The Army of the Indian Moghuls: Its Organization and Administration c9.6

c9.6

Armour was worn by all horsemen who could afford it; nay, officers of a certain rank were required to produce it at the time of inspection, subject to a fine if it were not forthcoming. Its use was never discontinued; it was even worn by men of European descent when they entered the native service. For instance, James Skinner, writing of the year 1797, says, “as I was exercising my horse in full armour” (Fraser, “Memoirs,” i, 125); and again, “I was only saved by my armour” (*id.* 127). George Thomas, the Irish adventurer, also wore armour (*id.* 229). Nor is the use of armour entirely discontinued even to this day, as those can testify who saw the troops of the Bundelkhand States paraded before the then Prince of Wales at Agrah in January, 1876.