[1][2] The 17 Punjab Haidri could trace its origins to 1818, when it was raised at Sehore, as a mixed force of infantry and cavalry by the State of Bhopal for service with the British.

Following the upheaval of the Indian Mutiny, the contingent was reorganized by Lieutenant Colonel James Travers, VC, as the Bhopal Levy in May 1859.

Sepoy Chattar Singh was awarded the Victoria Cross[citation needed] for exceptional valour at the Battle of Wadi on 13 January 1916.

By the time the regiment returned home in March 1919, only fifteen men remained of those who had sailed for France in 1914.

[2][3] In 1921–22, a major reorganization was undertaken in the British Indian Army leading to the formation of large infantry groups of four to six battalions.