Risaldar-major was originally a cavalry officer rank of theBritish Indian Army. During the British Raj, it was the highest rank natives could achieve.
The position was introduced by theHEIC in the Native cavalry of thePresidency armies, around the year 1825. In the Native infantry of theMadras Army, the equivalent rank ofSubedar-Major was established (along with Colour-havildar) already on February 2, 1819. To that date, theBengal Army had the position of Subedar-Major introduced already, on October 28, 1817.[1][2]
A risaldar-major was the most seniorrisaldar (army rank equivalent to a captain) of theregiment.[3] The rank was aViceroy's commissioned officer in the cavalry. Risaldar-majors and subedar-majors would serve as a representative of their people to British officers, but could also command independent companies resp. troops of irregular regiments.
Today a risaldar-major is the seniorjunior commissioned officer in theIndian Army andPakistan Army armoured corps, and remount and veterinary corps.
It carries the same responsibilities and insignia as the infantrysubedar-major.
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