Knighthood

Knighthood

Knighthood, "The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire." Instituted 1st January, 1887. Enlarged 1st June, 1887. The Order consists of the Sovereign, Grand Master, and three Classes. The First Class, or Knights Grand Commanders, who have place and precedency next to and immediately after Knights Grand Cross of St. Michael and St. George.

The Second Class, or Knights Commanders,who have precedency next to Knights Commanders of St. Michael and St. George.

The Third Class, or Companions, who haveprecedency next to Companions of St. Michael and St. George.

The Badge. A Rose gold enamelled gules,barbed and seeded vert, having in the centre Her Majesty's Royal Effigy within a purple circle edged with gold, inscribed with the Motto of the Order, surmounted by an Imperial Crown both gold.

The Collar is composed of Elephants, Lotusflowers, Peacocks in their pride, and Indianroses, in the centre the Imperial Crown from which The Badge is pendant, . the whole linked together by chains of gold.

The Star of The First Class or Knights GrandCommanders (G.C.I.E.) is composed of five rays of Gold and Silver, issuing from a Gold centre thereon Her Majesty's Royal Effigy, within a purple circle inscribed with the motto of the Order, the circle surmounted by the Imperial Crown both gold.

The Star of the Second Class or KnightsCommanders (K.C.I.E.) is composed of rays alternately bright and chiiDped, issuing from a gold centre, having thereon Her Majesty's effigy within a purple circle inscribed with the Motto of the Order in letters of gold, the circle surmounted by the Imperial Crown also gold.

The Mantle. Imperial purple satin, linedwith, and fastened by, a cordon of white silk, wuth purple silk, and gold tassels attached, on the left side a representation of the Star of the first-class of the Order.

The Ribbon of the Order is blue. For thesecond-class, is two inches in breadth.

The Motto. " Imperatricis Auspiciis."

Collar, Star and Badge of the first class, orKnights Grand Commanders. P. 25a, f. 10.

Ribbon and Badge, and Star of the secondclass, or Knight Commanders, f. 11.

The Badge of the third class, or Companions,f. 12.