India, March 2 -- By R.G. Singh, Secretary, Ramsons Kala Pratishtana

This official group photograph of the smartly dressed Ursu noblemen in traditional court attire was taken in the forecourt of the Mysore Palace to celebrate the conferral of the GCSI honours on the then Maharaja of Mysore, H.H. Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar Bahadur, who is seen seated at the centre of the picture.

The GCSI (Knight Grand Commander of the Star of India) was a senior order of chivalry which was bestowed on individuals for distinguished service in India. The motto of the order read "Heaven's Light our Guide."

It was awarded at the monarch's pleasure, founded by Empress Victoria. This order was created by the crown four years after the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 to ...