During the 1830s and 40s, the Sikh leader Ranjit Singh, created a well-motivated nationalist army. Unlike most "colonial" wars, the Sikhs posessed an army equipped with modern European equipment, trained by European (mainly French and Italian) advisors and organized along French lines. From a wargamer's perspective the Sikh wars were pratically a refight of the Napoleonic wars, with the British fighting a reincarnated French army.

Command Structure

While the basic units of the Khalsa was well led, there was no formal command structure at the Corps or Army level. Unlike the French, the Sikhs possessed no unified command structure and relied on an ad hoc chain of command as battles occurred. Lail Sigh and Tej Singh were nominally "co-commanders" of the Sikh Army, and relied on a handful of subordinates, including a number of European "advisors" to provide mid-level leadership to the Sikh army. This attempt at co-commanders failed to some degree, as Lail and Tej continue to intrigue against each other and with the British throughout the war.

The Infantry

The Sikhs possessed capable regular infantry supported by the irregular troops of the tribal levies. The regulars were wellmotivated and mostly fierce Sikh nationalists. The irregulars were less so, and rarely contributed to the battles. One exception are the Akalis -- fanatic religous zealots, who took no prisoners, and often killed injured and captured men.

Cavalry

The Sikh cavalry consisted of the poorly mounted regular cavalry, and the better mounted, but less disciplined Ghorchurra. The Ghorchurra cavalry was composed of nobles and upper class Sikhs. Though individually impressive, the Ghochurra lacked the discipline and organization needed on the "modern" 19th Century battlefield. In the end, the division between regulars and aristocracy led to a cavalry branch that was rarely effective and mostly impotent.

The Artillery

The real strength of the Sikh army lay in its artillery. The artillery recieved the best men and the pick of the horses (to the detriment of the cavalry branch). The guns were grouped into three categories: The Aspi Batteries, horse drawn light artillery; The Jinsi Batteries, heavier field batteries drawn by bullocks and elephants; The Zamburak Guns, light, swivel cannon, mounted on camels.

More Sikh War: NW Frontier Conflict 1845

Introduction
British Army
Sikh Army: The Khalsa
Period Volley Bayonet Rules