At the beginning of the 20th century the basis for recruitment was changed from Madrasis to Moplahs - who are Muslims of Arab origin located along the coast of Malabar.
[3] Another problem reported was that the Moplah sepoys, acclimatized to the moist humidity of southern India, suffered severely from the dry climate of the Punjab frontier.
They attracted attention, in part because of their scarlet zouave jackets[5] and red tarbushes - a headdress not previously worn by the Indian Army.
[6] The last two annual reports on the Moplah Rifles were negative, stating that 'fanaticism' amongst the sepoys made these units unsuitable for garrison duties in Madras.
[7] In view of the problems faced by the 78th MR when posted to the North-West Frontier Province, service with the field army was not considered a feasible alternative.