Ribbon bar on a metal carriage to allow it to slide onto stacking ribbon bars. A central slot allows the addition of emblems without having the need to purchase a new ribbon.
Used to represent all grades of the Order when ribbons alone are worn.
Founded by Queen Victoria when she became Empress of India.
Originally only a single class of companion, the order was increased to two grades in 1886 with the introduction of Knight Commanders, in 1887 it was again expanded to three classes with the introduction of GCIE.
The Order ceased to be awarded in 1947 on the independence of India.
