Rai Bahadur

Common card · No. 342452

Rai Bahadur (in North India) or Roy Bahadur (in Bengal) and Rao Bahadur (in Deccan), abbreviated R.B., was a title of honour bestowed during British Raj to Indian subjects from the Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Indian Christian communities in recognition of public or government service. From 1911, the title was accompanied by a medal called a Title Badge.The title came next in the order of precedence to "Diwan Bahadur" and above "Rao Sahib". The corresponding equivalent title to "Rao Bahadur" amongst Muslims and Parsis was Khan Bahadur and for Sikhs, it was Sardar Bahadur. Translated, Rai or Rao means "King", and Bahadur means "Brave". The title was given to recognise and reward individuals who had made significant contributions in various fields such as public service, commerce, industry, and philanthropy. Those awarded the Rai Bahadur title were usually drawn from the lower rank of Rai Sahib, both of which were below the rank of Dewan Bahadur. These titles were subordinate to the two orders...

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