Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 31:22-32:50

Q&A: how large were the Company armies?

The presidency armies probably fielded tens of thousands during the Seven Years' War, although reliable totals become clearer only later.

Bengal ArmyBombay ArmyBritish East India CompanyForce StructureIndiaMadras ArmyMilitary AdministrationMilitary PersonnelPresidency ArmiesSepoys
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Question

Roughly how many troops served in each of the East India Company's three presidency armies?

Short answer

The period figures are uncertain, but each may have had roughly 15,000 to 20,000 troops, for a combined force approaching 50,000 or more.

Notes

Precise establishment figures are difficult to recover for the Seven Years' War period. The three presidency armies together may have approached 50,000 personnel, with roughly 15,000 to 20,000 associated with each. By 1824 the combined establishment had expanded to about 200,000 troops, including European regiments. These estimates give useful scale while keeping the uncertainty of the earlier evidence visible.