Three Sikh Indian Mutiny veterans, 1911

Photograph, India, 1911.

From left to right they are: Subadar Chet Singh, Jemadar Harnam Singh and Subadar Jowahir Singh. Without the help of Sikh units from the Punjab the British would not have been able to defeat the rising of 1857. As well as Sikhs, Punjabi Moslems and Gurkha regiments also remained loyal, partly due to their fear of a return to Mughal rule. They also had little in common with the rebellious Hindu sepoys of the Bengal Army.

From an album of 44 photographs compiled by officers of 3rd Royal Battalion (Sikhs), 12th Frontier Regiment, redesignated the 53rd Sikhs (Frontier Force), 1909-1922.