[2] In 1825, the Bengal native cavalry established the equivalent rank of risaldar-major, which was soon adopted by the Presidency armies of Bombay and Madras.

[3] Both ranks would serve as a representative of their people to British officers, but could also command independent companies resp.

[7] Subedar major within the Indian Army is considered as the chief advisor of the commanding officer, responsible for advising him in critical service matters.

Any incident which is affecting the unit administration, security, or morale of troops is reported by him, to the Commanding Officer.

[10] Similar to other Commonwealth countries, Pakistan Army inherited its rank structure from the British Empire.

A battalion subedar-major is responsible for advising the unit officers on matters pertaining to enlisted ranks.

Officers usually refer to senior enlisted ranks like battalion sergeant major as 'Sahab', which translates to Sir or 'Staff', as terms of respect.