Udaipur, 12 October 1819: the time of departure had arrived. Since his appointment as political agent, Captain James Tod had remained stationed in Udaipur, overseeing the signing of the agreements between the princely Rajput states and the East India Company. Nearly two years had been spent in the most romantic spot in India. The valley had been explored until every rock, tree and tower had become familiar. It was time to pay an official visit to the court of the desert king, Maharaja Maan Singh, who ruled from Mehrangarh, the great fort of Jodhpur.
The mission included the captain’s cousin, Captain Patrick Waugh, Lieutenant Cary and Dr Duncan. Accompanying them was a large retinue of cooks, stewards and helpers, baggage camels and elephants, while two companies of foot soldiers and sixty Skinner’s Horse formed the escort.
Trumpets sounded at the crack of dawn and the men were ready to move. Skinner’s yellow boys and their Indian commandant looked cheerful. Smartly turned out in bright yellow tunics and scarlet turbans with silver edged girdles and black shields, they were the most orderly and efficient of soldiers in the Company’s service. The palace drums sounded. Maharana Bhim Singh had sent a guard of honour to see off his British friends.
The mission included the captain’s cousin, Captain Patrick Waugh, Lieutenant Cary and Dr Duncan. Accompanying them was a large retinue of cooks, stewards and helpers, baggage camels and elephants, while two companies of foot soldiers and sixty Skinner’s Horse formed the escort.
Trumpets sounded at the crack of dawn and the men were ready to move. Skinner’s yellow boys and their Indian commandant looked cheerful. Smartly turned out in bright yellow tunics and scarlet turbans with silver edged girdles and black shields, they were the most orderly and efficient of soldiers in the Company’s service. The palace drums sounded. Maharana Bhim Singh had sent a guard of honour to see off his British friends.Skinner's Yellow Boys
STAMP: Painting of Skinner's Horse released as a stamp on the 175th Anniversary in 1978.
James Skinner, born of a Scottish father and a Rajputni mother, led an irregular cavalry division. Rejected by the British for his Indian blood, the eighteen-year-old found employment with the Marathas. In 1803, as the Marathas prepared to take on the British, they were forced to discharge all those with foreign blood, despite their proven loyalty. Whereas the Holkars beheaded theirs, the Scindia general – Perron – preferred to discharge his lot.
Skinner leaves behind a graphic account of his vain attempt to get himself reinstated.
Perron’s words were, ‘Go away Monsieur Skinner. I no trust.’
The same fears prevented him from receiving a commission in the Company’s service but eventually Lord Lake, the British commander in north India, permitted Skinner’s Horse to fight as an irregular cavalry troop.
As the Company’s mounted guerrillas, their job was to ride ahead of the main force and worry the enemy cutting off their supply lines. In time, Skinner’s Horse was absorbed into the Company’s army and James received the rank of captain. But a condition remained. Never would he send his yellow boys against his first master – Scindia.
James Skinner, born of a Scottish father and a Rajputni mother, led an irregular cavalry division. Rejected by the British for his Indian blood, the eighteen-year-old found employment with the Marathas. In 1803, as the Marathas prepared to take on the British, they were forced to discharge all those with foreign blood, despite their proven loyalty. Whereas the Holkars beheaded theirs, the Scindia general – Perron – preferred to discharge his lot.
Skinner leaves behind a graphic account of his vain attempt to get himself reinstated.
Perron’s words were, ‘Go away Monsieur Skinner. I no trust.’
The same fears prevented him from receiving a commission in the Company’s service but eventually Lord Lake, the British commander in north India, permitted Skinner’s Horse to fight as an irregular cavalry troop.
As the Company’s mounted guerrillas, their job was to ride ahead of the main force and worry the enemy cutting off their supply lines. In time, Skinner’s Horse was absorbed into the Company’s army and James received the rank of captain. But a condition remained. Never would he send his yellow boys against his first master – Scindia.
2 comments:
Dear manoshi,excellent.. I read the summary. It is really great . it shows the hard work done by you in putting so much information in the correct way. i hope it will turn out to be a grand hit. all the best and keep it up. i will read the whole book when i come back to india.once again congrats ---bye bye---- Dr vinod baranwal
Manoshi,
Congratulations. Your accomplishments make us proud, and you look as beautiful as ever.
-Dr. Dolly Singh
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