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In 1772, when Warren Hastings was appointed the first Governor General of the Company's Indian territories, one of his first undertakings was the rapid expansion of the Company's army. Since the available soldiers, or Sepoys, from Bengal- many of whom had fought against the British in the Battle of Plassey (23 June 1757), were now suspect in British eyes. Hastings recruited the soldiers from the high castle rural Rajputs and Brahmans of Oudh and Bihar, a practice that continued for the next 75 years. However, in order to forestall any social friction, the Company also took pains to adapt its military practices to the requirement of their religious rituals. Consequently, these soldiers dined in separate facilities; in addition, overseas service, considered polluting to their caste, was not required of them, and the army soon came to officially recognize Hindu festivals.