2.3.1. The Company Army

Colonial rule in India brought in some new ideas of administration and reform but its power rested on its military strength. The Mughal army was mainly composed of cavalry (sawars: trained soldiers on horseback) and infantry, that is, paidal (foot) soldiers. They were given training in archery (teer-andazi) and the use of the sword. The cavalry dominated the army and the Mughal state did not feel the need to have a large professionally trained infantry. The rural areas had a large number of armed peasants and the local zamindars often supplied the Mughals with paidal soldiers.

The Company Army's formation stems from the military organization of the Mughals, who primarily relied on cavalry, or horse-mounted soldiers. In contrast to the Mughal practice, the East India Company adapted its military strategy by integrating professionals into its army. This shift laid the groundwork for the creation of the sepoy army, composed of sepoys or Indian soldiers, reflecting the Indian tradition of using local recruitment to bolster military strength.

Imagine a small local sports team that traditionally relies on a few star players (like the cavalry) from the neighborhood schools. As the competition grows, the team starts to recruit more players from other schools to bolster their ranks, leading to a more well-rounded team that can play across different positions, thereby increasing their competitiveness.

A change occurred in the eighteenth century when Mughal successor states like Awadh and Banaras started recruiting peasants into their armies and training them as professional soldiers. The East India Company adopted the same method when it began recruitment for its own army, which came to be known as the sepoy army (from the Indian word sipahi, meaning soldier).

During the 18th century, political changes led Mughal successor states to shift their military strategies. They began training peasants as professional soldiers, which the East India Company recognized as a crucial strategy for building strength. This recruitment technique was essential in forming the sepoy army, which became a significant aspect of the Company's military might.

Consider a farmer who, recognizing the threat of a storm to his crops, gathers his neighbors and trains them to help protect their fields together. By investing in their skills, the farmer and neighbors become a stronger unit against future threats, much like how the Company strengthened its army through local recruitment.

As warfare technology changed from the 1820s, the cavalry requirements of the Company’s army declined. This is because the British empire was fighting in Burma, Afghanistan, and Egypt where soldiers were armed with muskets and matchlocks. The soldiers of the Company’s army had to keep pace with changing military requirements, and its infantry regiments now became more important.

With advancements in military technology during the 1820s, the East India Company's focus shifted from cavalry to infantry. This transition was necessary since conflicts in distant regions required soldiers to adapt to new warfare tactics that emphasized the use of firearms over traditional cavalry charges. Thus, infantry became vital for maintaining control and power.

Think of a basketball team that previously relied on its height and strength (cavalry) for rebounds and defense but realizes that the game evolution emphasizes 3-point shooting (infantry). They then recruit more skilled shooters to keep up with the competition, transforming their whole approach to bring success.

In the early nineteenth century, the British began to develop a uniform military culture. Soldiers were increasingly subjected to European-style training, drill, and discipline that regulated their life far more than before. Often this created problems since caste and community feelings were ignored in building a force of professional soldiers. Could individuals so easily give up their caste and religious feelings? Could they see themselves only as soldiers and not as members of communities?

The push for a uniform military culture among the soldiers led to significant challenges, particularly concerning their identities. The British emphasis on discipline often clashed with the sepoys' personal beliefs related to caste and community, leading to tension within the ranks. This disconnection raised questions about the soldiers' loyalty and how they identified themselves.

Imagine a multicultural club where each member has unique customs and traditions. If the club's management insists everyone dress alike and follow the same practices irrespective of their backgrounds, tensions might arise as individuals struggle to fit into this new identity while still valuing their personal heritage.

Thus the East India Company was transformed from a trading company to a territorial colonial power. The arrival of new steam technology in the early nineteenth century also aided this process. Till then it would take anywhere between six and eight months to travel to India by sea. Steamships reduced the journey time to three weeks enabling more Britishers and their families to come to a far-off country like India.

The transformation of the East India Company into a colonial power was supported by advancements in technology, such as steamships, which facilitated quicker and easier travel. This change allowed the British to increase their presence in India and solidified their control over the region, significantly impacting governance and the military landscape.

Consider a small business that grows over the years and eventually opens branches in new cities. If they develop faster transportation and delivery methods, they can expand effectively and serve more customers, just like the Company’s growth into a powerful territorial entity.

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