Scindia Royal Army’s Deadly Arsenal: From German Machine Guns to European Pistols, Even the British Feared Their Might

Gwalior: The Scindia dynasty is not only remembered for its royal legacy but also for the remarkable modernization of its army. Even during battles against the Mughals, the Scindia army was equipped with some of the most advanced weaponry of the time—from machine guns imported from Germany to European-style pistols. These historical arms are now preserved at a museum in Gwalior.

Modernization of the Army
Historical records reveal that in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Scindias invested in modern weaponry to strengthen their forces. Under the leadership of Shrimant Mahadji Scindia, and with the assistance of French General Benoît de Boigne, European military technologies were integrated with traditional Maratha strategies, creating a formidable army that even the British viewed with apprehension.

Weapons on Display
The museum, located within a section of the Jai Vilas Palace, showcases the Scindia family’s royal grandeur and military prowess. Among the weapons on display are:

• German-imported machine guns and long-barreled matchlock rifles.
• European-style pistols, many manufactured in London, including six-shooter revolvers, derringer pistols, percussion pistols, and two- and four-barreled models.
• Traditional weaponry such as bows, arrows, swords, and daggers.

Challenges from the British
Rashid Kidwai, in The House of Scindias, notes that when Madhavrao Scindia was modernizing his army, the British often tried to obstruct these efforts. Despite such obstacles, the Scindia rulers continued to strengthen their military capabilities, combining modern and traditional weaponry.

Participation in World War I
The Scindia army also took part in World War I. Historical documents show that troops were sent to Tonga, Kenya, Tanzania, and later to defend the Suez Canal in Egypt. During this period, the Scindia rulers also established a hospital in East Africa to support their forces.

Today, visitors to the Gwalior museum can witness these remarkable weapons and learn about the strategic foresight and military might of the Scindia dynasty—a legacy that once kept empires like the Mughals and even the British on their toes.