Raised in Gwalior in 1858 by Captain F H Smioth and named the 2nd Regiment of Mahratta Horse. The name was changed in 1861 to the 18th Regiment of Bangal Cavalry, to the 18th Regiment of Bengal Lancers in 18856, to the 8th Bengal Lancers at the time of the Boer War in 1901. They underwent three further name changes.
Prior to the Boer War, the 18th Bangal Lancers saw service in Afghanistan 1879-80 and on the Punjab Frontier and in Tirah.