The design of Indus was based upon the Danish, captured during the Second Battle of Copenhagen. She was originally ordered in 1817 as a 74-gun ship, but the order was amended in 1820 to an 80-gunner.She was attached to the Mediterranean fleet, and commanded by Captain Houston Stewart until 30 October 1840, when Captain James Stirling took over as captain, serving until June 1844. Captain John Charles Dalrymple Hay had her until 25 November 1856, during which time she served as Rear-Admiral Houston Stewart's flagship, based at Devonport. Captain William King-Hall was her next commander, and she continued to serve as Houston Stewart's flagship, now on the North American and West Indian stations.In 1860 Indus was converted to serve as a guardship. She was sold out of the service in 1898.