Sardar Bahadur

Sardar Bahadur was a title of honour awarded to native Indian civilians and Viceroy's commissioned officers during British rule in India.[1] It was bestowed upon Sikhs,[2] and was awarded for faithful service or acts of public welfare. The title was used after any military rank, but before the title holder's name.[3] From 1911 holders of the title were also awarded a special Title Badge.[1]

Members of the first class of the Order of British India could also use the title of Sardar Bahadur, with members of the second class using Bahadur.[4] The title of Sardar Bahadur was part of a wider honours system put in place by British India:[3][2]

First Class

• Dewan Bahadur, for Hindus;
• Nawab Bahadur, for Muslims;
• Sardar Bahadur, for Sikhs;

Second Class

• Khan Bahadur, for Muslims;
• Rai Bahadur, (North India) or Rao Bahadur (South India), for Hindus;

Third Class

• Khan Sahib, for Muslims;
• Rai Sahib, (North India) or Rao Sahib (South India), for Hindus.

Those of other religions received the title considered most appropriate, for example native Indian Christians with a Hindu sounding name would receive a Hindu title.[2]

In most cases a recipient proceeded from the lowest grade to a higher level, with only the most senior title used.[1] Ranking below a knighthood, these titles were dropped by any holder who became a knight of a British Order, for example the Order of the Star of India or the Order of the Indian Empire.[3]

Sardar Bahadur and similar titles issued during British Raj were dis-established in 1947 upon the independence of India.[5]