World War One Indian soldiers and the challenges of religious observance

What is it about?

Indian soldiers served in large numbers on the Western Front, making it necessary for the British authorities to accommodate their religious and cultural requirements in respect of worship, diet, caste and funeral rites. This article examines a case study, the Pavilion Hospital in Brighton, to discuss how this was achieved in the light of issues surrounding the concept of martial races.

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Why is it important?

Issues of diversity still arise in the British armed forces and in this respect it is useful to consider how different religions were accommodated in the past. In addition, this paper re-emphasises the value of the contribution made by the Indian Army and underscores recent efforts to redress the balance of coverage of combatants, whatever the complexities of imperial history.