This early painting of a Bengal Native cavalry trooper is not definitely identified but agrees in many respects with the Mounted Sowar of the 1st Cavalry c1780. The jacket is dull red (aurora), and the facings, for the 2nd regiment, were yellow. The regiment was known as the Khandahar Horse until 1796 when it was re-titled 2nd Bengal Native Cavalry. The sowar is armed with a curved light cavalry sword which was not popular with the men of the regular cavalry. The Irregulars had more success with their tulwars. His carbine is attached to a dark leather shoulder belt. He should have an ammunition pouch attached to this belt, carried on his back.
