- Subedar
__NOTOC__Subedar, a historical rank in Indian Army, which ranked below British commissioned officers and above non-commissioned officers.cite web |url=http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Subedar |title=NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Subedar |accessdate=2008-10-06 |work= |publisher=
NationMaster |date= ] This rank was equivalent to British Lieutenant. A subedar's authority was confined to other Indian troops, meaning they could not command British troops. Before India received her independence Subedars were known as Viceroy Commissioned Officer, after independence they are called Junior Commissioned Officers.see article] This rank was introduced in Honorable East India company's native troops to communicate between British officers and native sepoy. Such an officer must be fluent in English. Until 1866, this rank was highest rank among the Indian native troops.Insignia
Until 1858, Subedar wore two epaulets with small bullion fringes on each shoulder. After 1858, Subedar wore two crossed golden swords (except Gurkha Regiments) or two crossed golden Kukris (Gurkha Regiments) on each collar or right chest of his kurta. After 1900, Subedars wore two stars (pips) on each shoulder. Red-yellow-red ribbon was introduced under each pip. After Second World War, this ribbon was moved between shoulder title and rank insignia.
After getting independence from, Pakistan army also retains this rank, but ribbon was changed- red-green-red. Bangladesh army retained this rank after seperation from Pakistan, ribbon was changed red-purple-red. In Bangladesh army, after 1999, Subedar are known as Senior Warrant Officer.
External links
* [http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/Ranks.html www.Bharat-Rakshak.com/Army/Ranks.html] - Illustration of various military insignias including three Subedar insignias
References
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