Title: Sowars and Sepoys in the Great War 1914-1918
Description: Sowars and Sepoys in the Great War 1914-1918, bridges an important
gap in the historiography of what was then known as the British Indian
Empire during the First World War. Focusing on the cavalry and the
infantry regiments of the British Indian army, it records their war
services, battle honours and ethnic composition. A detailed record
of the regimental iconography (insignia) worn by every cavalry,
infantry and Gurkha regiments during that period are illustrated life
size in excellent colour images.
An early chapter in the book explains the complex class structure,
martial race theory, identity and the primary elements that created
an effective combat regiment and more importantly how the military
authorities structured Indian regiments to exploit and to reinforce
a South Asian soldier’s most deeply rooted values and his sense of
self. This book therefore is a significant contribution on South Asia
and the First World War