Button, 31st Regiment of Madras Native Infantry or Trichinopoly Light Infantry, 1824 (c)

Medium-sized, gilt button by Nutting, London, with regimental number, '31', between the knotted cords of a bugle horn, within wreath.

The 31st Regiment of Madras Native Infantry or Trichinopoly Light Infantry was originally raised as a Coast Sepoys Battalion in 1759. In 1800 the unit became the 1st Battalion 16th Regiment of Madras Native Infantry and, in 1812, the 1st Battalion 16th Regiment of Madras Native Infantry or Trichinopoly Light Infantry. In 1824 the regiment became the 31st Regiment of Madras Native Infantry or Trichinopoly Light Infantry. In 1885 the term 'Native' was dropped from the regimental title. With the annexation of Burma by the British, a number of Indian units (Burma Battalions) were deployed to the region to maintain security. Extended service in Burma was reflected in the regimental name changes that followed. In 1892 the unit was named the 31st Regiment (6th Burma Battalion) of Madras (Light) Infantry and the 31st Burma Light Infantry in 1901. With the reform of the Indian Army the regiment was named the 91st Punjabis in 1903.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.