Sikh Musketeers are a type of line infantry in Empire: Total War.
Description[]
Sikhs are an independently-minded people, fiercely brave, and extremely adept in battle.
Sikhs are a distinctive community from northern India; they are easily recognised by their turbans, beards and uncut hair. They also carry swords as one of the marks of their faith, and sometimes for less ceremonial purposes. In addition to being a devout people, Sikhs have a proud martial tradition, like many in the Punjab. As fighters, they are fierce foes, and rightly feared by their neighbours and enemies.
Historically, Sikhism is the youngest of the world's major religions. The word "sikh" can be translated as disciple or pupil. Arising in 15th Century Mughal India, the leaders of the new faith were often persecuted by the Mughals, although sometimes for political rather than religious reasons. With the decline in Mughal power, the Sikhs managed to carve out a kingdom of their own, and gave the advancing British several nasty shocks. It is noticeable that the British Raj later made very extensive use of Sikh troops. Even today, when Sikhs are only a tiny percentage of India's population, they represent a substantial part of the Indian Army's officer corps.
General Information[]
Sikh Musketeers are the best Line Infantry available to the Maratha Confederacy; in fact, they would be superior to most western line infantry were they to have access to Fire by Rank. However, as they may be recruited only in northern India, it may be a while before the Marathas can actually have access to them.