The Indian Army originated from the armies of the East India Company. In due course, it became the British Indian Army and then the armies of the princely states. Later in 1895, the armies of Bengal, Bombay, and Madras presidencies combined to form a unified Indian Army.
Over 1.5 million soldiers from India participated in the First World War. Around 82 thousand lost their lives in the war, and India Gate was built in memory of their martyrdom.