Flag of the British Raj
Officially Indian Empire
What the flag looks like
The Union Jack with the Star of India in the center: a silver five-pointed star inside a blue garter, ringed by golden rays and topped by the Imperial Crown.
What it means
The Star of India was the emblem of the Order of the Star of India, founded in 1861; the garter carries its motto, "Heaven's Light Our Guide".
How to remember it
The Star of India
flag is the Union Jack with a crowned golden sunburst in the middle; it was the Viceroy's flag, and the plain Union Jack has no badge.
Fun facts
- British India never had a single national flag: this was the flag of the Viceroy and Governor-General, the Union Jack served as the official flag, and blue and red ensigns bearing the Star of India were flown at sea.
- At independence in 1947, India adopted its saffron, white and green tricolor and Pakistan its green and white flag with a crescent and star.
British Raj at a glance
- Existed
- 1858–1947
- Flag used
- 1885–1947
- Today
- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar
- Capital
- New Delhi
- Region
- 1858–1947
- Languages
- English, Hindustani
- Currency
- Indian rupee (Rs)
- Flag adopted
- 1885
Flags often confused with the British Raj
- United Kingdom: The Star of India flag and the United Kingdom's flag are both the Union Jack. The Star of India flag adds a crowned golden sunburst with a star in the center; the UK flag is the Union Jack alone.