Sardar Bahadur facts for kids

Sardar Bahadur was a special award given to Indian people during the time when Britain ruled India. It was like a big "thank you" for being loyal or doing good things for the public. This title was mostly given to Sikhs and was placed before a person's name but after any military rank they had. From 1911, people who received this title also got a special badge to wear.

Members of the first class of the Order of British India could also use the title of Sardar Bahadur. People in the second class used the title "Bahadur."

What Was Sardar Bahadur?

The title of Sardar Bahadur was part of a larger system of awards set up by the British government in India. These awards recognized people for their service.

Who Received This Title?

This honor was given to Indian civilians and Viceroy's commissioned officers. These officers were Indian soldiers who held special ranks within the British Indian Army. The title was given for loyal service or for helping the community.

How Did the Honours System Work?

The British government in India had different levels of these special titles. They were given based on a person's religion and their level of service.

Different Levels of Titles

Here are some of the main titles in this system:

• First Class:
  • Dewan Bahadur: Given to Hindus.
  • Nawab Bahadur: Given to Muslims.
• Second Class:
  • Khan Bahadur: Given to Muslims.
  • Rai Bahadur (in North India) or Rao Bahadur (in South India): Given to Hindus.
• Third Class:
  • Khan Sahib: Given to Muslims.
  • Rai Sahib (in North India) or Rao Sahib (in South India): Given to Hindus.

If someone belonged to another religion, they usually received the title that seemed most fitting. For example, Indian Christians with a Hindu-sounding name might receive a Hindu title.

Most people who received these titles started at a lower level and then moved up to a higher one. Only the highest title they earned would be used. These titles were important, but they were not as high-ranking as being made a knight by the British King or Queen. If someone who held one of these titles later became a knight (for example, in the Order of the Star of India or the Order of the Indian Empire), they would stop using the older title.

When Did the Titles End?

The titles like Sardar Bahadur and others given during British rule in India stopped being used in 1947. This was the year India became an independent country.

Famous People Who Received It

• Sardar Bahadur Maharaj Jagat Singh Ji, who was the third spiritual leader (Satguru) of Radha Soami Satsang Beas.

Learn More

• Raj Ratna
• Dewan
• Title Badge (India)