Question

Which of the following corps deal with the supply of weaponry and ammunition to the Indian Army.
a. Army Ordnance Corps
b. Armoured Corps
c. Army Supply Corps
d. Corps of EME

Answer 1

Hint:
The history of this Corps dates back to the 18th century, making it one of the Indian Army's oldest institutions. They also provide material and logistical support to the Navy as well as the Air Force, if it was required.

Complete step by step solution:
The Army Ordnance Corps (abbreviated as AOC) is an active Indian Army corps and a major agency responsible during war and peace, for supplying the Indian Army with material and logistical support.

The Army Ordnance Corps’ main duty is to provide material and logistics support to the Indian Army and, if necessary, to the Navy and Air Force too during both the times of war and peace. From clothes (e.g. jackets, sleeping bags, gloves, goggles, etc.) to cars, equipment, and weapons (e.g. bullets, artillery shells, rockets, etc.), the Army Ordnance Corps inventory is responsible. The Indian Army Service Corps, the Military Farms Service/Army Remount and Veterinary Corps, and the Army Medical Corps respectively maintain the supply of fuel, fodder, and medications.

In India, the history of ordnance dates back to the 15th century. The early ordnance stores in the Indian subcontinent were set up for their logistical requirements by the British East India Company. The needs of military troops increased following the company's military expansion, which in turn needed the assistance of an ordnance department. On April 8, 1775, the ‘Board of Ordnance’ was created. Until 1855, this board existed and was then transferred to the Secretary of State for War.

The Indian Army Ordnance Corps (IAOC) was made responsible for the entire technical maintenance of the Indian Army in the field with effect from 1 April 1939. As a result, the IAOC was responsible for the technical maintenance of all mechanical vehicles and for the provision, storage, and distribution of their spares. With this, 133 officers, 398 other British/Indian ranks, and 2828 civilian staff belonging to the RIASC were moved to the IAOC.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note:
During the First World War, the prefix “Royal” was introduced for meritorious service in 1918. In 1922, the prefix “Indian” was introduced and it was called the "Indian Army Ordnance Corps". In 1950, the Indian prefix was dropped and the Corps was called the Army Ordnance Corps, which is today's name.