Karan Singh

2017-08-30 17:22:05 -0400

Now, coming to the issue of turban in British Army; as aforementioned, turban has been a part of indian culture only since mohammedan times. Turban was not exclusive to sikhs it was worn by hindus, muslims & sikhs alike because it had its own benefits in the battlefield; like stopping the blow from a sword (remember it’s pre-firearms age). After the second anglo-sikh war of 1848-49 when the kingdom of ranjit singh (sikh ruler) came under East India Co. rule they took over the command of a part of the sikh army (it had many punjabi hindus, muslims & few gurkhas, besides sikhs) majority of the army was disbanded after the war & their generals retired on generous pension. The remaining sikh army was re-formed on Bengal Native Army arrangement. By late 1840’s Bengal Army had already gone under several re-organisational changes and 3 costly wars (first anglo-afghan war & 2 anglo-sikh wars) thus was reduced to half of it’s original strength. Govern General Lord Dalhousie & his advisor brothers John & Henry Lawrence prudently thought of keeping a portion of the local sikh army largely to guard the border with Afghanistan and control few rebellious factions still operating in punjab. Although there’s no doubt the sikh army fought two wars with valor against it’s adversary (Bengal & British Army) it had NOTHING to do with the ‘superior’ martial qualities of the sikh warriors as many historians want us to believe. A thorough study of contemporary accounts presents a quite different picture. During the rebellion of 1857 it were not only the sikhs who stayed loyal to their British officers but almost all men (hindu, sikh & muslim) from the old sikh kingdom (punjab region) remained loyal & fought bravely against rebels & marauders. More than pure loyalty they had another good reason for sticking with the British they wanted to avenge their defeat at second anglo-sikh war of 1849 which was largely made possible due to the men now revolting against their British officers. It’s worth noting here that the other two branches of East India co. Army, Bombay Presidency Native Army & Madras Presidency Native Army, weren’t disaffected & remain loyal the the British during this rebellion.

commented