Medals and Decorations of Bharat

"The hero protects and cherishes all, and upon the warrior rests the security of all"

The Ancient Period

The tradition of honouring bravery is as old as human society itself. In early tribal communities, leadership naturally passed to the most valiant. Among the Indo-Aryans, Indra—the embodiment of courage—was revered as both commander and king. Warriors were rewarded in proportion to their contribution in battle, receiving shares of the spoils of war. Charioteers, for instance, were entitled to one-fourth of the captured booty. Over time, it was ordained that war prizes such as chariots, elephants, parasols, women, and vessels would belong to those who won them through valour. Thus, material rewards continued to inspire courage for centuries.

During the epic age, the promise of heavenly bliss became a powerful motivation for the soldier. In the Gita, Krishna exhorts Arjuna to fight, assuring him that victory would bring earthly rewards, while death in battle would lead to ascension to heaven. The Mahabharata recounts that Janaka, ruler of Videha, through his yogic powers, revealed to his soldiers the glory awaiting martyrs in heaven and the eternal disgrace reserved for cowards in hell. He declared that radiant realms filled with celestial maidens were destined for those who fought fearlessly, while those who fled the battlefield would languish in everlasting ignominy. For heroes, laying down one’s life in battle was described as the blessed gateway to heaven, where fallen warriors were escorted by celestial nymphs.

The ideal of gallantry found lasting expression in the institution of Vīrakalā—memorials raised in honour of fallen heroes—particularly in southern India. Sangam literature refers to these memorial stones, erected at the place where a warrior fell, inscribed with his name and deeds. Over time, a formal tradition evolved around their erection, and many of these memorials became objects of reverence and worship.

Ancient India also recognised gallantry through monetary rewards. The Arthaśāstra of Kautilya meticulously prescribed awards for acts of bravery: a hundred thousand panas for slaying the enemy king; fifty thousand for killing the commander-in-chief or heir apparent; ten thousand for destroying an elephant or chariot; a thousand for killing a horse; a hundred for slaying an infantry chief; twenty for bringing an enemy head; and double pay in addition to whatever was seized. Similar prescriptions are found in the Purāṇas and Nīti texts.

Distinguished performance in battle brought enhanced pay, promotions, and royal favour. A warrior who broke the enemy formation or saved his own front was granted royal treatment, double emoluments, promotions, and gifts such as jewellery and sandalwood. Rulers were expected to reward extraordinary bravery; Hoysala kings, for instance, promoted valiant soldiers as Garuḍas, the royal life guards.

Brave warriors were further honoured through land grants and tax relief. Families of soldiers who died in battle were granted rent-free land. Chivalric titles were conferred, and select heroes received the Prasādapaṭṭa—a golden band or fillet. Of particular note were two Hoysala honours: Todar, a carved golden badge worn on the left foot by life guards of the king, and Gand Pendara, an anklet worn on the right leg by renowned warriors.

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The Medieval Period

During the medieval era, when India was ruled by Turks, Afghans, and Mughals, gallantry continued to be recognised through titles, honours, cash rewards, and privileges. Sultanate rulers bestowed ranks, robes of honour, and monetary grants upon distinguished soldiers. The Mughals conferred imposing titles such as Amir Khan (Lord of Riches), Zafar Khan (Lord of Victory), Sarbuland Khan (Lord of Exalted Rank), Sajjat Khan (Lord of Bravery), Amir-ul-Umara, Khan-e-Khanan, and Khan Jahan.

The Khilat, or robe of honour, was awarded according to the recipient’s status. The highest category—the seven-piece Khilat—included a cap, long gown, close-fitting coat, two pairs of trousers, two shirts, two girdles, and a scarf. This honour was not limited to soldiers alone but extended to distinguished individuals in other professions as well.

Additional honours included the right to display the battle drum and the Mahi-o-Marātib (fish emblem), the latter reserved for nobles commanding at least 6,000 cavalry. Vassal kings received symbols such as the Tugh, Alam, and Aftabgīr. Cash rewards were common, along with gifts of ornaments, palanquins, horses, chariots, pearls, and jewels. Yet, despite the richness of these honours, medieval India did not develop anything directly comparable to the modern military medal.

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The Modern Period

The formal institution of medals in India was introduced by the East India Company in the eighteenth century. In England, military medals had begun earlier, with Queen Elizabeth instituting honours for service in the late sixteenth century. Campaign medals appeared by the mid-seventeenth century, including one for the Battle of Dunbar in 1650, and a war service medal instituted by Charles I in 1643 for soldiers certified to have rendered faithful service, to be worn on the breast.

When the East India Company acquired political authority in India during the latter half of the eighteenth century, the British system of war medals was still evolving. The Company’s practices and experiences in India significantly contributed to the development and consolidation of modern military medals and decorations, laying the foundation for the honours system that continues in contemporary Bharat.

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War Medals

The earliest medal issued by the East India Company on Indian soil was awarded in 1766 to honour native officers who had successfully suppressed a mutiny at Monghyr. This was followed by the Deccan Medal (1778–1784), the first Anglo-Indian campaign medal granted to personnel of all ranks. It was worn suspended from the neck by a yellow cord. Thereafter came the Mysore Medal (1791–1792), awarded to all participating native troops. The Srirangapattannam Medal marked a further development, as it was conferred upon all officers and men—European and Indian—who took part in the campaign. It was struck in gold for high nobility, in silver-gilt for officers, and in copper-bronze for soldiers.

During the first half of the nineteenth century, the expanding political and military ambitions of the Company led to frequent conflicts with Indian states and neighbouring regions. These engagements resulted in numerous campaigns and a corresponding increase in the number of medals instituted.

When instituting a medal for the Nepal War, the General Order of the Governor General in Council dated 20 March 1816 observed that the terrain and climatic conditions were entirely unfamiliar to native troops, thereby demanding exceptional courage and endurance. The Order declared that silver medals would be awarded to every native officer who had served within the hills, and to such non-commissioned officers and soldiers as were recommended by their battalion commanders for distinguished zeal or gallantry in the execution of their duties. The medal was intended not merely as recognition, but as a testimonial of exemplary conduct under extraordinary circumstances.

The proliferation of campaign medals eventually led to administrative complexity. To address this, the British Army introduced the Army General Service Medal in the early nineteenth century, allowing a single medal to cover multiple minor campaigns, distinguished by clasps attached to the ribbon. Following this model, the East India Company instituted the Army of India Medal in 1851. Subsequently, four General Service Medals were introduced to commemorate operations conducted between 1849–1895, 1895–1898, and 1908–1928. To commemorate the celebrated march of General Roberts from Kabul to Kandahar in 1880, a bronze star—known as “Roberts’ Star”—was instituted. The award of a star was generally reserved for major campaigns, while General Service Medals were granted for lesser expeditions.

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Gallantry Medals

Campaign and commemorative medals were awarded to all participants in a conflict, but they did not recognise individual acts of bravery. To address this gap, the Company followed British practice in acknowledging personal gallantry. Initially, acts of courage were recorded in official despatches sent by commanders to the Governor General and onward to the Board of Control. These despatches provide enduring testimony to the heroism displayed by individual soldiers.

Alongside formal honours, the Company continued the traditional practice of distributing prize money. Following victories over the Rohillas, the spoils were equitably shared among the troops. After the Mysore Wars, the wealth captured at Srirangapattannam was distributed among generals and soldiers alike. Similarly, after the defeat of the Marathas in September 1803, prize money amounting to 540,000 rupees was distributed. A General Order dated 8 October 1803 declared this distribution to be a mark of the Government’s admiration for the exemplary valour, discipline, zeal, and steadfastness displayed by the army during the campaign and the decisive battle of Delhi.

At the conclusion of the Mysore Wars, the Prize Committee directed that Tipu Sultan’s state sword be presented to General Baird, on behalf of the army, as a testimonial of admiration for his courage and leadership in the assault that brought the war to a swift and decisive end. The Court of Directors also presented Governor General Lord Wellesley with a star and badge of the Order of St. Patrick, fashioned from Tipu Sultan’s jewels.

Regiments were further honoured through the grant of honorary colours and standards for gallant conduct. Following victories at Aligarh and Delhi in 1803, participating units were awarded new colours. The British sovereign also conferred the title “Royal” upon certain services and regiments in recognition of distinguished service. Thus, the Indian Marine became the Royal Indian Marine in 1892, and the Indian Air Force was designated the Royal Indian Air Force on 12 March 1945. After India became a Republic, the use of this title was discontinued.

The British tradition of awarding Battle Honours to units was likewise introduced in India. Public monuments were erected to commemorate fallen heroes. Lord Wellesley ordered memorials at Fort William to honour officers and soldiers—European and Indian—who fell during the Aligarh, Delhi, and Assaye campaigns, ensuring that their names and deeds were permanently recorded.

In certain cases, medals were accompanied by tangible benefits such as land grants and increases in pay. In 1817, the Governor in Council recommended promotion and enhanced emoluments for Jamadar Shaik Hussain and Hunybhye, along with medals bearing suitable inscriptions. It was further proposed that, upon retirement, each should receive hereditary land grants yielding income equivalent to double the standard pension of their rank.

During the early period of Company rule, the principal honours and rewards available to Indian soldiers included Mention-in-Despatches, Campaign Medals and Stars, Prize Money, Distinguished Service Medals, promotions with enhanced pay, and land grants.

By the mid-nineteenth century, a structured system of military decorations was formally introduced. The Indian Order of Merit, instituted in three classes, was the earliest decoration created specifically to recognise the gallantry of Indian officers and soldiers. In 1856, the Victoria Cross was instituted and later extended to Indians. By 1857, the Victoria Cross and the Distinguished Conduct Medal were the only battlefield decorations available.

Over time, additional awards were introduced, including the Indian Order of Merit, Military Cross, and Indian Distinguished Service Medal. Certain civil and honorary distinctions—such as CIE, CBE, OBE, MBE, OBI (First and Second Class), IMSM, and EEM—were also conferred upon Indians. This framework represented the full range of Indian medals and decorations at the conclusion of the First World War.

In recognition of distinguished service after the First World War, approximately 420,000 acres of land were distributed among 5,902 Viceroy’s Commissioned Officers and Indian Other Ranks. Jangi Inam grants were awarded to over 14,000 recipients for two generations. Monetary awards were also distributed, and selected officers received jagirs and honorary commissions as King’s Commissioned Officers.

During the Second World War, further reforms were introduced. Monetary gratuities were attached to gallantry awards, and from February 1944 Indian ranks became eligible for the Military Medal. The Indian Order of Merit was placed above the Military Cross in the order of precedence, while the Indian Distinguished Service Medal was ranked above the Military Medal and reserved for Indian Other Ranks. These changes were accompanied by revisions in allowances and benefits, with provincial governments—beginning with Punjab in 1943—also granting land and financial rewards.

In due course, a comprehensive range of decorations came into force, including the Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Cross, Indian Order of Merit, Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, Distinguished Flying Medal, Air Force Medal, Military Medal, and Distinguished Service Medal. Indian soldiers were thereby rendered eligible for all major decorations of the British armed forces, completing the evolution of a formal and extensive honours system prior to Independence.

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Post-Independence Period

With the attainment of Independence, it became imperative to replace the British honours system with a distinctly Indian framework. Even as the nation took its first steps as a sovereign republic, military operations in Jammu and Kashmir had commenced in October 1947, creating an urgent need to recognise acts of exceptional bravery. Accordingly, a committee was constituted to examine the institution of gallantry awards for the Indian Armed Forces. In June 1948, the committee recommended the creation of the Chakra series—Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra.

Although these awards were initially envisaged to be instituted by a royal warrant, they were ultimately established by the Government of India on Republic Day, 26 January 1950. This marked the beginning of a new era in India’s system of military decorations and medals. The Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra were accorded precedence above all decorations previously awarded to Indian personnel. Simultaneously, the General Service Medal (1947) was instituted to recognise general operational service. Thereafter, the number and variety of Indian decorations and medals expanded steadily.

Subsequently, the Ashoka Chakra series—comprising three classes—was instituted to recognise gallantry displayed otherwise than in the face of the enemy. This series now consists of the Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra. In 1960, the Vishisht Seva Medal series was introduced and later redesignated as the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal. A more recent addition is the Yudha Seva series, comprising the Sarvottam Yudha Seva Medal, Uttam Yudha Seva Medal, and Yudha Seva Medal.

Over time, a number of campaign and service medals were also instituted, including the Samar Seva Star, Raksha Medal, Poorvi Star, Paschimi Star, Sangram Medal, Videsha Seva Medal, and the General Service Medal. Long service and good conduct awards were introduced periodically, such as the Meritorious Service Medal, Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, and the 30-Year, 20-Year, and 9-Year Long Service Medals. Commemorative medals included the Indian Independence Medal and various Anniversary Medals. The number of Indian national awards, which stood at seven in January 1950, rose to ten by March 1952, twenty-seven by November 1964, forty by January 1973, fifty-one by June 1976, and fifty-five by January 1981.

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The Ribbon

The ribbon forms an integral and inseparable part of a medal. Its historical evolution is best explained by Steward in ABC of War Medals and Decorations. He notes that the rout of the Spanish Armada in 1588 likely inspired Queen Elizabeth I to commemorate the victory through medals in gold and silver, worn by leading officers as personal decorations. Early examples, suspended by rings and chains—possibly worn around the neck—are preserved in the British Museum.

Thus, from its inception, the medal was associated with a means of display. Initially, this may have been a chain, later replaced by a ribbon. The Deccan Medal, the first Indian military service medal instituted in 1784, was worn suspended from the neck by a yellow cord passed through a metal loop. The ribbon in its modern form evolved much later.

The “Naval Riband of England” and the “Military Riband of England” were among the earliest ribbons of this type. The latter was used for the Army Gold Medal and Cross (1808–1814), as well as the Waterloo and General Service Medals of 1847. Recipients of the Srirangapattannam and First Burmese War medals also used this ribbon. Its adoption for East India Company medals in India was unusual. Lord Ellenborough, Governor General of India (1842–1844), proposed a distinct “Military Riband of India” depicting an oriental sunrise, modelled on the English riband. This ribbon was used for the Kelat-i-Ghilzee, Jalalabad, Afghanistan, and Sind Medals, as well as the Maharajpore and Punniar Stars.

As the number of medals increased, new ribbons were introduced. The Ghaznee Medal was among the first to be issued with a unique ribbon, and thereafter each new decoration was accompanied by its own ribbon. Notably, the colours and combinations chosen for ribbons were never arbitrary; each conveyed a specific meaning or message.

The ribbons of the Indian Republic were selected with particular care. The purple ribbon of the Param Vir Chakra symbolises conspicuous bravery; purple, traditionally associated with the heart, also carries the historic dignity of its association with the Victoria Cross. A discernible pattern emerges in Indian ribbons, which predominantly incorporate saffron, white, and green—the colours of the National Flag. Service-specific colours are also used: Army red, Navy blue, and Air Force blue. In general symbolism, red denotes courage and bravery; saffron signifies self-sacrifice and devotion to duty; green represents growth and auspiciousness; white stands for purity and glory; and blue conveys devotion and sacrifice. At times, red, dark blue, and light blue also directly represent the Army, Navy, and Air Force respectively.

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Symbols

Without its emblem, a medal is merely a piece of metal; it is the symbol that gives it meaning. Each symbol is carefully chosen to reflect the action or ideal the medal commemorates. For example, the Srirangapattannam Medal, instituted to mark the British victory over Tipu Sultan in 1799, depicted a British lion trampling a tiger—symbolising triumph over Tipu Sultan. The reverse showed the storming of the fort beneath the meridian sun, signifying the successful assault at the height of daylight.

In the Indian Republic, exceptional attention has been devoted to symbolism. The selection of the Vajra (thunderbolt) as the emblem of the Param Vir Chakra is particularly significant. The Vajra was the amogha-astra—the infallible weapon—of Indra, the Vedic god of war, used to slay the demon Vrtra and release life-giving waters for humanity. According to Puranic tradition, the Vajra was fashioned from the bones of Sage Dadhichi, who sacrificed his life for the protection of righteousness.

The star, chosen for the Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra, and the Vishisht Seva Medal series, is equally meaningful. A celestial body known for its fixed and steady position, the star symbolises enduring glory. In Indian mythology, the steadfast boy Dhruva was granted an eternal place in the northern heavens by Lord Vishnu, reinforcing this symbolism.

Another prominent motif in Indian decorations is the Chakra, which appears on the National Flag and in the Ashoka Chakra series. The Chakra represents movement, action, and progress. Adopted in Buddhism as the Dharma-Chakra, it symbolised the spread of the Buddha’s teachings and later came to be known as the Ashoka Chakra.

The Ashoka lions appear on the obverse or reverse of many Indian medals. When accompanied by the motto Satyameva Jayate, they form the National Emblem, with the four lions symbolising the universal and timeless application of Dharma.

This, in brief, is the story of the evolution of Indian medals, ribbons, and symbols instituted over time. The relevant Gazette notifications are provided in Appendices 2 and 3, while Appendix 1 contains the official order of precedence governing the wearing of medals and decorations.

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Order of Precedence — Medals & Decorations of India

Top National & Military Honours

1. Bharat Ratna (Highest civilian award; worn by military too)
2. Param Vir Chakra (PVC) (Highest military gallantry award)
3. Ashoka Chakra (AC) (Highest peacetime gallantry award)
4. Padma Vibhushan (2nd highest civilian award)
5. Padma Bhushan (3rd highest civilian award)

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Military Distinguished & Service Awards

1. Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (Distinguished service in war)
2. Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) (Distinguished service of the highest order)
3. Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) (Second highest military gallantry award)
4. Kirti Chakra (KC) (Second highest peacetime gallantry award)
5. Padma Shri (Civilian award)
6. Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (Distinguished service in war/conflict)
7. Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) (Distinguished service)
8. Vir Chakra (VrC) (Third highest military gallantry award)
9. Shaurya Chakra (SC) (Third highest peacetime gallantry award)

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Gallantry & Distinguished Service Medals

1. Sena Medal (Army) / Nau Sena Medal (Navy) / Vayu Sena Medal (Air Force) (Bravery & distinguished service)
2. Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) (Meritorious service)
3. Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak (Civilian lifesaving award)
4. Wound Medal (Award for being wounded in action)

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Campaign & Service Medals

1. General Service Medal (Operational service)
2. Samanya Seva Medal (General service)
3. Special Service Medal
4. Samar Seva Star
5. Poorvi Star (Eastern theatre service)
6. Paschimi Star (Western theatre service)
7. Operation Vijay Star (Specific mission medal)
8. Siachen Glacier Medal (Siachen operations)
9. Raksha Medal
10. Sangram Medal
11. Operation Vijay Medal
12. Operation Parakram Medal
13. Sainya Seva Medal
14. High Altitude Medal
15. Videsh Seva Medal

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Long Service & Meritorious Awards

1. Meritorious Service Medal
2. Long Service & Good Conduct Medal
3. 30 Years Long Service Medal
4. 20 Years Long Service Medal
5. 9 Years Long Service Medal

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Independence & Commemorative Medals

1. Indian Independence Medal (1947)
2. 75th Independence Anniversary Medal
3. 50th Independence Anniversary Medal
4. 25th Independence Anniversary Medal

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International & Other Recognitions

1. Commonwealth Awards (as applicable)
2. United Nations Medal (UN peacekeeping service)
3. Other recognised awards (various admissible honours)

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Notes

• This order reflects precedence followed by the Indian Army and largely by Indian Armed Forces; Navy/Air Force may have slight service-specific sequence variations in campaign medals. Wikipedia
• Civilian awards (Bharat Ratna, Padma series) can be worn by military personnel and are placed above most military decorations. Wikipedia
• Police, Fire, Home Guards, Correctional Services and related medals have their own precedence but are not included in this core military order list.

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