Sepoy drums and fifers, 1800 (c)

Watercolour by an unknown East India Company artist, 1800 (c).

The East India Company's presence in India could only be sustained by enlisting local soldiers to defend its factories and garrisons. The British were quick to recognise the fighting qualities and potential loyalty of such soldiers. Many had their own long histories as warrior peoples and combined Western weapons, uniforms and military training with their own military skills.