The Maratha Light Infantry (MLI; also the Ganpats) is an elite regiment of the Indian Army. It was formed as the 103rd Mahrattas in 1768, making it the most senior light infantry regiment of the Army.The class composition of the regiment was and is primarily formed by hardy, frugal and disciplined Maratha recruits from the former Maratha Empire. The men are mostly drawn from all over the state of Maharashtra, with some percentage from Marathi speaking areas of Karnataka including Coorg.