By R.G. Singh, Secretary, Ramsons Kala Pratishtana

This official group photograph of the smartly dressed Ursu noblemen in traditional court attire was taken in the forecourt of the Mysore Palace to celebrate the conferral of the GCSI honours on the then Maharaja of Mysore, H.H. Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar Bahadur, who is seen seated at the centre of the picture.

The GCSI (Knight Grand Commander of the Star of India) was a senior order of chivalry which was bestowed on individuals for distinguished service in India. The motto of the order read “Heaven’s Light our Guide.”

It was awarded at the monarch’s pleasure, founded by Empress Victoria. This order was created by the crown four years after the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 to honour Indian princes and chiefs as well as British officers and administrators. It was used as a tool for the consolidation of colonial power as the governing authority of India.

[Size: 29 x 12 cms; Collection: Ramsons Kala Pratishtana]

Vestments and accoutrements

Members of the Order wore elaborate costumes on important ceremonial occasions:

The mantle, worn only by the Knights Grand Commander, was made of light blue satin lined with white silk. On the left side was a representation of the star.

The collar, also worn only by the Knights Grand Commander, was made of gold. It was composed of alternating figures of lotuses, red and white roses and palm branches, with an imperial crown in the centre.