"Warfare in India advice" Topic

I stumbled across a lovely old set of rules that I never followed through on painting stuff up for, Honour and Fortune by Howard Whitehouse [of A Gentleman's War fame, et al].

I'm pondering figure availability and what period would be best for outlandish uniforms, erratic performance, unusual units from elephants with parasols to rocketeers to jingal camals, to hordes of useless pindaris… you get the idea.

Anyone have recommendations on scale, figure line, and period?

I'm thinking it is most likely 15mm and perhaps the fights of Cornwallis or Wellington for figure availability. But what about Mysoreans, Rajputs, Marathas, et al??

On the one hand, I'm thinking 15mm and units of 24 foot, 12 cavalry. On the other hand, I'm thinking perhaps 25mm and units of 12 foot and 6 cavalry for Eureopeans, and double that for outlandish hindustani rabble.

Uncertain about the whole Clive thing, may be too early.

Any thoughts appreciated, especially if you're working on the period yourself.

It seems to me that The London WarRoom once made a line of obscure types of figures for India around 1800 or earlier. London WarRoom seems to have been sold to Badger Games, but I don't see any mention of Badger selling any of the London WarRoom figures. These were 25 mm figures. Given where you are on this project, it might be worth writing to Badger to see if they did buy this particular line and if so, when they hope to make them available.

While I have never thought of gaming India in the 1700s or early 1800s, I've kicked around the idea of building armies for an ancient/early Medieval India with all the exotic air of the region and maybe a little Robert E. Howard mystic Vindhya thrown in for good measure, but it has never gone beyond the kicking around mentally stage.

Best of luck with this project--let us know how it goes!

Grelber

Sounds like you need to look at the 15mm Minifigs range and Two Dragons – both sold by Calvert. Dixon might have some useable figures from their Mutiny range.

If you "Do Facebook" you might want to visit "Wargames in India 1600 to 1920".

The contributors there are very knowledgable and there are hundreds of gorgeous figures to see.

Cheers

My recommendation would be to choose the same scale as your other troops, regardless of era. Terrain usually takes up more space than troops and being able to use the same terrain for multiple eras saves you storage space, time and money.

Have you had a look at the recently published "Bloody Big INDIAN Battles!" scenario book?
link
It covers battles from 1800-1857 – Marathas, Gwalior Campaign, Sikh Wars, Mutiny – and is full of the zambuks and ghazis and gorchurras you're after. I assume it could be adapted for other rulesets with a bit of imagination.

Okay, so I'm an opportunist, but as the question was asked, allow me to suggest reading about "John Company: The Conquest of of India--1750-1860." This is the only set of rules completely original and designed specifically for India battles.

You can read some description and even order either the Print or PDF Edition here: link

If you'd be interested in reading an independent review of the very first edition by TMP's own Chick Lewis, you are welcome to PM me and I'll send it as a PDF.

And, just a note for those who might be curious, the 25mm Sikh Wars range of figures produced by the late Richard Houston, and previously sold by the much lamented London War Room, still belong to TVAG, though are not now in production--but could be if anyone would be interested.

Cheers!

TVAG

In 15mm – Miniature Figurines, Dixon, Irregular, Essex, Two Dragons and the revamped QRF make suitable minis. Actually, QRF makes dedicated Mysoreans (or did). I don't know when those will be coming back into stock, as QRF are redoing their lines at present.

However, if you are leaning towards 15mm, try to pick up a copy of an old Miniature Wargames publication on wargaming the 7YW in India – it's chock full of great miniature suggestions.

I sent an inquiry to QRF regarding their Maharatta & Sikh Wars 1800-1848. The reply was that they would be available by New Years 2023.

In 15mm, Blue Moon also do a very attractive range for the Indian Mutiny, which I have been ogling for some time.

You might consider Pendraken 10mm for the Indian Mutiny:
link