Hanut Singh Rathore (born 6 July 1933) also referred as Hanut Singh (not to be confused with Maharaja Hanut Singhji of Jodhpur) to Lt.Col.Arjun Singhji of Jasol is a former Lt. General of Indian army. He was decorated with the Mahavir Chakra for his role in the battle of Basantar in 1971 war. [1]
In Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 then Lieutenant Colonel Hanut Singh commanded the 47 Infantry Brigade which was deployed to establish a bridgehead across the river Basantar in the Shakargarh sector and to extend support to the infantry battalions. On the 16th December 1971 the Lt. Colonel led his forces across the heavily mined river to successfully take position before advance by the infantry battalions. Pakistanis made repeated attacks to dislodge the Indians. However colonel displayed remarkable courage and leadership and moved from one threatened sector to the other and inspired his men to repulse the armour attack. His unit destroyed 48 Pakistani tanks in the battle. He is also known as the 'Hero of Battle of Basantar'
Hanut Singh is the elder brother of former Finance minister of India Jaswant Singh.He was born in Jasol village in Rajasthan. He retired as Lt. General.
Leadership in the Indian Army (Biographies of Twelve Soldiers) by Maj. Gen. V.K.Singh, Sage Publications India Pvt.Ltd.