madaga-titles

MADAGASCAR

STYLES & TITLES

The Sovereign: by the grace of God and the will of the people, Queen of Madagascar, Protectoress of the Laws of the Nation, with the style of Her Majesty.
The sons and brothers of the Sovereign: Prince (personal name) with the style of His Royal Highness.
The daughters and sisters of the Sovereign: Princess (personal name) with the style of Her Royal Highness.
Other selected male members of the Royal line: Prince (personal name) with the style of His Highness.
Other selected female members of the Royal line: Princess (personal name) with the style of Her Highness.
Copyright© Christopher Buyers
The Nobility consisted of seven ranks (or castes) arranged according to descending order as follows:

1. Zanakandriana (the reigning Royal House).

2. Zazamarolahy.

3. Andriamasinavalona.

4. Andriantopokoindrndra.

5. Andrianamboninolona.

6. Andriandranado.

7. Zanadralambo, of Andrianjaka.

Copyright© Christopher Buyers
Madagascan society was also ranked according to a system of "honours" known as Voninahitra (or: "the flower of the grass"), which were based on military ranks. These ranged from 1-Honour for a private soldier, up to 14-Honours for a Field Marshal, and 16-Honours for the Mpitaiza Andriana. Although based on military ranks, the system extended to civilian offices and precedence at court. Individuals could be promoted to higher honours in recognition of merit or distinction and were accorded breast stars and badges, which resembled the French Legion of Honour. Some writers have mistakenly taken these insignia for an order. Revived and modified by the French colonial authorities on 11^th December 1895 (with new insignia introduced on 28^th September 1921).

Voninahitrafaharoambinifolo (12-Honours) - breast badge.

16-Honours - Voninahitrafaheninambinifolo or, the Mpitaiza Andriana.
15-Honours - Voninahitrafahadiniambinifolo or, the Princes of the Royal Family.
14-Honours - Voninahitrafahefatambinifolo or, Field Marshal.
13-Honours - Voninahitrafahatelambinifolo or, General.
12-Honours - Voninahitrafaharoambinifolo or, Lieutenant General
11-Honours - Voninahitrafaharaikambinifolo or, Major General.
10-Honours - Voninahitrafahafolo or, ColonelCommandant/Brigadier.
9-Honours - Voninahitrafahasivy or, Colonel.
8-Honours - Voninahitrafahavalo or, Lieutenant Colonel.
7-Honours - Voninahitrafahafito or, Major.
6-Honours - Voninahitrafahenina or, Captain.
5-Honours - Voninahitrafahadini or, Lieutenant.
4-Honours - Voninahitrafahefata or, Sergeant Major.
3-Honours - Voninahitrafahatelo or, Sergeant.
2-Honours - Voninahitrafahaova or, Corporal.
1 honour - Voninahitravoalohany or, Private.

MADAGASCAR 1	MAIN
ORDERS AND DECORATIONS

I would be grateful to hear from anyone who may have changes, corrections or additions to contribute. If you do, please be kind enough to send me an e-mail using the contact details at: Copyright© Christopher Buyers

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