Indian Full Dress, 1866

The regiment became the 11th Bengal Cavalry (Lancers) in 1864 so this uniform probably dates after then. The man in the portrait is Colonel Probyn and it was painted by Scottish artist James Rannie Swinton in June 1867. Probyn was no longer in the 11th as he had given up command of the regiment on 22 March 1866 and returned to England. The garment he wears is an alkalak, defined by the U shaped gold lace that outlines his chest. It is richly embroidered with gold and edged with scarlet piping, obviously the inspiration for the kurta worn towards the end of the century by officers of the 11th. On his right shoulder he has gold aiguilettes worn in his capacity as honorary ADC to the Viceroy of India. The pouchbelt and medals can be seen more clearly in Head and Shoulders Detail. He is armed with an Indian dagger, tucked into his scarlet lungi, and a mameluke sword. The sword is slung from a gold laced, red morocco waistbelt from which is also suspended a sabretache. He wears white breeches and Napoleon boots.