Sepoys and an Indian officer, Bengal Army, 1815 (c).Watercolour on European paper, by a Company artist, Patna, 1815 (c).Many Indian ethnic groups had their own long traditions as warrior peoples and the East India Company was quick to combine Western weapons, uniform and military training with the Indian?s own martial skills. The offer of good pay, status, security and honour meant that the Company could always recruit sepoys (Indian soldiers) to make up the bulk of its military forces.