The Rajasthan Front was a military theatre of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The campaign saw the Pakistan Rangers, accompanied by the Hurs tribal warriors, raid and capture numerous Indian positions and fortifications along the border between Sindh and Rajasthan. The campaign was a success for Pakistan with 500-1200 square kilometers of Indian territory captured, comprising the bulk of Pakistan's territorial advances during the war.

Background 
The initial stages of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 were confined to the disputed region of Kashmir. Although India saw initial success battling Pakistani-supported guerillas in Kashmir in late-August, the situation changed on 1 September when the Pakistan Army launched Operation Grand Slam, a large offensive with the aim of capturing crucial locations in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK). India subsequently suffered heavy losses; at the Battle of Chumb, their only tank battalion in the whole area was wiped out. In order to relieve pressure in the region, India crossed the international border in Punjab on 6 September. This led to the escalation of the war to other fronts, such as Rajasthan and Sialkot.

The Hurs 
The main tribe living in the border areas of Sindh are the Hurs. They had rebelled against the British in the Second World War, and had experience fighting in the terrain. This made them a crucial asset for Pakistan in the campaign. Their desert warfare and survival skills were far superior to those of the Indian Army. Thousands of Hurs volunteered to fight for Pakistan, commanded by Faqir Jamal Mangrio. Due to financial constraints, they could only be given basic training and weaponry, but they proved to be the most effective unit in the campaign nonetheless. Together with the Pakistan Rangers they formed the 'Desert Force' of the 1965 war. The capture of numerous fortresses and outpost by the Hurs is regarded as one of the finest examples of use of local militia in South Asia.

Pakistani Offensive 
Hostilities in Rajasthan began on 8 September 1965, with the Pakistan Desert Force carrying out raids on Indian border posts. The Hurs were utilized as light infantry and skirmishers, a task which they carried out on camel-back. Although India's war efforts were focused on northern Punjab, they had left some forces in Rajasthan with the aim of launching desert offensives. However, Pakistani-Hur operations forced India to be on the defensive throughout September right up till the ceasefire.

Several major engagements occurred during the campaign:

Siege of Kishangarh 

Kishangarh Fort (not to be confused with the historic fortress of the same name) was a key Indian fortress located 11 kilometers from the border with Pakistan. It was situated along the only road which linked Rajasthan to the Pakistani city of Rahim Yar Khan. On 8 September, the first major incursion by Pakistan was launched and Kishangarh was besieged. After 10 days of fighting, the garrison surrendered and the fortress was captured on September 18.

Capture of Munabao Station 
Further south, the Desert Force launched a new attack on September 10. Munabao, station was shelled by Pakistan's 14th Artillery Regiment. Brigadier K. M. Azhar Khan and his forces of 18th Punjab regiment had captured the station by mid-day 11 September.

Gadra skirmishes 
On 11 September, small skirmishes were reported near the Pakistani border village of Gadra. Retaliatory raids were launched by the Desert Force on the town of Gadra Road on the Indian side, where a railway station was located. A skirmish on 14 September resulted in the capture of an entire Indian platoon, with 36 captured including 1 officer.

Attacks on Rohera and Panchla 
Following the success at Munabao, Brig. Azhar Khan ordered further attacks on the nearby Indian posts of Rohera and Panchla. The attacks were successful and the positions were captured on 12 and 13 September respectively. Together with Munabao they formed a chain of Indian positions occupied by Pakistan.

Capture of Ghotaro Fort 
Ghotaro fort was another key Indian fortification located around 20 kilometers inside Indian territory. The fortress was attacked and captured by Pakistan on 22 September. Five other Indian army posts (Bhutewala, Malesar, Rai Chandwala, Bulli Kallan and Kala Dhar Toba) had been captured by 23 September.

Indian Counterattack 
India was largely on the defensive throughout the Rajasthan campaign, save for minor raids early on which were repelled by Hurs. The only significant Indian counterattack in this sector of the war was launched on 21 September towards the Pakistani village of Dali, about 13 kilometers from the border.

Battle of Dali 

The counterattack consisted of elements of the Maratha regiment along with 17th Madras and a tank troop (consisting of 3 tanks). The initial engagement lasted several hours and India ended up capturing the village with some losses. The outnumbered Pakistani unit defending Dali retreated to the nearby town of Khinsar. When news of the attack reached Brigadier Azhar Khan, he turned 18 Punjab Reg. around from Munabao and launched a counterattack to reclaim Dali from the north. This move was a success and Dali was liberated on 22 September, with as many as 97 Indian soldiers killed and 180 more captured including at least 7 officers. All 3 Indian tanks involved in the battle were captured in working condition.

Ceasefire and aftermath 
23 September saw only minor clashes in the region. The ceasefire was signed by India and Pakistan, bringing an end to hostilities across all fronts and subsequently the Rajasthan campaign drew to a close. It is generally regarded as a major Pakistani victory in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

Casualties and Losses 
According to Pakistani sources, between 8 and 19 September, at least 150-200 Indian soldiers were killed and 57 captured (36 in the skirmish near Gadra on 14 September and 21 in other encounters). Another 97 Indian soldiers were killed and 180 captured in Dali on 22 September. This makes India's total losses 250-300 killed and upwards of 237 captured, as well as 3 tanks captured. Pakistan's losses were minimal.

References 

Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
Battles of Indo-Pakistani wars
Battles in 1965
Battles involving Pakistan
Battles involving India
Military history of Pakistan