The VICEROY AND GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF INDIA for the time being is always the GRAND MASTER. The Ordinary Members are divided into Three Classes:--The "First Class" comprises 36 KNIGHTS GRAND COMMANDERS: G.C.S.I. In the "Second Class" there are 85 KNIGHTS COMMANDERS: K.S.I. And, the "Third Class" numbers 170 COMPANIONS: C.S.I.
[Illustration: No. 439.--Badge of the Star of India.]
The INSIGNIA are--The _Badge_, No. 439, formed of diamonds, having the Motto on a field of light blue enamel, and the bust of the late Queen executed as an onyx cameo. This Badge is attached by a mullet to the _Collar_, composed of heraldic roses and lotus flowers alternating with palm-branches, a crown being in the Centre: or, the Badge is worn from a _Ribbon of pale blue with white borders_ crossing the left shoulder. The _Star_, of diamonds, has a mullet upon an irradiated field in its centre, within the _Motto_--HEAVEN'S . LIGHT . OUR . GUIDE, the whole being environed with wavy rays having a circular outline.
The Most Distinguished ORDER OF ST. MICHAEL AND ST. GEORGE, originally instituted in 1818 for use in Malta and the Ionian Islands, has been extended and enlarged in 1868, 1877, and 1902, and now is awarded for Colonial and for Foreign Services. It consists of 100 KNIGHTS GRAND CROSS (G.C.M.G.), 300 KNIGHTS COMMANDERS (K.C.M.G.), and 600 COMPANIONS (C.M.G.), in addition to Honorary Members. The numbers are not adhered to. The _Star_ is of seven long rays, smaller rays intervening. This is charged with the Cross of St. George, and in the centre is a representation of St. Michael encountering Satan within a blue circle, bearing the Motto of the Order, "AUSPICIUM MELIORIS ÆVI."
[Illustration: No. 457.--Star and Collar of the Order of St. Michael and St. George.]
The _Collar_ is composed alternately of lions of England, Maltese Crosses, and Cyphers, S. M. and S. G. In the centre is the Crown _over two winged lions passant guardant, each holding a book and seven arrows_.
The _Badge_ is a gold cross of fourteen points of white enamel, and has in the centre, within the Motto of the Order (on the one side), St. Michael encountering Satan (and on the other side), St. George and the Dragon. The Badge is surmounted by the Crown.