On 15 February 1887 , the Order of the Indian Empire formally became `` The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire '' and was divided into two classes : Knights Commander and Companions , with the following first Knights Commander : However , on 21 June 1887 , a further proclamation regarding the Order was made ; the Order was expanded from two classes to three - Knight Grand Commander , Knight Commander and Companion .
On 15 February 1887 , the Order of the Indian Empire formally became `` The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire '' and was divided into two classes : Knights Commander and Companions , with the following first Knights Commander : However , on 5 January 1888 , a further proclamation regarding the Order was made ; the Order was expanded from two classes to three - Knight Grand Commander , Knight Commander and Companion .