Indian Army cavalrymen playing polo, 1930 (c)

Photograph, India, 1930 (c).

Polo, a sport played on horseback with mallets, has been played in India since ancient times. The game originated around AD 33 in the state of Imphal, in north-east India. The British took up the sport with great enthusiasm during the 19th century. It was played by all Indian Army cavalry regiments as it helped develop soldierly qualities such as leadership, horsemanship, initiative, endurance, esprit de corps, teamwork and independence.

From an album of photographs, letters and newspaper cuttings associated with the 18th King George's Own Lancers, 19th Lancers (Fane's Horse) and 19th King George's Own Lancers, 1858-1961; inscribed on cover, 'Presented by the 19th KGV's Own Lancers Ex-officers Reunion Association 1958', with a foreword by Major General Roland Dening, 1960.