Set of eleven miniature models of Indian soldiers

This set of eleven miniature toy soldiers cast at the close of the 18th century were reputedly for the pleasure and entertainment of a local ruler in southeast India. They represent a remarkable range of characters and point to the diversity of military personal in service in India in the later 18th century. From the costume detailing, especially the portrayal of turban styles, along with the highlighting of broad moustaches and extravagant beards, we sense the pan-Indian nature of armies at this time, largely mercenaries employed by the East India Company. We see south Indian footmen, a proud Sikh from the Punjab, and Marathas from central India with their extravagant turbans and what are likely Rajputs on their camels. The artist who modelled these images has clearly chosen to exaggerate these features, as if to give emphasis to their identity, and perhaps to satirize them. Indeed, some verge on the bombastic, inflated by their self-importance as they parade proudly on their short legged ponies.