A strong police force is grounded in courage, fitness, discipline, and resilience – qualities that ensure public safety and order. Among India’s many distinguished law enforcement units, the Kolkata Mounted Police stands out as the oldest, with a legacy of tradition and service.
Rather than being a relic of the past, the Kolkata Mounted Police remains vital to modern civic life. Whether managing crowds at Eden Gardens, maintaining order at Maidan football matches, or adding grandeur to the Republic Day parade, this unit exemplifies unwavering dedication to duty. The Kolkata Mounted Police is a force and a living symbol of discipline and heritage, blending history with contemporary relevance.
A Brief History
In the 1840s, during the British Raj, the Kolkata Mounted Police (then the Calcutta Mounted Police) was established with humble beginnings, starting with just two sowars (horse soldiers) under a Dafadar (Sergeant). Its primary role was to courier messages and notify the harbour master of incoming ships.
By 1857, the Calcutta Mounted Police had grown considerably and was recognised as one of the world’s top three mounted police forces, alongside those in London and Montreal. Under the leadership of a Superintendent of Police, the unit expanded its duties throughout the 19th century, including night patrols, traffic regulation, crowd management, ceremonial processions, and guards of honour.
The year 1912 marked a transformative period for the Mounted Police Department. Visionaries like Sir Charles Tegart, Sir Frederick Holliday, and John Eastwood introduced a structured schedule of duties, further professionalising the force. Riot and crowd control, became their primary focus, particularly at playgrounds and public events.
Initially, the Mounted Police was an exclusive domain for Europeans, with Indians restricted to lower ranks. Over time, this changed, allowing the force to evolve into a more inclusive unit. Today, the Kolkata Mounted Police is a product of its colonial past and a proud symbol of modern law enforcement.
The Calcutta Mounted Police inspired the creation of mounted units across India, with forces established in Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Hyderabad, and Chennai, all drawing from its legacy.
In 1948, the Lt. Governor’s Mounted Guard was merged with the Calcutta Mounted Police. The Force underwent further transformation, becoming a fully Indian unit that maintains its traditions while adapting to contemporary needs.
Renamed the Kolkata Mounted Police in 2001, the unit continues to honour its heritage, blending historical significance with modern relevance, and remains a symbol of discipline, tradition, and service in the heart of the city.
The Horse Saga
The horses of the Kolkata Mounted Police are the bloodline of the unit, embodying strength, and grace. Carefully selected from farms or received as gifts, they undergo rigorous training to meet the demands of service.
Traditionally, experienced officers and sowars handle the training, ensuring each horse is prepared for its diverse duties with precision and discipline. Before 2006, the Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) grounds served as the training facility. That year, the Kolkata Mounted Police established its own paddock at Maidan, providing a dedicated space for riding and workouts.
Training durations for the horses vary, with no fixed tenure. Horses transitioning from race tracks to police duties, for example, require specialised preparation, which can take a year or more, depending on the horse’s temperament and adaptability.
In recent years, the Kolkata Mounted Police has embraced modern techniques in horse rearing and training to enhance the effectiveness and well-being of the unit. A key part of this effort is the regular breeding programme at the Body Guard Lines Stable, where three to four horses are bred at intervals to ensure a strong force.
This steadfast commitment to horse rearing and training preserves tradition while allowing the Kolkata Mounted Police to remain a symbol of discipline and heritage.
The horses receive regular health check-ups and high-quality veterinary care, with routine visits from a dedicated vet officer. Sowars and Syces (Groomers or Stable Attendants) provide first aid support when needed. The Force maintains an air-conditioned intensive care unit for critically-ill horses, equipped with advanced facilities such as ultrasonography, therapy, and minor surgery under general anaesthesia, all managed by specialised veterinary teams.
Workload Management
The Kolkata Mounted Police is unique as it is possibly the only mounted unit in India with its own manual, which was compiled in 1994. This detailed guide covers horsemanship techniques, remount training, crowd control tactics, recruitment procedures, and the responsibilities of each rank. The unit’s skilled officers and sowars train the horses using traditional and modern methods, including rehabilitating racehorses for police service.
Each day, the Kolkata Mounted Police begins its routine patrol of the Maidan area at 6 a.m. and wraps up around 8:30 a.m. Afternoon patrols occur at 2:30 p.m. in winter and 3 p.m. in summer, maintaining security and preventing misconduct in the area.
The daily routine is carefully structured, with sessions for exercise, training, grooming, and feeding. Each horse is fed three to four meals daily and consumes about 30 litres of water, depending on the weather. Regular exercise includes trotting, cantering, and jumping, while specialised training prepares the horses for navigating diverse terrain and managing crowd control with precision and care.
This disciplined routine ensures the fitness and readiness of the horses, reinforcing the Kolkata Mounted Police’s legacy as a model of excellence and commitment.
Currently, the Force has 63 horses. Seven are deemed unfit for exercise or patrolling due to age or medical conditions. These horses are evaluated by a board of veterinary officers and approved by the Police Commissioner of Kolkata. The Force consists of approximately 175 personnel, including inspectors, a veterinary officer, sowars, syces, stablemen, constables, civic volunteers, and sweepers, all working cohesively to maintain the unit’s operations.
As part of the protocol, when the President or Vice President of India visits Kolkata and stays at the Raj Bhawan, four horses and their sowars are stationed at the entrance for ceremonial duties, including a Guard of Honour.
The Maidan area, the heartbeat of Kolkata, the City of Joy, is home to nearly 21 grounds. It serves as a vibrant hub for city activities. The Kolkata Mounted Police ensures law and order in this crucial zone and plays an essential role in preserving its greenery and safeguarding the city’s heritage and environment.
