This article will address the topic of Risaldar, which has been the subject of interest and debate in various areas. Risaldar has aroused the interest of experts and the general public due to its relevance and impact in different areas. Throughout history, Risaldar has been the object of study and analysis, which has allowed us to delve deeper into its meaning and significance. In this sense, it is essential to delve into the different approaches and perspectives that exist around Risaldar, in order to understand its importance and contribution in the field in which it operates. This article aims to provide a broad and detailed vision of Risaldar, providing elements that enrich knowledge and promote a critical and reflective analysis of this topic.
Risaldar, meaning the commander of a risala or risalah (a body of horse, regardless if troop or regiment) in Persian, is a mid-level rank in cavalry and armoured units of the Indian and Pakistan Army. In other arms, such as the infantry, the equivalent rank is subedar.
Risaldar was also a Viceroy's commissioned officer's rank in the British Indian Army, until 1947.
The Indian Army and Pakistan Army have a unique set of ranks, called junior commissioned officers (JCO). They stand between non-commissioned officers and commissioned officers. A risaldar ranks above a naib risaldar and below a risaldar major.[citation needed]
The JCO evolved from the Viceroy's commissioned officers (VCO), established during the British Raj in 1885. The VCOs themselves succeeded the so called native officers holding a commission of the Governor General.
In the late 19th century, the spelling risaldar was uncommon, and the rank was usually listed as ressaldar or russuldar (e.g. in the Bombay Cavalry). During World War I, the spelling rissaldar became common.
A rissaldar was roughly equivalent to a native captain and ranked between risaldar-major and ressaidar (later jemadar). But like all VCOs, they were always outranked by the most junior officer with a King's or Queen's commission.