Imperial Noble Titles and Chivalric Order
I have decided to finally change the titles of the characters into a much more realistic one. Basing on my research and what I have hypothesize, the ancient Rajahnate of Butuan have never really adopted the use of Datu as their titles.
But instead opted to follow the styles of its Indian counterparts of Rajah/Rajah, due to its influence and connection. Thus, I have reached a conclusion into changing their titles into a much more Indianize one. I have also find it hard to believe that the historical Rajahnate of Butuan follows and adopted the usage of Datu and Lakan as based on my readings, the Rajahnate of Butuan was heavily influenced by Indian merchants and travelers.
On the grounds of my story, according to my fictional timeline. The Indianization of the Butuan Empire lasted for almost 6-7 hundred years before Butuan started to incorporate some Sino influences on their culture and society.
Although I am still thinking on whether to change the titles of the eunuchs also. But for now, I will just focus more on the noble titles. But bare in mind that I will not change the titles of foreign nobles and monarch as I am still doing my research on that one.
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Emperor/Empress:
Maharaja/Maharani - Ruler of the empire and its current monarch. The title of Maharaja is given to the male monarch while the Maharani is given to the monarch's spouse.
Crown Prince/Crown Princess:
Yuvraj/Yuvraji – Crown Prince/Crown Princess (Heir apparent to the throne)
Yuvaraja/Yuvaraji – Title hold by the son or daughter of the Yuvraj.
Grand Princes/Princesses:
Maharajkumara/Maharajkumari – Grand Imperial Prince (Son of the Maharaja but not the heir apparent)/ Grand Imperial Princess (Daughter of the Maharaja)
Rajkumar/Rajkumari – Imperial Prince/Imperial Princess (Son/Daughter of the Maharajkumara, not expected to inherit the throne)
NOTE: In the Imperial Family of Shaja, the children of a Maharajkumari do not carry the title of Rajkumar or Rajkumari, as they are not considered part of the line of succession. A Maharajkumari's descendants will only be granted the titles of Rajkumar or Rajkumari if she marries the son of a Maha Samrat.
Duke/Duchess - Maha Samrat/Maha Samrati
Marquess/Marchioness - Samrat/Samrati
Viscount/Viscountess - Maha Sardar/Maha Sardari
Baron/Baroness - Sardar/Sardari
For the cases of Dowager, additional word of 'mata' or 'dowager/widow' will be added at the end of each title. (Example: Maha Sardar will became Maha Sardarimata or Maharani will became Maharanimata.)
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The current Order of Chivalry system of the Butuan Empire is tailored after the British Empire's order of chivalry.
From first order to fifth order (Member -> Officer -> Commander -> Grand Cross -> Grand Collar)
1. Order of the Golden Eagle (Established in 1850)
The highest honor bestowed upon individuals who have rendered exceptional service and displayed outstanding leadership in service to the Empire of Butuan. Recipients are esteemed for their significant contributions to the nation's progress, welfare, and cultural heritage.
Grand Collar: Reserved for heads of state and royalty, this level features an intricate collar made of gold with an eagle medallion encrusted with precious gems.
Grand Cross: Awarded to top-ranking officials and individuals of exceptional merit. It includes a sash, star, and neck badge.
Commander: Given to senior officials and distinguished individuals, it includes a neck badge and a smaller star.
Officer: Bestowed upon mid-level officials and professionals for their significant contributions, it features a neck badge.
Member: Awarded to individuals who have made notable contributions, including a lapel pin and ribbon.
2. Order of the Butuanon Star (Established in 1880)
Awarded for exceptional acts of bravery, heroism, and sacrifice in defense of the Empire of Butuan and its people. Recipients of this order have demonstrated unwavering courage and selflessness in the face of adversity.
Grand Collar: A gold collar with a star medallion, awarded to military and civil leaders.
Grand Cross: Includes a sash, star, and neck badge for distinguished acts of bravery.
Commander: Recognizes senior military officers and civilians, includes a neck badge.
Officer: Awarded to those displaying notable bravery, includes a neck badge.
Member: Includes a ribbon and lapel pin for acts of courage and selflessness.
3. Order of the Golden Kris (Established in 1886)
Recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion and preservation of Butuanon culture, heritage, and traditions. Recipients are honored for their efforts in safeguarding the unique identity and heritage of the Empire of Butuan.
Grand Collar: A gold collar with a kris (traditional sword) medallion, for cultural leaders and historians.
Grand Cross: Includes a sash, star, and neck badge for exceptional contributions to culture.
Commander: For significant cultural figures, includes a neck badge.
Officer: Recognizes notable efforts in cultural preservation, includes a neck badge.
Member: Awarded for contributions to cultural heritage, includes a ribbon and lapel pin.
4. Order of the Royal Palm (Established in 1877)
Awarded for outstanding achievements in the fields of science, technology, education, and innovation. Recipients of this order have made remarkable contributions to the advancement of knowledge, learning, and progress within the Empire of Butuan.
Grand Collar: Gold collar with a palm leaf medallion, for top scientists and innovators.
Grand Cross: Includes a sash, star, and neck badge for exceptional achievements in science and technology.
Commander: For significant advancements and discoveries, includes a neck badge.
Officer: Recognizes notable contributions to education and innovation, includes a neck badge.
Member: Includes a ribbon and lapel pin for contributions to scientific progress.
5. Order of the Imperial Cross (Established in 1853)
Conferred upon individuals who have rendered distinguished service in the fields of public service, governance, diplomacy, and community development. Recipients are honored for their exemplary leadership and commitment to the betterment of society.
Grand Collar: A gold collar with a cross medallion, for top government officials and diplomats.
Grand Cross: Includes a sash, star, and neck badge for distinguished public service.
Commander: For senior civil servants and diplomats, includes a neck badge.
Officer: Recognizes significant contributions to governance, includes a neck badge.
Member: Awarded for meritorious public service, includes a ribbon and lapel pin.
6. Order of the Cross of Akaash III (Established in 1858)
Recognizes exceptional achievements and contributions in the fields of arts, literature, music, and cultural enrichment. Recipients of this order have significantly enriched the cultural landscape of the Empire of Butuan through their creative endeavors.
Grand Collar: Gold collar with a depicted face of Rajah Akaash III medallion, for leading artists and cultural icons.
Grand Cross: Includes a sash, star, and neck badge for exceptional artistic achievements.
Commander: For significant contributions to the arts, includes a neck badge.
Officer: Recognizes notable achievements in cultural enrichment, includes a neck badge.
Member: Includes a ribbon and lapel pin for contributions to the arts and culture.
7. Order of Shaja Killing (Established in 1864)
Awarded for acts of gallantry, valor, and meritorious service in the defense and security of the Empire of Butuan. Recipients of this order have displayed exemplary courage and dedication in protecting the nation and its people.
Grand Defender: The highest level for acts of supreme gallantry and valor.
Defender: Awarded to individuals with significant acts of bravery in defense of the Empire.
Warrior: Conferred upon those who have demonstrated notable courage in protecting the nation.
Guardian: Recognizes individuals with commendable acts of bravery and service.
Protector: The entry-level recognition for gallantry and valor.
8. Order of the Orchid (Established in 1900)
Recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions in the fields of sports, athletics, and physical fitness. Recipients of this order have excelled in their respective sports disciplines and have brought honor and glory to the Empire of Butuan through their athletic prowess.
Golden Orchid: Conferred upon those who have excelled in their respective sports disciplines.
Silver Orchid: Recognizes individuals with notable athletic achievements.
Bronze Orchid: The entry-level recognition for promising sports and athletic contributions.
9. Order of the Imperial Laurel (Established in 1890)
Conferred upon individuals who have made significant philanthropic contributions and charitable endeavors for the betterment of society and the welfare of the less fortunate. Recipients of this order are honored for their compassion, generosity, and humanitarian spirit.
Commander: For significant charitable endeavors, includes a neck badge.
Officer: Recognizes notable humanitarian efforts, includes a neck badge.
Member: Includes a ribbon and lapel pin for contributions to society and welfare.
Further information on this one shall be explained on the later chapters.