Flags of British India

The flags of British India were varied, and the British Empire used several different banners during the period of its rule in the Indian subcontinent. Flags with the Star of India emblem in their design are often referred to as the Star Of India flag. The Viceroy's Union Flag banner, featuring the star emblem, was officially considered the "Flag of India," and the Red Ensign bearing the star was also used as an Indian flag, particularly at international events. The British government passed the Government of India Act 1858, nationalising the East India Company and taking over all of their possessions within India, where they would be considered legally a part of the British Indian Empire. The Union Jack was still to be flown, on a limited basis, while India remained a dominion. The flag in the canton eventually changed to the flag of Great Britain in 1707 and later to the Union Jack in 1801. It was used on vessels of Her Majesty's Indian Marine (Later called the Royal Indian Navy) and for other military and naval purposes. These flags were also used during the Company rule in India. The flags were discontinued when the newly independent India and Pakistan were established by the Indian Act of 1947.