#8203 Colonial era Indian Infantry

Dated: September 24, 2008, updated October 24, 2008

During the second half of the 19th century, Indian soldiers formed the greater part of Britain's military strength in Asia. After the end of East India Company rule in 1858, the former Presidency armies of Bengal, Bombay and Madras continued under the British Crown and supplied troops for frontier warfare, internal security and overseas expeditions. Indian regiments served not only across the subcontinent but also in Afghanistan, Burma, Egypt, the Sudan, East Africa and China. Their service made them an indispensable part of Britain's imperial army.

Box front.

This set represents Indian infantry of the later Victorian period, particularly suitable for Sikh and other Punjabi regiments. Sikh soldiers became especially prominent in the post-1857 Indian Army and were highly valued by British recruiters for frontier and overseas service. However, the figures are not tied to one named regiment, and variations in turban colour, uniform distinctions and equipment allow them to represent several northern Indian units.

Line drawing

The men wear turbans, long khaki kurta tunics, loose trousers, puttees and traditional shoes with upturned toes. Khaki had originated in India as a practical dust-coloured field uniform and gradually became standard campaign dress across much of the British and Indian armies. The marching figure carries the substantial 1871-pattern valise equipment, while the action poses wear lighter battle order with ammunition pouches, haversacks and water bottles. Because older equipment often remained in Indian service after being replaced in British regiments, the figures are suitable for much of the last quarter of the 19th century.

Test shot

This set contains 48 figures in eight poses, including men marching, advancing, firing, kneeling and running, together with an Indian officer armed with a revolver. The fixed bayonets are appropriate for frontier warfare, where British and Indian troops frequently used disciplined rifle fire followed by aggressive bayonet action. The spread-out poses are also well suited to the open-order fighting required by mountainous terrain and opponents skilled in marksmanship and irregular tactics.

These figures can be used for a wide range of colonial campaigns, including the Second Afghan War, operations on the North-West Frontier, the Sudan campaigns and the relief of the foreign legations at Peking in 1900. They also make a useful companion to HaT's British Colonial Infantry, Highlanders, artillery and camel-mounted troops, showing that the armies of the British Empire depended heavily upon soldiers recruited far beyond Britain itself.

Indian infantry in Victorian service - Indian regiments performed several important roles:
-defending the North-West Frontier;
-garrisoning India and neighbouring territories;
-joining overseas expeditions in Africa and Asia;
-scouting, skirmishing and fighting in difficult terrain;
-supporting British regular troops during major imperial campaigns.
-Regiments were commonly recruited from particular regions or communities, so Sikh, Punjabi Muslim, Pathan, Gurkha and other units could have distinctly different traditions, turbans and uniform details.

In action