Risaldar, meaning the commander of a risalaorrisalah (a body of horse,[1] regardless if troop or regiment[2]) 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.
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.[3]
In the late 19th century, the spelling risaldar was uncommon, and the rank was usually listed as ressaldarorrussuldar (e.g. in the Bombay Cavalry).[4] During World War I, the spelling rissaldar became common.[5]
^Carman, W.(William) Y. (1961). Indian Army Uniforms Under the British from the 18th Century to 1947: cavalry. London: Leonard Hill. p. 226.
^Stevenson, Richard (2015). Beatson's Mutiny. The Turbulent Career of a Victorian Soldier. London. New York: I.B.Tauris. p. 37. ISBN978-1-784531-10-2.
^H. G. Hart (Major General), The New Annual Army List, Militia List, and Indian Civil Service List, London 1878, p.430, p.522
^Plumon, Eugène (1914). Vade-mecum for the Use of Officers and Interpreters in the Present Campaign: French and English Technical and Military Terms. London: Librairie Hachette & Cie. p. 10.
^Stevenson, Richard (2015). Beatson's Mutiny. The Turbulent Career of a Victorian Soldier. London. New York: I.B.Tauris. p. 37. ISBN978-1-784531-10-2.
