This study of a Risaldar of the 2nd Bengal Cavalry gives us valuable information about the early period of the uniform before the 1886 change to the blue uniform with light blue facings. From the earliest time the uniform had been described as Emerald green with red facings and silver lace. The word ‘emerald’ seems to have been interpreted liberally so that all shades of green were allowed. This risaldar has a green alkalak, and a hint of red facings visible on the edges of the lace on his chest, but the lace is gold. The army list states that the 2nd BL had silver lace up until 1874, and gold thereafter.
His kummerbund is a vivid red with Paisley patterns embroidered on the hanging ends. The Napoleon boots have baggy pantaloons tucked in that are a shade of mud colour. Originally the regiment was well-known for wearing red pyjamas, but later changing to 'multani mutti' netherwear. His shoulders have chain-mail protectors which were later formalised to shaped shoulder chains. His resplendent blue turban, or lungi, is wrapped around a kullah that appears to be red with a pattern.
The artist, Major-General Walter Fane, achieved fame as a cavalry commander who raised the 19th Bengal Lancers (Fane’s Horse). He has named the Risaldar as Tawr Khan, but this is disputed by the curators of the Royal Collection who maintain that this must be a mistake as no-one of that name had been awarded the Order of British India, the medal that hangs around his neck on a red ribbon. They name him as Risaldar Muhammad Ruza Khan who was invested with the Order, 2nd Class, on 24 Nov 1882, permitting him to hold the title Bahadur. His other medals include, the Indian Mutiny, the Indian General Service, the Egypt medal of 1882.
