Sowars, 19th Regiment of Bengal Lancers in Afghanistan, 1880 (c)

Oil on canvas, artist unknown, 1880 (c).

Indian officers and sowars (troopers) outside the gate of a fortified town. The sowars are depicted wearing blue pugris (turbans) over red kullahs (skull caps), with blue kurtas (long coats) with high, black, soft leather boots.

Fane's Horse was raised at Kanpur (Cawnpore) in 1860 by Lieutenant Walter Fane to serve in the 2nd China War (1856-1860). In 1861 the regiment became the 19th Regiment of Bengal Cavalry, and four years later 'Lancers' was added to its title. In 1874 it became the 19th Regiment of Bengal Lancers, and in 1901, the 19th Bengal Lancers (Fane's Horse). Following its amalgamation with the 18th King George's Own Lancers in 1921, the regiment became the 19th King George's Own Lancers.

During the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880), the 19th Regiment of Bengal Lancers served under Major-General Sir Donald Stewart as part of the Kandahar Field Force.