In 1903, under a general policy to move the focus for recruitment from Madras to the "martial races" of North-West India, the establishment of the 79th Carnatic Infantry was reduced to 600 officers and men.
The intention was to convert this and other Carnatic units which still retained their traditional recruiting basis, to garrison troops.
Initially the regiment performed lines of communication and garrison functions but it saw active service in Kurdistan after November 1918.
Captain Herbert Mackworth Clogstoun 19th Madras Native Infantry, Madras Army was awarded the Victoria Cross during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 15 January 1859:[5] For conspicuous bravery in charging the, Rebels into Chichumbah with only eight men of his Regiment (the 2nd Cavalry Hyderabad Contingent), compelling them to re-enter the Town, and finally to abandon their plunder.
He was severely wounded himself, and lost seven out of the eight men who accompanied him.As the 19th Madras Native Infantry under the East India Company, the regiment wore red coats with French grey facings.