The Frontier Scouts

TIIE FRONTIER SCOUTS. By Charles Chenevix Trench. Pp. 298, 38 illustrations, 11 maps, 1985. (Jonathan Cape, London, £ 12.95).

The North West Frontier of India before the partition required a special attention from the British. It contained the vigorous Pathan tribes who followed their own law. The British devised a policy to recruit Pathans to fight Pathans. This regiments were called ‘Scouts’ under various names. Generally the Pathans were left alone and only in the cases like murder or treason the Scouts Intervened. The book narrates such stories of the Frontier Scouts campaigns. It brings home various traditions, self-made laws and wars. After an operation, where the Scouts will fight against their own tribes, all will get together to discuss the mistakes both sides made and the war will be washed down with drinks! These brave people have not lost their valour in the present day, as recently demonstrated. It is enlightening to learn of their early days and mountains.

Harish Kapadia