Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Indian States, Patiala, Nishan-i-Phul, The Royal Family Order of the State of Patiala, an extremely rare set of insignia by Garrard’s, London & Calcutta, badge, 85 x 44mm., gold and enamel, with central double-edged khanda above two crossed tulwars separating a trident, star and crescent, enclosed by the Sikh weapon, the chakram, bearing the inscription in Gurmukhi script, ‘Your home is my Refuge’, the whole being surmounted by an ornate crown; breast star, 90mm., gold and enamel, formed of twenty ceremonial kirpan and khanda weapons, with central medallion in Persian script enclosed by a band bearing the same inscription, surmounted by crown, both pieces bearing the manufacturer’s name, lacking ribbon but with gold ribbon fitment, in slightly damaged fitted case of issue, minor enamel damage to star, nearly extremely fine and excessively rare (2) £4000-5000

The Nishan-i-Phul was created by the Maharajah of Patiala, Bhupindar Singh (1900-38), probably in the 1920's and was the highest order of the state. McClenaghan, in Indian Princely Medals, refers to three versions: firstly, a set consisting of a diamond encrusted badge with collar chain and a star with blue enamelled arms; secondly, a set consisting of a gold and enamel star and badge (as above) and thirdly, a smaller version of the badge for wear on the breast. The insignia was awarded solely to high ranking members of the Royal Family and it is believed that both the diamond and gold sets were worn only by the Maharajah; the diamond encrusted type worn on state occasions and the gold type (above) worn on less formal occasions; however, a photograph is known of Maharajah Bhupindar Singh in full regalia wearing the gold version. The breast badges may have been worn by male members of the Royal Family below the rank of Maharajah. It is quite possible that the two sets of insignia as worn by the Maharajah are each unique. Such was the order’s rarity that its existence was largely unknown to collectors until 1988, when the diamond encrusted set was sold by Christie’s on 19th July. This is the first occasion the gold set has been presented in auction.

The Order derives its name 'Insignia of Phul' from the founding father of the Phulkian states, Chaudari Phul (born 1629). From his eldest son descended the families of Nabha and Jind and from his second son, the family of Patiala. The insignia of the Order is rich with symbolism. The inscription on both badge and star in Gurmukhi script reads, 'tera ghar mera asay' (Your house is my refuge) and comes from the famous hukamnama or written order addressed to the two sons of Phul, Rama and Tilokha by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh.



The two sons were devoted disciples of the Guru and on 2nd August 1696 the Guru called upon them for aid in the form of a detachment of cavalry in his battle against the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. It was the 10th Guru's hukamnama that bestowed special status on the House of Patiala. It read, 'There is one God. The Guru is great. Bhai Rama and Bhai Tilokha, the Guru will protect all. You are required to come with your contingent. I am much pleased with you. Your house is my refuge. On seeing this letter you should come in my presence. Your house is my refuge. You should come to me immediately. On seeing this letter you should arrive with horsemen. Do come. I have sent one robe of honour. Keep it with you.' The brothers duly obliged and may well have saved the Guru's life. The Guru gratefully blessed the Phulkian house as his own and the famous motto was adopted by them as a memorial of the event.

Sold with well presented notes on the insignia.