Risaldar-major facts for kids
A Risaldar-major was a special military rank, mostly used in the cavalry (soldiers who fight on horseback) of the British Indian Army. During the time when India was ruled by the British (called the British Raj), this was the highest rank that Indian soldiers could achieve.
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What is a Risaldar-major?
A Risaldar-major was like a very important leader in the cavalry. They were the most senior risaldar in a regiment. A risaldar was a rank similar to a captain in other armies. Risaldar-majors were also known as Viceroy's commissioned officers. This meant they were officers, but they were appointed by the Viceroy (the British ruler of India) and were usually Indian, not British.
A Bridge Between Soldiers
One of the most important jobs of a Risaldar-major was to be a link between the Indian soldiers and the British officers. They helped make sure everyone understood each other. They could also lead their own groups of soldiers, especially in special regiments.
History of the Rank
The idea of the Risaldar-major rank started around 1825. It was created by the East India Company, which was a powerful British trading company that also had its own army in India. They introduced this rank for their Indian cavalry soldiers in different parts of India, like the Presidency armies.
Similar Ranks in Other Armies
Other parts of the Indian army had similar important ranks. For example, in the infantry (foot soldiers) of the Madras Army, there was a rank called Subedar-Major. This rank was created even earlier, in 1819. The Bengal Army also had the Subedar-Major rank starting in 1817. These ranks were all very important for Indian soldiers.
Risaldar-major Today
Even today, the rank of Risaldar-major is still used in some armies. In the Indian Army and Pakistan Army, it is a senior rank for junior commissioned officers. You can find Risaldar-majors in special units like the armoured corps (tanks) and the remount and veterinary corps (which deals with horses and animal care). The Risaldar-major today has similar duties and wears the same badges as the infantry's Subedar-major.
