Rai Sahib

"Rao Saheb" redirects here. For 1985 film, see Rao Saheb (film).

Rao Sahib
Title Badge for Rao Sahib
TypeCivilian Honour
Country British India
Presented by Viceroy of India
EligibilityHindu Indian
StatusDiscontinued (since 1947)
Precedence
Next (higher)Rao Bahadur

Rai Sahib / Rao Saheb / Roy Sahib / Rao Sahib abbreviated R.S., was a title of honour issued during the era of British rule in India to individuals who performed faithful service or acts of public welfare to the nation.[1] From 1911 the title was accompanied by a special Title Badge. Translated, Rai means "King" Sahib means "Leader".[2] Awarded during the reign of George VI. For another image of the badge see link[3] This was the start level title usually awarded to civilians, which could later be upgraded to Rao Bahadur and then to Dewan Bahadur titles.[4]

The title styled Rai Sahib were awarded to Hindu people of North India, Rao Saheb in Maharashtra and styled Rao Sahib to Hindu people of South India, however, they were both of same category and spelling was altered to meet with regional differences of pronunciation.[5]

The Rai Sahib/Rao Sahib/Roy Sahib and other similar titles issued during the British Raj were disestablished in 1947 upon independence of India.[6]

  1. ^ H. Taprell Dorling. (1956). Ribbons and Medals. A.H.Baldwin & Sons, London. p. 111.
  2. ^ Hankin, Nigel B. (2003). Hanklyn-janklin By Nigel B. Hankin. India Presearch Press. p. 404. ISBN 9788187943044.
  3. ^ "Image of Rao Sahib Medal". Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  4. ^ "Quila House and the Jalan Collection: Dewan Bahadur". quilahouse.com. Archived from the original on 15 February 2011. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
  5. ^ "British India: INDIAN TITLE BADGE (MYB # 327), RAO BAHADUR & RAO SAHIB MEDALS". worldofcoins.eu. Archived from the original on 24 October 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  6. ^ Introduction to the Constitution of India By Sharma, Sharma B.k.. 2007. p. 83.