These five officers in the British Army belong to Nawab Murtaza Jung’s Risala, or as the English would refer to it “The Royal Deccan Horse” of days gone by. In the middle sits Risaldar Major Sir Zorawar Ali Khan Pindari, who was given Knighthood and made a MVO (Member of the Royal Victorian Order) in recognition of his efforts in the suppression of the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny. This photograph was taken in the winter of 1881.

The Deccan Horse, among the most prestigious cavalry groups in British South Asia, was raised in the year 1790AD as “His Highness The Nizam Asaf Jah’s Irregular Horse“. The motto “La Fatah Ila Ali La Saif Illa Zulfiqar” (There is no conqueror like Ali, no sword like Zulfiqar).