Why Does the Madras Regiment Wear a Black Pom-Pom?

That small black woollen ball worn above the beret of some Indian Army soldiers is one of the most distinctive symbols of the Madras Regiment.

The soldiers of the Regiment are affectionately known as “Thambis”, and the black pom-pom has become a proud marker of their identity.

Its roots go back to the old Madras Native Infantry. In 1823, soldiers wore distinctive wicker-style headgear topped with a brass ball. Over time the headgear disappeared, but the tradition survived.

After Independence, 4 MADRAS (WLI), descended from the historic 83rd Wallajahbad Light Infantry, revived the black pom-pom in Delhi in late 1947. It was seen during the funeral parade of Mahatma Gandhi and again during an early ceremonial parade in March 1948. Army Headquarters formally approved the tradition in January 1949.

The Madras Regiment itself traces its origins to 1758, making it one of the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army.

Its soldiers have served in major campaigns and operations across generations, including the World Wars, the 1965 and 1971 wars, high-altitude deployments, Sri Lanka and United Nations missions.

The Regiment has earned 44 Battle Honours and 14 Theatre Honours.

Its soldiers are drawn largely from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala, with representation also from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

Its famous war cry is:

“Veera Madrasi, Adi Kollu, Adi Kollu, Adi Kollu!”

So the next time you see that black pom-pom, don’t think decoration.

Think Madras Regiment. Thambi pride. History. Identity.

DeltaTac — Discover the stories behind the uniform.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Madras Regiment Black Pom-Pom

Why does the Madras Regiment wear a black pom-pom?
The black pom-pom is a distinctive regimental tradition whose origins are associated with historical headgear worn by troops of the old Madras Native Infantry. The custom was revived around the time of Indian Independence and formally approved for wear after Independence.

What are soldiers of the Madras Regiment called?
Soldiers of the Madras Regiment are affectionately known as Thambis.

When was the Madras Regiment raised?
The Madras Regiment traces its origins to 4 December 1758, making it one of the Indian Army's oldest regiments.

How many Battle Honours does the Madras Regiment have?
The Ministry of Defence recorded 44 Battle Honours and 14 Theatre Honours during the Regiment's 250th anniversary celebrations in 2009.

What is the Madras Regiment's war cry?
The Regiment's famous war cry is commonly rendered as “Veera Madrasi, Adi Kollu, Adi Kollu, Adi Kollu!”