Officer, Kolapur Local Infantry, India, 1862.jpg

During their conquest of the sub-continent, the British forces raised numerous local units to assist in pacifying areas.

I know little of the Kolapur infantry apart from a photograph in the Military Historical Society Bulletin. Suffice to say it was a short lived unit that was renamed or became part of another unit before entering regular service with either the Indian Army or one of the Indian police forces.

The uniform shown consists of a black leather helmet with white metal fittings, and a black horsehair plume.

The jacket follows Imperial Rifles styling but with Indian pattern braiding on the front.

Rank is shown, presumably, by the man’s race, the sword and his cross belt. The latter has white metal fittings, consisting of whistle, chains and unit badge.

The trousers are plain dark green.

Presumably the Indian other ranks would be clothed in rifle green uniforms, as well. But I am unsure of the styling.