PUNJAB’S TIN ARMIES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19261, 27 August 1924, Page 5

PUNJAB’S TIN ARMIES.

POMP AND PAGEANTRY IN INDIA. Troops in the Indian native States are more a matter of pomp and display than of usefulness, declares a writer in the Adventure Magazine. Some of the wealthier rajahs actually maintain a so-called army. This array is drilled by English officers—or at least under English supervision—and is usually very well uniformed and equipped ■with all modern improvements. But would they ever go out and fight. Mm-inm. If there should ever be an argument with tho next-door neighbour there would immediately be a most courteous note from the British Resident “suggesting” what would be tho really docent thing to do. But some of the native rajahs keep up a bodyguard of most gorgeous bandits all togged out in gold and hardware. Ajmero, for instance, turns out in chain armour, exactly like 'the old boys who fought -with the crusaders. Bhopal looks like a circus parade with chields and tulwars. Pomp and peaga-ntry. Lots of it is to be found among the independent Stales. But that is all. It is gorgeous to look at; and it's useful in riots. But that is tho limit. None of this, of course, refers to Nepal, which is an entirely independent kingdom and maintains an army of 50.000 well armed and splendidly drilled and krpt lo the minute. Ready to fight, and don't give a hoot whom it fights either.