Sikh Khalsa Army
Sikh Khalsa Army (1801-1849) was the military force of the Sikh Empire responsible for land warfare, land defence, and all responsibilities, last and final, for the protection of the Empire's political institutions and national security.
Command Structure
The Sikh Khalsa Army was commanded by, responsible and answerable to it's supreme Commander in Chief (military leader) Emperor Maharaja Ranjit Singh. However, the Sikh military high command could contest a decision by the Commander in Chief, thereby permitting a process of reconsideration in policy. This reconsideration process was very rarely used, as the Commander in Chief rarely acted unilaterally and extensively consulted his high command on major military issues affecting the Empire.
Military Structure and Strength
The military strength was 35000 fully professional soldiers, qualified to the latest, cutting-edge military training of the time. The army was divided into six main military divisions, these were, Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, Medical, Engineering and logistical support. The main military force was backed-up and supported by a further 30000, well trained and equipped, irregular forces. In addition, to these forces a very large reservoir of feudal and militia forces were available. The Artillery division, in 1838, had 188 heavy artillery guns.
Military Social Background
The Sikh Khalsa Army was a strongly Sikh but had significant multi-religious component in army, made up from other parts of the Punjabi people. The informal motto of the army was "merit & excellence above all else" and promotions to higher military ranks was based on how good the person was militarily not on their social or religious background.
Military Strength Statistics
| Year | Regular Infantry | Cavalry | Irregular Infantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1819 | 7,748 | 750 | 3,577 |
| 1823 | 11,681 | 1650 | 7,300 |
| 1828 | 15,825 | 4315 | 7,200 |
| 1838 | 26,617 | 4090 | 10,795* (27,000: total with Jagirdari) |
Table 1: Showing military strength build-up over ~20 year.
*Combined with Irregular Infantry Reserves total number was 25,000. Jagirdari: 27,000 in 1838.
Note: The above tables do not include the feudal levees, FaujiQHajat, the Emperor's bodyguards and garrison infantry for which no figures are available. In addition, it does not include 4,000 strong crack-brigade of Akalis or Niharigs under the direct military command of General Akali Phula Singh.
| Year | Heavy Guns | Swivel Guns | Artillery Personnel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1819 | 22 | 190 | 834 |
| 1823* | - | - | - |
| 1828 | 130 | 280 | 3,778 |
| 1838 | 188 | 280 | 4,535 |
Table 2: Showing Artillery military strength build-up over ~20 years. *1823: Figures not available.
References
- The Sikh Army (1799-1849) (Men-at-arms), By Ian Heath. (Date:2005, ISBN:1841767778).
- The Heritage of the Sikhs By Harbans Singh. (Date:1994, ISBN:8173040648).
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Lord of the Five Rivers, By Jean-Marie Lafont. (Oxford University Press. Date:2002, ISBN:0195661117).
- History of Panjab, Dr L. M. Joshi, Dr Fauja Singh.
