1984 Presentation of Regimental Guidon to the Deccan Horse Stamp
H.E.H. Mir Barkat Ali Khan (Mukarram Jah Bahadur - Asaf Jah VIII).
The insignia of the 9th Horse (Deccan Horse) underwent significant changes following India's independence in 1947. Prior to 1950, as the Royal Deccan Horse, the cap badge featured crossed lances with pennons, incorporating the numeral "IX" and the royal cypher of the British monarch, reflecting its status as a royal regiment within the British Indian Army.Post-independence, the badge was redesigned to align with national symbols, consisting of crossed lances surmounted by the Ashoka Lion Capital, emblematic of India's republican identity and shared across many Indian cavalry regiments
The motto of the 9th Horse (Deccan Horse) with the State Emblem of India and a scroll at the base with the words The Deccan Horse. The numeral "9" is inscribed on the crossing of the lances along with the motto of the 9th Horse (Deccan Horse) is संघे शक्ति "Sanghe Shakti," a Sanskrit phrase translating to "In Association, there is Strength," emphasizing the regiment's core principle of unity and collective resolve among its members.
Mukarram jah bahadur can be seen wearing waist-belt of the same insignia , The 9th Deccan Horse.
The Deccan Horse or 9 Horse can trace its origins back to 1790 when two regiments of irregular cavalry were raised for service under the Nizam of Hyderabad in Berar. These regiments were formed to support the Nizam's army and were initially known as Asif Jah's Irregular Cavalry.
In 1903, during Kitchener's reform of the Indian Army, the 'Hyderabad Contingent' was incorporated into the regular British Indian Cavalry as the two regiments, the 20th Deccan Horse and 29th Lancers (Deccan Horse).
In 1921, 20th Deccan Horse was given the title "Royal" for its distinguished service during World War I. In 1921, the two regiments were merged under the name "The 9th Royal Deccan Horse". In 1927, the designation was changed to "The Royal Deccan Horse (9th Horse)"
After India gained independence in 1947, the regiment was divided between India and Pakistan. Pakistani portion continues to serve as the 20th Lancers.
On India becoming a Republic in 1950, the regiment's name was finally changed to "The Deccan Horse (9th Horse)".
(From collection of Inayat Farooqui)
