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The Sikh Cavalry
Delivering up their arms at Rawul Pindee, March 14, 1849
The image is of John Nicholson
& Maharaja Sher Singh on horse back in front of the
pile of weapons forming, some 10,000 Sikh horsemen surrendered
their arms. - The Illustrated London News - 09/06/1849
John Nicholson and Neville Chamberlain watched this scene
with similary mixed emotions, having learned to admire and
repect the Sikhs as fellow soldiers as well as enemies.
Recognising a veteran as he laid down his sword, Nicholson
asked him how it had come to this: 'Did you not say you
would drive us into the sea? Your Guru should have advised
you better.' To which the Sikh replied rufelly: 'Ah, sahib,
there's no striving against Fate. There's no fighting upon
a diet of cabbages. Just try it yourself, sahib.' Neville
Chamberlain records an equally poignant incident: 'One old
fellow I noticed in particular; he stood for a long time
looking wistfully at his arms and the pile before him, and
evidently could not make up his mind to give them up. At
last the officer on duty came and touched him on the shoulder
and ordered him to move on; he then threw down his sword
and matchlock with a crash, and turned away with tears in
his eyes saying, "All my work is done now."' -
Soldier Sahibs, by Charles Allen
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