Button, 17th (The Loyal Purbiah) Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry, 1864-1898

Large gilt button by Jennens and Company, London, with the regimental number, '17', within a garter bearing the regimental title, 'Loyal Poorbeah Regiment', surmounted by an Imperial Crown.

The Loyal Purbiah Regiment was formed in 1858 at the time of the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859), drawing on loyal Indian troops from a number of Bengal Army Regiments. 'Purbiah', or 'Poorbeah', is derived from 'purabiya' (meaning easterners - men from the region between Bihar and Agra). The regiment was renamed the 17th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry in 1861. The 'Loyal Purbiah' title was reinstated in 1864. The regiment served in the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880) and the 1st Sudan War (1884-1885). The unit became the 17th (The Loyal Purbiah) Regiment of Bengal Infantry in 1885. The regiment was renamed the 17th (The Loyal Regiment) of Bengal Infantry in 1898 and, following reform of the Indian Army in 1903, was designated the 17th Musalman Rajput Infantry (The Loyal Regiment). The unit served in India and Egypt during World War One (1914-1918) but was disbanded in 1922.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.