Cap badge, 8th Rajputs, 1903-1922

Brass badge in the form of the regimental number, in Roman numerals, 'VIII', surmounted by a King's Crown, with a scroll bearing the regimental title, 'Rajputs'.

The 8th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry was a successor unit to the 59th Bengal Native Infantry which saw service in the 1st Afghan War (1838-1842) and the 1st Sikh War (1845-1846). The regiment became the 8th (Rajput) Bengal Infantry in 1897 and the 8th Rajput Infantry in 1901.

The regiment, as the 8th Rajputs, participated in World War One (1914-1918), serving in Mesopotamia. A second battalion was raised in India in 1918. The regiment continued to serve in Mesopotamia with the outbreak of the Arabian Revolt in 1920.

The Indian Army reforms of 1922 saw the unit, now back in India, amalgamate with other units, as it became the 4th Battalion of the 7th Rajput Regiment.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.