The 9th Royal Deccan Horse can trace its formation to 1790 when it was called Asif Sah's Irregular Cavalry.

Two regiments were raised for service under the Nizam of Hyderabad in Berar, who was allied with the British East India Company.

The regimental class composition at the time of the Hyderabad Contingent was a squadron each of Sikhs, Deccani Mussalmans and Jats.

[5] Following the formation of the Hyderabad Contingent, the unit saw action in many locations around and after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 (Dhar, Jhansi, Piplia, Betwa River, Rawal, Banda, Mandesur, Kunch, Ratgarh, Kalpi, Madanpur, Bilawa, Chanderi, Gwalior and Garakota) winning a Victoria Cross (VC) in 1859 and was also awarded the battle honour, 'Central India' for its efforts in suppression of the mutiny in 1857–58.

They were withdrawn on the following morning, but the charge was given a favourable mention in Sir Douglas Haig's dispatches and received much coverage from the British press, anxious for some news of success.

[12] The regiment along with 16th Light Cavalry, 5th King Edward's Own Probyn's Horse and 116th Royal Armoured Corps (Gordon Highlanders) reached Kanglatongbi in Assam in October 1944, where training and exercises took place.

This gallant battle by the Regiment blunted and stalled the largest offensive ever mounted by Pakistan since Independence.

Prominent winners of gallantry awards include: 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.

[24] The following were honoured during the Imperial Visit of King George V to India On 23rd September 1918 on the west bank of the River Jordan, Palestine, when his squadron was charging a strong enemy position, Risaldar Badlu Singh realised that heavy casualties were being inflicted from a small hill occupied by machine-guns and 200 infantry.

He was mortally wounded on the very top of the hill when capturing one of the machine-guns single handed, but all the guns and infantry had surrendered to him before he died.

Other gallantry awards include: In recognition of its distinguished service, the Deccan Horse was selected for presentation of a "Guidon" by the President of India Giani Zail Singh at Nabha on 9 January 1984.

The present Regimental insignia consists of crossed lances with pennons of Red over White mounted with the State Emblem of India and a scroll at the base with the words The Deccan Horse.