 It was converted into regulars on 1 January 1800 at Trichonopoly as the 1st Battalion 16th Regiment of Trichnopoly Native Infantry by Lieutenant Colonel S Jennerett and was known as "Jennerett ki Paltan" (Jennerett's Battalion).It was composed mostly of Muslims, Tamils and Telugus of South India.In 1811, it was styled as Trichonopoly Light Infantry as a reward for a 25-mile forced march in support of a retreating force; when it arrived just in time to turn the tables in a minor engagement near Mysore.