The name A.C Guards came from the African Cavalry Guards of Hyderabad State Forces who were stationed there since the time of sixth Nizam, Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI.

The barracks are believed be to have been constructed more than 100 years ago and the quarters of A.C Guards were allocated to the African (Siddi) soldiers of the Nizam's army.

In the 19th century, the 6th Nizam, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, heard of Africans serving in the court of another Indian nobleman.

Impressed by their qualities, he asked for a batch of Africans to be brought to Hyderabad.

A group of around 300 young men soon followed; most accounts indicate they came voluntarily.