The pouches worn by the Indian cavalry were highly decorative items. This pale blue pouch was worn by the 2nd Bengal Cavalry from 1886 after the change from green to blue uniforms. Prior to 1886 the pouch was red with silver embroidery. The example shown here has a central 2 beneath a royal crown in the style of the Empress of India, which Queen Victoria was proclaimed in 1876. The title BENGAL CAVALRY is on a scroll beneath, and the battle honours arranged each side and below. ARRACAN and PUNJAB on the left, SOBRAON and EGYPT 1882 on the right, with TEL EL KEBIR centrally placed below.
The regiment was converted from cavalry to lancers in 1890 and adopted the lancer-style silver-fronted pouch.
