the order is the senior order of chivalry of the empire of india; the junior order is the most eminent order of the indian empire, and there was also, for women only the imperial order of the crown of india. it is the fifth-most-senior british order of chivalry, following the most noble order of the garter, the most ancient and most noble order of the thistle, the most illustrious order of st patrick, and the most honourable order of the bath.