Risaldar

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Risaldar

Risaldar (often called Ressaidar in the British Indian Army

British Indian Army

The Indian Army was the principal army of the British Raj in India during the last half-century before the Partition of India of India in 1947....
), meaning "the commander of a risala (mounted troop)" in Persian

Persian language

Cavalry

The Cavalry is the second oldest of the Combat Arms, and as soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback in combat, it represents the mobility and offensive power of the armed forces....
and armour

Armour

Armour or armor is protective covering used to prevent damage from being inflicted to an individual or a vehicle through use of direct contact weapons or projectiles, usually during combat....
ed units of the Indian Army

Indian Army

The Indian Army is the largest branch of the Indian Armed Forces of India and has the responsibility for army military operations. Its primary objectives include defending India from external aggression, maintaining peace and security within the country, patrolling borders and conducting counter-terrorist operations....
. Risaldars generally command squadron

Squadron

A squadron is a small military unit or formation of cavalry, Armoured forces, aircraft , or warships....
s.

The Indian Army has a unique set of ranks, which stand between non-commissioned officer

Non-commissioned officer

A non-commissioned officer , also known as an NCO or Noncom, is an enlisted rank member of an armed force who has been given authority by a officer ....
s and commissioned officers. During the British Raj

British Raj

British Raj primarily refers to the British rule in the Indian subcontinent between 1858 and 1947; it can also refer to the period of dominion, and even the region under the rule....
, they were known as Viceroy's Commissioned Officer

Viceroy's Commissioned Officer

A Viceroy's Commissioned Officer was a senior Indian member of the British Indian Army. VCOs held appointments approximately equivalent to Warrant Officers in the British Army, but held a commission issued by the Governor-General of India....
s (VCOs), but since the Indian independence movement

Indian independence movement

The term Indian independence movement incorporates various national and regional campaigns, agitations and efforts of both Nonviolent and Revolutionary movement for Indian independence philosophy....
, they have been called Junior Commissioned Officer

Junior Commissioned Officer

Junior Commissioned Officer is a term describing a group of military ranks found in the Indian Army and Pakistan Army which correspond to warrant officers in other commonwealth armies....
s (JCOs).

A Risaldar ranks above a Naib Risaldar (called a Jemadar

Jemadar

Jemadar was a military rank used in the British Indian Army, where it was the lowest rank for a Viceroy's Commissioned Officer . Jemadars either commanded platoons or troops themselves or assisted their United Kingdom commander....
in the British Indian Army) and below a Risaldar Major.

In other arms (such as infantry) the equivalent is a Subedar

Subedar

Subedar is a historical rank in the Indian Army , ranking below British commissioned officers and above non-commissioned officers. The rank was otherwise equivalent to a British lieutenant and was introduced in the East India Company's presidency armies to make it easier for British officers to communicate with native troops....
.