In 1817 this regiment mounted a heroic defense and turned back the army of the Paishwar of Poonah, despite massive enemy attempts to subvert the native troops. Native troops serving with the English army were always suspected of having split loyalties, so their resolute action in this engagement was significant.
Strangely, the only thanks received by Burr from his commanding officer General Lionel Smith, was to be portrayed to his colleagues and superiors as the above mentioned blockhead and to be relieved of his command.
Burr's letters to appeal this verdict went right to the top... the Governor General of India... this long winded appeal (published as a book in 1819) did garner a measure of favorable recognition for his actions, but it is not clear if Smith ever apologized.
Another puzzle raised by this monument is why the pensive mourner wears an Egyptian badge on his hat? Perhaps a London stone carver's mistake, or did this Indian regiment see action there?
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