The Order was instituted in 1920 by King Amanullah Khan and discontinued in 1973 upon the abolition of the Afghan monarchy. It was awarded for services to the state and had four grades (Collar, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Classes) and a Medal of Merit.
The Order's ribbon was blue with a central red stripe (until 1960).
After 1960 the Order's ribbon was sky blue with two red lateral stripes.