Introduction

Sowar (Hindi: सवार, Punjabi: ਸਵਾਰ, Urdu: سوار‎, also siwar meaning “the one who rides” or “rider”, from Persian sawār) was originally a rank during the Mughal Empire and Maratha Empire.

Background

During the British Raj it was the name in Anglo-Indian usage for a horse-soldier belonging to the cavalry troops of the native armies of British India and the feudal states.

It is also used more specifically for a mounted orderly, escort or guard.

It was also the rank held by ordinary cavalry troopers, equivalent to sepoy in the infantry – this rank has been inherited by the modern armies of India and Pakistan.

Countries Using Sowar

• Delhi Sultanate.
• Deccan Sultanates.
• Mughal Empire.
• India.
• Pakistan.

Equipment Used

• Composite bow.
• Scimitar.
• Spear.
• Musket.

Trivia

• Sowar has been used as the name of a line of wrist-watches by the Swiss West End Watch Co.