Minifigure – Sikh soldier serving as a sniper in the British Indian Army World War I or World War II (LEGO Compatible)

This image shows a toy minifigure representing a Sikh soldier serving as a sniper in the British Indian Army, likely during the World War I or World War II era.

The figure is immediately identifiable as a Sikh by his traditional white turban (Dastar) and full beard, which are articles of his religious faith. He is depicted in a military uniform consisting of a grey tunic, khaki trousers, and puttees (leg wraps).

Over his tunic, he wears British-style canvas webbing, including a belt and ammunition pouches. His weapon is a toy replica of the iconic Lee-Enfield rifle, the standard firearm of the British and Commonwealth forces for the first half of the 20th century. This rifle is equipped with a telescopic sight, designating the soldier’s specialist role as a sniper.

Historical Background: The British Indian Army was the army of British-ruled India and a crucial component of the British Empire’s military power. Within it, Sikhs were recruited in large numbers and were renowned for their bravery and martial traditions, forming the backbone of many elite regiments. Sikh soldiers fought with great distinction for the British Empire in nearly every theater of both World War I and World War II, from the trenches of the Western Front to the deserts of North Africa and the jungles of Burma. As a sniper, a soldier like this would have been a highly skilled marksman, tasked with eliminating key enemy targets from concealed positions.