Maritime History

Flags of British India

The flags of British India and the British Raj were varied, and the British Empire used several different banners during its rule on the Indian subcontinent. Flags with the Star of India emblem in their design are often referred to as the Star of India flag, and were used to represent India itself and high offices in the government of India. The Viceroy's Union Flag banner, featuring the star emblem, was officially considered the "Flag of India," and the Red Ensign bearing the star was also used as an Indian flag, particularly at international events. The Royal Indian Navy also flew a blue jack flag bearing the Star of India. The East India Company, which ruled India prior to 1858, used a flag featuring the Union Jack with red and white stripes. During the British Raj, the Union Jack of the United Kingdom was regarded as the "national flag," and in 1913 the imperial government issued a decision that, as the national banner, it could be flown "by any private individual or firm." However, per a 1936 decision, "private bodies and individuals" were not permitted to fly the Viceroy's Star of India banner. India had a range of flags for different purposes. The Princely states had their own flags which were to be flown alongside the British flag as a symbol of suzerainty. The civil ensign and naval ensign were the Red Ensign or Blue Ensign, respectively, defaced with the Star of India emblem. The Union Jack and the Viceroy's banner were lowered with independence and the adoption of the new national flag in August 1947, although the Union Jack was still to be flown, on a limited basis, while India remained a dominion.

Also on this shelf

See also

• ▸George Dewey
• ▸1940
• ▸HMS Thames (1885)

Uncatalogued shelf

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