The Cavalry Tank Museum in Ahmednagar houses 48 tanks, self-propelled guns, specialist vehicles and armoured cars which bear witness to the wars fought the world over.
Army tanks bear a testimony to history. But what purpose would history serve if it cannot be shared with enthusiasts?
The Cavalry Tank Museum in Ahmednagar addresses this point to share the glorious history and interesting tidbits about tanks which play an important role in the country’s security.
The museum, one of its kinds in Asia, houses some of the rare tanks used in wars world over during different periods. The armoured vehicle was first designed by the British. The tank made its first appearance at the Battle of Somme in 1916.
The museum established by Armoured Corps Centre and School, Ahmednagar, was inaugurated by former Army Chief (late) Gen BC Joshi in 1994. The 48 tanks, self-propelled guns, specialist vehicles and armoured cars standing amid the scenic beauty silently narrate the tales of battles and wars.
The evolution and history of tanks unfolds as one takes the beautiful entrance with trees on both sides. Descriptive boards inform the visitor about each tank as one moves around. The armoured corps was incepted during World War I to replace horse cavalry with armoured vehicles for more mobility of the battlefield to overcome the strategic trench warfare.
It was in the 19th century that the tanks underwent vital changes for bitter warfare. The simple models were later developed by replacing wheels with tracks and equipped with a mounted gun for fire.
Many of the tanks captured during World War II are on display. These are mainly Japanese and German tanks. Pakistani tanks which took part in India- Pakistan wars in 1965 and 1971 are also
exhibited.
Rolls Royce, a prized asset of the museum placed at the outset, welcomes the visitor. It is the oldest tank in the museum which was made in 1914 and has seen World War I and II. It was the most successful armoured car weighing 3,861 kg and was powered by water-cooled petrol engine.
It saw action in France, Egypt, East Africa, Russia, guerrilla warfare in Arabia and was later used for internal security duties in India in 1945. A model belonging to this class of armoured cars was used by General Dwyer during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
History researcher from Ahmednagar Bhushan Deshmukh told DNA, “Ahmednagar was a strategic location for the museum as the city was a centre of military activities since the time of the Mughals. Many tanks used in various wars were made here.”
One of these called Vijayanta is exhibited here.
It was important during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. ‘Amphibious’ tanks like Sea Lion can be seen at the museum which could be used on land and in water. It was originally called Sherman Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle which could work in up to 9 ft of water.
Besides war tanks there are specialised tanks which were developed for aircrew recovery, bridge laying and mine detonation. The mine-detonating tank displayed at the museum has a revolving drum with heavy chains which detonated the mines laid by the enemy for the troops and made their passing safe.
The memorabilia of the cavalry is displayed in two memory rooms. The tales of the heroes of Armoured Corps in the Heroes’ Gallery makes one feel proud of our army.
In the museum also stands Farah Bagh, an impressive monument with striking Persian features built in 16th century, which is worth visiting.
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