The Jangi Lat Sahibs: Commanders-in-Chief, India, 1824-57

The most senior soldiers in British India were the commanders-in-chief of the Bengal Army. Between the great reorganisation of 1824 and the outbreak of the mutiny/rebellion of 1857, the position was held by twelve senior officers, all generals of the British (and not the Bengal) Army. These men represent a range of characters, effectiveness and influence, responsible for various achievements (and indeed, debacles). Based on research conducted for John Company’s Armies (2024), Peter Stanley will discuss the individuals known to the armies of India as Jangi Lat Sahib—‘military lord master’.

Formerly Principal Historian at the Australian War Memorial, Peter Stanley retired as Research Professor at the University of New South Wales Canberra in 2023. His books on the military history of British India include White Mutiny, Die in Battle, Do not Despair: The Indians on Gallipoli, Hul! Hul!: The Suppression of the Santal Rebellion, Bengal, 1855 and John Company’s Armies. Present projects include a pictorial history of the Indian armies 1860-1900.

General Admission: £5.00

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