european

Explore the journey of Jan Sahib from Kabul to serving Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1824, as recorded in Sikh documents.

DEPUIS or DE LUST, a French soldier of fortune who came to Lahore in 1842, and was employed by the Sikh Darbar as a trainer of gunner recruits. Later, he was made commandant of a battalion, but, being found unfit for command, he was removed from service in 1844. He then proceeded to Shimla where he opened a school for teaching French and dancing.

Discover how Jones, a deserter, became a key gunner in Maharaja Ranjit Singh's army, crucial to the 1818 Battle of Multan. Learn about his remarkable journey!

DOTTENWEISS or DOTTERWICH, a short statured, stoutly built German who, in 1835, joined the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh as a military tactician. He was found unequal to the appointment and was dismissed from the service soon afterwards.

Discover Lairdee's dramatic journey from serving the East India Company to fighting against the English in the First Anglo-Sikh War before his capture in 1846.

Explore the captivating lives of European adventurers in 19th-century Punjab, their military roles, and impact on the Khalsa army's westernization.

Explore the life of MAHER JOHN, a unique Eurasian musician and drum-major in Maharaja Ranjit Singh's army, highlighting European adventurers in India.

FARRIS (d. 1842), a Frenchman, who joined the Sikh army in 1841 and was employed in the gunpowder factory. He died at Lahore within one year of his appointment.

Discover the legacy of Martindale, an Anglo-Indian officer in Sikh infantry. Son of General Martindale, he also served in Skinner's Horse.

FORD, MATTHEW WILLIAM (d. 1841), an Englishman who started his career in 1804 as an ensign in a West India regiment. He successively served with the 7th Foot, the 70th Foot, the 1st Royal Scots and the 22nd Light Dragoons. In 1823, he was appointed paymaster to the 16th Foot. While stationed at Karnal in 1837, he embezzled large sums of money and deserted the British troops. He came to Lahore towards the end of the year and joined the Sikh army as a battalion commander on Rs 800 per month, later commuted for jagir of three villages near Rawalpindi.

Explore METUI's adventurous life as a Russian soldier in the Sikh army, his Kashmiri marriage, and his life in Lahore. Learn more about his unique journey.

FRANCIS, a French adventurer, who arrived at Lahore in 1833 and joined Maharaja Ranjit Singli`s army. But he had no military training, and was discharged from the service soon afterwards.