Madras Pioneers

The term Madras Pioneers related to bodies of Pioneers as well as Sappers and Miners which were part of the Madras Presidency Army.

The Madras Engineer Group were raised as two companies of pioneers in 1780 called the Madras Pioneers, which were expanded and titled 'Corps of Madras Pioneers' but later renamed the 'Corps of Madras Sappers and Miners' in 1831.

In addition, a separate Corps of Madras Pioneers was also in existence in the late 19th century and early 20th century which was disbanded in 1933, along with other pioneer battalions of the British Indian Army. The troops, equipment and regimental property of the disbanded pioneer battalions were absorbed into the Sappers and Miners of their respective presidencies; in the case of Madras Pioneers, with the Madras Sappers. Lt Gen SM Shrinagesh, was the senior-most Indian officer to be commissioned into the Madras Pioneers and due to this affiliation became the first Senior Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Engineers after independence.