Strength and Ethnic Composition
Strength of the regiment varied throughout its history. Minimum strength of the unit was 50 when it was raised in 1773 but the precise maximum strength of the unit is not known. President of India's website claims a number of 1929 just before the First Sikh war but some historians believe the number to be 469. As per the book “Historical Records of the Governor General's Body Guards” published in 1910, maximum strength of the unit was 529 all ranks on 12 Feb 1844 just before the first Sikh War. In addition to 529 all ranks, orders were also issued to attach two Rissalahs of Irregular Cavalry, taking the strength of the unit to 730 all ranks.
Ethnic composition of the unit also kept on changing. It started with Muslims (Moghals) from Awadh (Eastern U.P.) when it was raised in 1773. By 1800, Hindus (Rajput & Brahmins) were allowed to join GGBG along with Muslims but the area of the recruitment remained the same, Awadh & Bihar. In 1800, the recruitment pool was changed from Bengal Presidency to Madras Presidency & GGBG was reconstituted with troopers from Madras cavalry & for next 60 years, South Indian Castes formed bulk of the unit. After the Great Mutiny of 1857, center of recruitment of Indian Army was shifted from Awadh & south India to North India. GGBG was no exception & Sikhs were enlisted for the first time in Aug 1883 & Punjabi Muslims in Oct 1887. Recruitment of Brahmins & Rajputs ceased in 1895. After that, the recruitment was fixed at 50% Sikhs (Malwa & Majha) & 50% Muslims (Hindustani & Punjabi). Currently Jat, Sikhs & Rajputs are taken in equal number primarily from the states of Punjab, Haryana & Rajasthan. Minimum height necessary to be enlisted is 6 feet. Before independence the average height of the troopers was 6 feet 3 inches. Because of the personality & appearance of the men, popular acronym of GGBG was ‘God's Gift to Beautiful Girls'.
Read more about this topic: President's Bodyguard (India)
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