Model, Rocket, War, Indian, Late 18th Century

This is a replica of a late 18th century Indian war rocket. The actual rocket consisted of a steel tube filled with gunpowder and lashed by a leather thong to a bamboo reed guide stick. Although crude, these weapons were effectively used against enemy infantry or cavalry. Typical Indian rockets of this period weighed 2.7-5.5 kg (6-12 lbs.) and had ranges of from 900 m (3,000 ft) up to 1 km (1.6 mi).

Indian rockets did not carry explosives and were usually fired at close ranges to demoralize the enemy. Another variation featured a strong, straight length of bamboo guide stick cut at the front into a sharp point to stick into its enemy target. Rockets were used at the sieges of Serringapatam in 1791-1792 and 1799 against the British. Reports led William Congreve to develop his improved rocket types. The Science Museum of London gave this model to the Smithsonian in 1976.