Raj Ratna

Raj Ratna / Raj Ratan / Rajya Ratna (literally Gem of the Raj), was a highest title of honor or civilian award, which was prevalent in Princely India during British Raj. Such title were given by rulers of mostly Hindu Princely States of India to distinguished citizens of their kingdom. The title was bestowed upon with a Gold coin medallion.[1][2][3][4][5]

Another, title or civilian award, second in order, was Raj Bhushan (literally Ornament of the Raj) was also prevalent, which was given with a Silver coin medallion.[1]

The title and awards of Raj Ratna & Raj Bhushan came to an end by year 1949 with the amalgamation of Princely States in to India and formation of the Republic of India but the legacy, spirit and essence of these awards are being carried forward in India, by similar other prestigious awards like Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

Names of some persons awarded title Raj Ratna

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Rattanji Daboo, Dinshaw, Raj Ratna, BA, Zamindar; b. 25th September, 1835; Representative, Baroda Government at the ... Central Communication Board; Awarded 'Raj Bhusan' and a silver medal 1927; title of 'Raj Ratna* with a gold medal.. All India co-operative review, Volume 8
  2. ^ a b BHANDARI JAGAN NATH, RAI BHADUR, RAJ RATAN M.A., L.L.B., Dewan Idar State.. The Times of India directory and year book including who's who, Volume 32, 1945
  3. ^ Jagannath Bhandari...Resumed law practice, 1922; appointed Dewan of Idar State, 1931. Given title of Ral Bahadur by Government In June. 1933, and Raj Ratna by HH the Maharaja Sahib Bahadur, Aug. 1933 World biography, Volume 1, 1948
  4. ^ ...efforts of the late Maharaja of Porbandar, Shri Natavarsinhji, and Rajaratna Shri Manjibhai Kalidas Mehta and..
  5. ^ a b Nanjibhai was honoured during his lifetime by the British Government with the title of M.B.E. for his work in Uganda. His Highness Maharana Shri Natvarsinghji of Porbandar conferred on him the title of Raj Ratna. On the cultural front, the late Kaka Kalelkar honoured him with a Dharma Ratna.
  6. ^ [1] The Dawn and Dawn Society's magazine, Volume 11, 1907
  7. ^ [2]
  8. ^ [3]