotted with the camouflage pattern all over the memorial. However, today you will find all the Garhwal Rifles deployed on the Indian western borders but an interesting fact about this memorial is that you can notice at least few personnel here, taking care of Jaswant Garh (Rawat). You can make a day out of it by simply visiting the attraction and snacking along with various quick foods to keep you warm during cold weather. This popular tourist destination serves tea/coffee along with delicious samosas and pakoras to refresh the tourists.
The popular but erroneous legend about Jaswant runs as follows: orders came for the 4 Garhwal rifles to retreat from their position, but Rifleman Jaswant Singh remained at his post and repulsed Chinese troops for three days. Some magazines have reported that Jaswant Singh was assisted by two Monpa girls, Sela and Nura, while some others say that the village lady was Boomla. But unfortunately, these are the names of mountain passes and were used many centuries before the war. "Sela" means 'edge of the mountain' (se= edge, la= mountain); "nuranang" means 'herd valley', and "bumla" means 'bowl mountain'. Jaswant Singh placed weapons at various places in such a manner that the Chinese were made to believe that the post had many soldiers. But the Chinese after three days learned that only one man guarded the post. The infuriated Chinese attacked from behind and front and killed Jaswant Singh with a shot to the head.
According to legend, he killed more than 150 Chinese soldiers in the battle. The Chinese were so irate that they cut off his head and took it back to China. After the ceasefire, impressed by the soldier's bravery, the Chinese returned the head along with a brass bust of Jaswant Singh.
Jaswant Rawat has been elevated by locals to a Holy Baba, who keeps vigil over the area and protects the region. A shrine and a memorial have been made at the place where he fought and the place is fondly called Jaswant Garh. All Indian Army personnel passing by this route from General to a Jawan pay their respects here. Jaswant is treated as if he is alive, his boots shined, linen washed, and towels changed.
Soldiers who polish his shoes claim that they are often found covered with mud, a sign that he has been walking around at night. The legend goes that convoys in blizzards have seen Jaswant directing the vehicles through the serpentine bends. He continues to receive his promotions on time even after his death. He even gets letters from people seeking his blessings and helps with all types of problems.
