MHOW, a tiny town located 23 kilometers from Indore. Its importance is immense considering its small size. Each part of the MHOW breathes history. This acronym stands for Military Headquarter Of War, and it has been an integral part of British Indian army since the Raj.
British arrived in MHOW in response to the Maratha III war in which Holkar and allies were defeated at Mahidpur 1817 by the British under Sir Thomas Hislop. After the Treaty of Mandsaur was signed, the Hollers had to relocate their capital to Indore (from Maheshwar), while British troops were permitted to establish a garrison at MHOW.
In 1818, Sir John Malcolm (a Scot) founded this cantonment town as a result of an agreement between the English Holkars and the English. John Malcolm had also served under Hislop at Mahidpur. MHOW served all of central India and was an important British station. MHOW was the location of the 5th division of the Southern Army during the Raj.
MHOW was a significant railway division under the British Raj. But after independence, stock and facilities were moved to Ratlam & Ajmer. Its importance for the Indian Army has increased tremendously as it is now one of the largest training centres of the Indian Army. Indian Army’s most prominent institutions include the Army war college, School of Infantry, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering and School of Infantry. MHOW also boasts a Military club with an 18-hole golf course, which is a nod to the British.
MHOW is home to the infantry, and army officers consider it a privilege for them to take a course there. The army Training Command, which was established at MHOW in the past before being moved to Shimla was set up.
MHOW is known for its pleasant climate. A visit can make it a memorable holiday. From all the major Indian Metros, you can fly to Indore. You can also take a taxi from Indore or a local train which runs between MHOW-Indore.
MHOW was created in tribute to the British raj. It is rooted in Raj. The Indian army gratefully took over British facilities and has put them to use. Let’s hope it keeps that way.