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British Indian Army facts for kids

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The British Indian Army was the main army in British India when Britain ruled the country (from 1858 to 1947). This army helped keep peace and order in India. It also fought in many battles around the world, especially during World War I and World War II.

The name "Indian Army" was first used for the armies of different regions in India, especially after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. However, the first official "Indian Army" was created by the government in India in 1895. In 1903, this new Indian Army brought together the three older regional armies: the Bengal Army, the Madras Army, and the Bombay Army.

From 1903 to 1947, the "Army of India" actually had two parts. One part was the Indian Army, made up of regiments from India. The other part was the British Army in India, which were British regiments sent from the United Kingdom. This combined force was very powerful. For example, during World War I, the Army of India defeated the Ottoman Empire. They also took control of Iraq in a major fight called the Mesopotamian Campaign.

How the Army Was Set Up

The Indian Army was officially formed after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Before this, the East India Company (a British trading company) had its own army. This company's army joined with British Army units already in India.

The East India Company's army mainly recruited Muslims from the Bengal Presidency (which included Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh). They also recruited high-caste Hindus from the plains of Oudh. These were the troops who rebelled against the British in 1857.

After the rebellion, the British changed their recruitment strategy. They started looking for what they called "martial races." These were groups of people believed to be naturally good fighters. Some of these groups included Punjabi Muslims, Marathas, Rajputs, Sikhs, Gurkhas, Pashtuns, Garhwalis, Mohyals, and Dogras.

After World War II

After World War II ended, British rule in India also ended. The British Army units that were part of the Army of India were then split. They were divided between the newly independent countries of India and Pakistan.

Soon after India and Pakistan became separate countries, their new armies fought each other. This was during the First Kashmir War from 1947 to 1948. This war started a difficult rivalry between the two nations that continues even today.

Images for kids

  • BritishIndianArmy

    A group of Indian Sikh soldiers posing for volley firing orders. ~1895

  • Madras cavalry

    A painting showing a Sowar (Sepoy), 6th Madras Light Cavalry. Circa 1845.

  • 117th Mahrattas at a fort, 1909

    117th Mahrattas at a fort in the North West Frontier, India, 1909.

  • The Queen's Own Madras Sappers and Miners, Review Order

    The Queen's Own Madras Sappers and Miners, 1896.

  • RML7pounderMountanGunHazaraBattery1895

    No. 4 (Hazara) Mountain Battery with RML 7-pounder Mountain Gun ("Steel Gun") in Review Order. Left to right Subadars (Sikhs) and Gunners (Punjabi Musalman) c. 1895.

  • Sikh Soldier with Medals

    Sikh Soldier with medals and Pharla

  • Indian troops at Temple of Heaven Peking 1900

    16th Bengal Lancers at the Temple of Heaven during the Boxer Rebellion, Peking, 1900.

  • 52nd Sikh-Regiment soldiers with Flag

    Flag party of the 52nd Sikhs (Frontier Force) at Kohat, with their regimental colours in 1905

  • Old Sikh Gurdwara in Shanghai

    Old Sikh Gurdwara in Shanghai, China for Sikh Policemen in China. They were referred as 'Black Lions' in Germany, France, China, Singapore and Japan during the World Wars.

  • The British Army on the Western Front, 1914-1918 Q9757

    King George V inspecting Sikh and Rajputs troops attached to the Royal Garrison Artillery at Le Cateau, 2 December 1918.

  • SikhsInFrancePostcard

    The 15th Sikh Regiment arrive in Marseille, France, on their way to fight the Germans during the First World War.

  • IndianArmyMGCrewFlanders1914-15

    A Benét–Mercié machine gun section of 2nd Rajput Light Infantry in action in Flanders, during the winter of 1914–15.

  • Maude in Baghdad

    Frederick Stanley Maude with British Indian Army entering Baghdad in 1917.

  • 1-5MahrattaLightInfantryFlorence1944

    Infantrymen of the 1/5 Mahratta Light Infantry during training, Florence, Italy, August 28, 1944

  • King George VI is driven past cheering Indian troops on his way to a ceremony to invest Sepoy Kamal Ram with the Victoria Cross, Italy, 26 July 1944. NA17265

    King George VI is driven past cheering Indian troops on his way to a ceremony to invest Sepoy Kamal Ram with the Victoria Cross, Italy, 26 July 1944.

  • Operation Crusader

    Indian Army Sikh personnel in action during the successful Operation Crusader in December 1941.

  • Sikh soldier with captured Swastika flag

    Sikh soldier with captured Nazi Swastika flag

See also

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