K. M. Cariappa Biography: K.M. Cariappa, affectionately known as Kipper, is a symbol of perseverance and unwavering patriotism. He personifies strength! With a military career spanning more than three decades and selfless service to the nation until his demise, he is a “seen it all, done it all” man. He managed the chaos of world wars, the partition of the country, the wars of 1965 and 1971, and numerous missions outside the country with an unnerving demeanour and unyielding spirit. Despite receiving numerous promotions and accolades, he remained a man of the ground and upheld his principles of secularism and patriotism until his last breath.
K. M. Cariappa Biography
Early Years
Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, also known as Chimma, was born on January 28, 1899 in British-administered Shanivarsanthe, Coorg (present-day Kodagu in the state of Karnataka). His father, Kodandera Madappa, a revenue official, raised Chimma and his three siblings and two sisters with strict but affectionate discipline. Despite losing his parents at a young age, Chimma maintained a firm and determined outlook on life.
It was his father’s discipline that he carried into his formal education at Central High School in Madikeri, where he was fortunate enough to be taught by qualified British instructors. He even learned the importance of appropriate behaviour and impeccable appearance. He continued his education at the Madras Presidency College. As a student, Chimma excelled at cricket and hockey, possessed an aptitude for deft hand manoeuvres, and had a passion for music. During his time at Presidency College, he was chosen as a class I army officer by outsmarting the British officers and captivating the Commissioner during the interview phase. Even then, Chimma’s commitment to serve the nation was evident.
Career
Cariappa’s association with the army did not commence with his enlistment in the Indian army, as India was still in the pre-independence period. In 1919, he was appointed as a temporary second lieutenant in the Carnatic Infantry of the King’s Commissioned Indian Officers (KCIO) at Mumbai. Later in 1922, he was promoted to Permanent Second Lieutenant, and in 1923, he was promoted to Lieutenant. Captain in 1927, Major in 1938, and staff captain the following year; between promotions, Cariappa served with 37 Dogra in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) and was later posted to 2nd Queen Victoria’s Own Rajput Light Infantry, his permanent residence. Cariappa was the first Indian officer to complete the course at Quetta’s staff college in 1933.
Cariappa had served in Iraq, Iran, Syria, Burma, and Japan prior to Indian independence, both under orders and voluntarily, and was appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire. He was promoted to Brigadier of the Frontier Brigade Group in 1946, during which time Colonel Ayub Khan (who would later become Field Marshal and President of Pakistan) served under his command. In 1947, he studied “higher directions of war” at the Imperial Defence College in Camberly, United Kingdom. He was the first Indian chosen for this programme. As an Indian Officer in command of a situation as tense as it could get, partition, he handled the division of the Indian Army and the distribution of its assets between the two bitterly divided countries in an orderly, peaceful, and unruffled manner.
In 1948, following India’s independence, Cariappa was designated as the Deputy Chief of the General Staff with the rank of major general. Upon promotion to Lieutenant General, he assumed command of the Eastern Army.
Personal Life
Cariappa was married to Muthu Machia, the daughter of a forest officer, in March 1937 in Secunderabad. Their marriage initially flourished but eventually failed due to a nearly 17-year age difference, ideological differences, and Cariappa’s professional obligations. In September 1945, the couple split without obtaining a divorce. After three years, Muthu perished in an accident.
Cariappa and Muthu had a daughter and a son. Their son K.C. was born on 4 January 1938, and their daughter Nalini was born on 23 February 1948. Their son “Nanda” joined the Indian Air Force and attained the rank of Air Marshal.
Lieutenant general Biddanda Chengappa Nanda, the son of his sister Bollava, had a distinguished career in the Indian Army and retired as GOC-in-C Northern Command.
Death
Cariappa settled in his peaceful home, Roshanara, in Madikeri, Kodagu, amidst the natural serenity and verdant surroundings, where he educated people on a variety of vital issues, following his public service. Cariappa died peacefully on May 15, 1993, at the age of 94, closing one of the grandest chapters in Indian history.
