Home > Asia > India > Related Images
Photograph: Ranghar of the Indian Army, Eastern Punjab
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Photograph: Ranghar of the Indian Army, Eastern Punjab
Photograph: Ranghar of the Indian Army, Eastern Punjab, 1943-44. Ranghar was a term applied by Hindus to any Rajput who had, or whose ancestors had, converted to Islam. They were one of the Martial Races, certain Indian peoples thought by the British to possess a natural ability as soldiers. In reality the Martial Race theory was a clever British effort to divide the people of India for their own political ends. From a collection of photographs taken to illustrate the races recruited into the Indian Army and the geographical areas in which they originated. Date: 1943
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14389831
© The National Army Museum / Mary Evans Picture Library
1943 1947 Ancestors Applied Converted Hindus Islam Maharashtra Punjab Rajput Term 1922
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the stoic gaze of a Ranghar soldier of the Indian Army, hailing from Eastern Punjab, during the mid-1940s. The Ranghar were a distinct community of people, historically identified as Rajputs who had converted to Islam. The term 'Ranghar' was commonly used by Hindus to distinguish them from their Muslim counterparts. The British colonial administration in India, in their quest to recruit a large and effective army, propagated the 'Martial Race' theory. This theory, based on racial and ethnic stereotypes, suggested that certain Indian communities possessed an inherent military prowess. The Ranghar, along with other communities such as the Sikhs, Jats, and Gurkhas, were categorized as 'Martial Races' due to their supposed martial qualities. This photograph, taken in 1943, is a testament to the rich cultural diversity of the Indian subcontinent and the complexities of its people. The Ranghar soldier, dressed in his military uniform, stands proudly against a backdrop of what appears to be a barren landscape, likely from the region of Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, western India. The image offers a glimpse into the lives of these soldiers and their contributions to the Indian Army during a pivotal period in Indian history, as the country moved towards independence in 1947. The photograph is part of a larger collection of images documenting the various races and regions represented in the Indian Army during the 1920s to the 1940s. These images offer valuable insights into the social, cultural, and historical contexts of the time and serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between colonialism, identity, and military service in India's past.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
