Raj Bhushan facts for kids

The Raj Bhushan (pronounced Rahj Boo-shun) was a very special award given in India a long time ago. Its name means 'Ornament of the Kingdom.' It was the second highest honor a person could receive in the Princely States of India during the time of the British Raj.

A Look Back: History of the Raj Bhushan Award

The Raj Bhushan awards were given by the rulers of India's Princely States. These states were like small kingdoms within India. Most of these rulers were Hindu. They gave the award to important citizens of their kingdom.

How Awards Were Given

When someone received the Raj Bhushan, they were given a special silver coin medallion. This medallion showed they had earned a great honor. There was an even higher award called the Raj Ratna. This was the top award in Princely India.

Why the Awards Ended

The Raj Ratna and Raj Bhushan awards stopped being given around 1949. This happened because almost all the Princely States joined to form the new country of India. When India became a republic, these old awards were no longer used.

Modern Awards in India

Even though the Raj Bhushan award ended, its spirit lives on today. Independent India now has similar important awards. These include the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. The Government of India gives out these awards to honor people.

Who Received the Raj Bhushan?

Many important people received the Raj Bhushan title. Here are a few examples:

• Pranlal Devkaran Nanjee: He received this award from the Porbandar State.
• Dinshaw Ratanji Daboo: He was a member of the Baroda Legislative Council. The Baroda State awarded him the Raj Bhushan in 1927. He later received the even higher Raj Ratna award in 1936.

See also

• Navaratnas