The order was intended to recognize women associated with India regardless of their social statuses.

Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, and her sister, Princess Margaret, were appointed to the Order by their father, King George VI, in June 1947, before the British Raj was dissolved three months later, making them among the last women to be presented with the Order.

With the death of the last surviving holder, Queen Elizabeth II, the last active imperial Indian order became dormant in 2022.

The members of the Order could use the post-nominal letters "CI", but did not acquire any special precedence or status due to it.

The badge was worn and attached to a light blue bow, edged in white, on the left shoulder.