Badge, 31st Bengal Native Infantry, 1824-1856

Brass badge with open-work regimental number in Roman numerals, 'XXXI', surmounted by a crown, above a wreath (broken).

The 31st Bengal Native Infantry was a predecessor unit of the 2nd Bengal Light Infantry which became the 2nd Regiment of Rajput Infantry and finally, under British rule, the 7th Rajput Regiment.

The 31st was formed in 1796 as the 2nd Battalion 15th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry. From 1824 to 1856 it was known as the 31st Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry. As 31st Regiment of Bengal Light Infantry, it remained loyal to the British during the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859).

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.