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Tuesday 6 August 2019

More Indian metal

Here are some pictures of a unit I actually managed to finish!
 Shock Horror!
 These models represent the 2nd Bengal Irregular Cavalry- Gardners Horse raised in 1809 by William Linnaeus Gardner. The models are from the Old Glory Sikh Wars range which is actually pretty large having some 40 or so different packs of models including all the major troop types plus a few others !  There are also useful models in the Indian Mutiny range.

 The first risalah there will be others to make the unit  up to about 24 cavalry 
though I auapect I shall only do one European officer. 
 These troops are very versatile. Not only can they turn out for full blown campaigns such as the Pindari War  and the Sikh Wars but also for the everyday small change  of recalcitrant Rajas and  Zemindars who don't want to pay their tax bills ! Plenty of scope for games of different types- but all with an historical background.

8 comments:

  1. Hello Mr C,

    I am looking at raising a 28mm force to represent a generic Indian Pindari style set up that would work for the 16th and 17th century. Any suggestions from the OG range?

    The opposition will be Portuguese 'almost Conquistadors' or pirates!

    Many thanks in advance,

    David Crook

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    Replies
    1. Depends how historical you want to be. Mughal armies still used mounted archery in the 16th and 17th centuries so the cavalry would be from our Persian range. Pindaries didn't really exist this early being more of an 18th century thing. Irregular infantry from the Crusades range- matchlockmen as in the previous post- Indian Mutiny CMM7 Also see the earlier posts on India

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    2. Hello old chap,

      I was under the impression that they were irregulars that operated on an Azab/Akinji/Bashi Bazouk type 'plunder for pay' basis from the earliest Mughal armies but I stand to be corrected. I had in mind a kind of irregular force held together by a strong arm type with some mounted retainers whilst the foot has all manner of bow, spear and matchlock types.

      I will take a look at the catalogue and see what I can find. many thanks for getting back to me - it is much appreciated!

      All the best,

      DC

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    3. You are not wrong in principle - far from it that is EXACTLY how Pindais operated in the 18th century- they were usually part of Maratha armies. Maratha pindaris were entirely mounted. Your vision is accurate- Local chieftain etc- the infantry would be exactly as you say other than mughal satraps often had bodies of paid matchlockmen from the late 16th century. Irregular infantry could and di cary all manner of weapons

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    4. Thanks Andy - it is good to know that my thought processes are going in the right direction. Generally.

      Much to ponder as I want to strike whilst the enthusiastic iron is hot so to speak!

      All the best,

      DC

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  2. Versatile AND very pretty on the tabletop.

    Best Regards,

    Stokes

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  3. Very nice. And very useful to have as like others have said v versatile. Only button counters would care if they're not 100% accurate. I have a unit of your OG Skimmers Horse in helmets etc which I am using for the Anglo Sikh Wars and probably Afghanistan, Fwalior and the Scinde.

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    Replies
    1. We both know Skinners did not serve in the Sikh Wars - but when I did the lists I was determined to slip them in - after all they are Skinners !

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