Photos: The grandeur of the President’s Bodyguard

In the decades since India’s independence, the regiment of the President’s Bodyguard has maintained its centuries old tradition of serving the heads of the state in the form of the Viceroy’s Guard. Currently, the mounted regiment guards the first citizen of India, President Ram Nath Kovind, on select occasions. Before the men ride their horses and march during the rehearsals ahead of the Republic Day parade on January 26, here’s a look at the might, royalty and magnificence of the oldest surviving mounted unit and the senior most regiment of the Indian Army.

Updated on: Jan 25, 2019 3:04 PM IST

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They are the most elite regiment in the Indian Army, handpicked by height and heritage from a pool of thousands and bedecked in the finest regalia befitting their status. The President’s Bodyguard, a 200-strong cavalry unit, have for centuries been assigned to India’s uppermost VIPs, from British viceroys to modern-day heads of state. (Chandan Khanna / AFP)

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Today, the mounted regiment flank President Ram Nath Kovind on ceremonial occasions, most notably the Republic Day parade where they march at the very head of India’s armed forces. Every Republic Day, the horsemen -- draped in fine red coats, golden sashes and resplendent turbans -- escort the president to the stage and give the order for the national anthem to begin. (Chandan Khanna / AFP)

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The President's Bodyguard march on their mounts towards India Gate during rehearsals for the upcoming Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. Attended by world leaders and beamed across the nation of 1.25 billion, the parade showcases India’s military might and is the premier state event of the year. (Chandan Khanna / AFP)

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A member of the President's Bodyguard arrives for a credentials ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Despite the title, the bodyguards are not charged with protecting the president. His security detail is provided by Delhi police. (Chandan Khanna / AFP)

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The President's Bodyguard get ready prior to a ceremony inside Rashtrapati Bhavan. In December, more than 10,000 people applied for just nine vacancies in the mounted unit. Successful candidates must be at least six feet (1.82 metres) tall, boast a pleasing physical appearance and carry an impeccable professional reputation. (Chandan Khanna / AFP)

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The President's Bodyguard stand guard behind President Kovind (front L) during Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi’s swearing-in ceremony in Durbar Hall at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Only the most elite troops -- sourced exclusively from India’s traditional warrior castes -- make the cut. (Chandan Khanna / AFP)

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The President's Bodyguard during a rehearsal for the Republic Day parade. The stringent recruitment policy has been challenged by those without the desired attributes or lineage. In December a petitioner went to Delhi High Court to contest the rule that bodyguards must be Sikh, or a member of two of Jat or Rajput castes. The court is awaiting a reply from the army and government. (Chandan Khanna / AFP)

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Soldiers of the President's Bodyguard march at the Presidential Parade ground. The storied brigade dates back to 1773, when British Governor General Warren Hastings raised a contingent of warriors later dubbed the “Viceroy’s Guard”. At independence in 1947, the regiment split as the subcontinent was cleaved into India and Pakistan. (Chandan Khanna / AFP)

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A soldier of the President's Bodyguard washes a horse at a stable inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan grounds. The bodyguards ride only the finest horses for the Republic Day parade, select steeds pampered and trained in stables at the president’s grand residence in Delhi. Like their riders, protocol dictates height and dimensions: at least 15 hands (1.58 metres) tall. (Chandan Khanna / AFP)

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President Ram Nath Kovind watches a friendly polo match by members of the President's Bodyguard at the presidential parade ground. Unlike other Indian cavalry units, the horses’ manes are allowed to grow and are shampooed and sometimes braided for special occasions. In their downtime, the regiment love their polo and the connection between man and steed is strong. (Chandan Khanna / AFP)

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Commandant officer of the President's Bodyguard Colonel Dhiraj Chengappa on the phone in his office inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan grounds. Chengappa said his horse of 10 years, Virat, shared his dedication to order and duty. “In one of the Republic Day parades I could see Virat looking at other horses with the corner of his eyes to align himself to their position in a straight line,” he said. (Chandan Khanna / AFP)

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The President's Bodyguard were once jokingly referred to as “God’s Gift to Beautiful Girls” -- a play on the acronym for the Governor General’s Body Guards, one of their former titles. (Chandan Khanna / AFP)