Star of India (flag)

This article is about the flag known as the "Star of India". For other items of the same name, see Star of India (disambiguation).
Photograph of the Red Ensign, used to represent British India in international organisations

The Star of India can refer to a group of flags used during the period of British rule in the Indian subcontinent. British India had a range of flags for different purposes during its existence. The flags included the Union Flag with the insignia of the Order of the Star of India superimposed, or the Red or Blue Ensign with the Star of India superimposed. The official state flag for use on land was the Union Flag of the United Kingdom and it was this flag that was lowered on Independence Day in 1947.

While the Blue Ensign was used for military and naval purposes, the Red Ensign was used for representing India in most international events. The Star of India had a star with the words Heaven's light our guide around them, and was the badge of the Order of the Star of India, a chivalric order of knighthood. A blue state (government) ensign also existed, and was defaced with a lion holding a Tudor Crown.[1]

The Star of India flags were replaced by the Tiranga (Indian Tricolour) after Independence on 15 August 1947 in the independent Dominion of India, and by the Flag of Pakistan in independent Dominion of Pakistan.

The flags and emblems used in British India

1733-1833Flag of the Governors of the Presidency of Fort William (Bengal)Flag of the East India Company.
1858–1947 The official state flag of the Indian Empire for use on land The flag of the United Kingdom
1885–1947 Flag of the Governor-General of India A Union Flag defaced with the insignia of the Order of the Star of India surmounted by the Tudor Crown.
1880–1947 Flag used to represent British India at international events A red ensign with the Union Flag in the corner and the Star of India displayed in the fly.
1863–1947 1879–1928 ensign of Her Majesty's Indian Marine / Royal Indian Marine

1928–1947 naval jack of the Royal Indian Marine / Royal Indian Navy 		A Blue Ensign with the Union Flag at the canton, and the Star of India displayed in the fly
1928–1950 Ensign of the Royal Indian Marine / Royal Indian Navy The White Ensign of the Royal Navy
1861 - 1947 The insignia of the Order of the Star of India Silver five pointed star encircled by a blue ribbon bearing the motto Heaven's light our guide all surrounded by a gold sunburst.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/in-colon.html


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