Monograms, represented here, are the symbols of the Authority of the British Crown or of the Indian Princely States. These Monograms either have the State Emblem, Flag or Coat-of-Arms integrated into the designs.

Such Monograms sometime are indicative of the geographical location of the State. For example Junagadh State has shown sea, boats, lion, fort and mountain in its Monogram. This is so because all these are there in Junagadh State. Junagadh has fort (named Uparkot), mountain (named Girnar), sea (near Veraval), lion (in Gir Forest) etc.

The Monograms also have a motto or slogan engraved in the symbols. These mottos give ideas about the Rulers' ideology of rule or sometimes they give the idea of Rulers' philosophy or religious beliefs. For example, Baroda State has the motto – "Jin Ghar Jin Takhta" meaning "Saddle is home, Saddle is throne" This means that the king should always be ready to face any situation at any time. These Monograms were used on different Royal stationary items like letterheads, covers, and invitation cards. They were also used in metallic form on cap badges, belt buckles, badge plates and buttons of the State Military and Civil personnel. They were also put on medals and decorations issued by the State.

In some cases, it is found that there are more than one Monograms or Coat-of-arms of one State. This is so because in some State each King might have made some changes in the symbol. It is also seen that same king was using different Symbolic Monograms for the Royal Palace or His Personal office. It is also observed that sometimes the Queen was also using either the State Monogram with slight change or different Monogram of her own. For example, Rajmata Shri Maji Rajba of Dhrol State had her own Monogram with Lord Vishnu standing in OM and below that a slogan was written 'Shri Krishna Saranam mama' means Lord Krishna is my shelter.

During British and Princely India times, some Zamindars, Jagirdars, Estate Holders, Nagar Sheths(Chief of the community), Scholars and such other dignitaries also had their own Monograms. British Agencies and institutions or offices also used the British Coat-of-Arms along with their names.

Sometimes by seeing the Monogram or Coat-of-Arms, it is difficult for the collectors to identify the State or Authority because the name of the State is not incorporated in the symbol. However when the Monogram is used on the letterhead of the State, it could be identified as the Monogram of that State. After referring innumerable letters, covers, folders, invitation cards and other State stationary material, some Monograms are collected and identified.

In this section, some specimens of such stationary Monograms and metal Monograms are given for the benefit of the collectors. They are not complete and any help in any form on the subject will be highly appreciated.