The Order of the Star of India is a prestigious chivalric order established by the British Empire in 1861.
It was created to honour and recognize the achievements and services of individuals, both British and Indian, who contributed significantly to the British Raj in India.
The Order of the Star of India consists of three ranks: Knight Grand Commander (GCSI), Knight Commander (KCSI), and Companion (CSI).
The Grand Master of the Order was the British monarch, and the Viceroy of India served as the Principal Knight Grand Commander.
Membership in the order was initially limited to British officials and military personnel serving in India.
However, over time, it was expanded to include Indian princes, nobles, and distinguished individuals from various fields, such as politics, administration, arts, and sciences.
The insignia of the order features a star with various design variations depending on the rank, along with a badge and a ribbon.
Recipients of the order were entitled to use post-nominal letters according to their rank.
The Order of the Star of India played a significant role in the British Raj as a symbol of recognition and honour.
It represented the close connection between the British Empire and India during that time.
After India gained independence in 1947, the order was discontinued, and the Indian government established its own national honours and awards system.
Today, the Order of the Star of India remains a historical testament to the colonial era and the contributions made by individuals in the service of the British Empire in India.