Indian Sowar

By Crusader1307

The term ''Sowar'' derived from The Mughal Empire of India. The Empire was a major force in The Region in the mid-15th Century. It would last (in part) until The Sepoy Mutiny against The British East India Company (1857). The Sowar was translated to mean ''He Who Rides'' and was related to The Cavalry of The Empire. No difference was made between Heavy or Light Cavalry Units, and was assumed to be used for both. Their weapons were also related to The Era in which they served. At first, Saber (or Sword) was the primary weapon of deployment – with Lances (Spears) following. Later, Matchlocks and related firearms were added. Some Sowar also used Targes or small Shields. Archery was not normally deployed with The Sowar. After The Sepoy Revolt of the late 1850s, The Sowar term was applied to The British Army with Native Mounted Contingents. In this form, The Sowar were seen as Mounted Guides or Orderlies. They were akin to Mounted Skirmishers and Vedettes as well. The term is still used in The Indian Army.