The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India is an order of chivalry founded by Queen Victoria in 1861. The Order includes members of three classes:
No appointments have been made since Indian independence in 1947.
The motto of the Order is Heaven's light our guide. The "Star of India," the emblem of the Order, also appeared on the flag of the Viceroy of India.
The Order is the senior order of chivalry associated with the Empire of India; the junior order is The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire. It is the fifth-most senior British order of chivalry, outranked by The Most Noble Order of the Garter, The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, The Most Illustrious Order of St Patrick and The Most Honourable Order of the Bath.
