| Rao Bahadur | |
|---|---|
Title Badge for Rao Bahadur
| |
| Type | Civilian Honour |
| Country |  British India |
| Presented by |  Viceroy of India |
| Eligibility | Hindu Indian |
| Status | Discontinued (since 1947) |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Dewan Bahadur |
| Equivalent |
|
| Next (lower) | Rao Saheb |
Rao Bahadur (inSouth India) and Rai Bahadur (inNorth India), abbreviated R.B., was a title of honour bestowed during British rule in India to individuals for outstanding service or acts of public welfare to the Empire. From 1911, the title was accompanied by a medal called a Title Badge.[1] Translated, Rao means "King", and Bahadur means "Brave". Bestowed mainly on Hindus, the equivalent title for Muslim and Parsi subjects was Khan Bahadur. For Sikhs it was Sardar Bahadur.
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 Rao Bahadur title were usually drawn from the lower rank of Rai Sahib, both of which were below the rank of Dewan Bahadur.[2] These titles were subordinate to the two orders of knighthood: the Order of the Indian Empire and the higher Order of the Star of India. A holder of a Rai Sahib, Rai Bahadur or Dewan Bahadur title came lower in the order of precedence.[1]
