Decorations and Medals
of the Republic of India

International Electronic Phaleristic Encyclopedia

Shown in the miniature group above (left to right): Paschimi Star (1971), Raksha Medal (1965), Sangram Medal (1971, showing reverse and bar suspension), Sainya Seva Medal (no bar), 25th Independence Anniversary Medal (1972, withbar suspension), 20 Years Long Service Medal, and 9 Years Long  Service Medal

Bharat (India)

(Dominion 1947-50, Republic 1950--)

It is the intent of these pages to present an overview of the decorations and medals awarded by India. Initially created as a modest commemoration of the anniversary of India's 50th year as an independent nation (15 August 1947-15 August 1997), this is extracted from a larger study of decorations and medals in South Asia.

Throughout, frequent reference is made to the Indian "national emblem," the lion capital of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (r. 269-232 B.C.E.) from Sarnath. This emblem is as shown:

Listed below are the individual decorations and medals of India. These are listed according to the most recent order of precedence. As shown, each listing is linked to a separate page on the individual medal.

As new pages or links appear on this page, they will be denoted with and as pages are substantially updated, they are marked with .

This page represents a considerable amount of effort and original research work and users are requested (under terms of both copyright and normal academic uasge) to make reference to this page (link it as a whole) rather than extract and "borrow" information. Thank you.

Please send corrections or comments to Ed Haynes.

• Bharat Ratna (1954-77, 1980--)

• Param Vir Chakra (1952--)

• Ashoka Chakra (1952--)

• Padma Vibhushan (1954-77, 1980--)

• Padma Bhushan (1954-77, 1980--)

• Sarvotam Yudh Seva Medal (1980--)

• Param Vishisht Seva Medal (1960--)

• Maha Vir Chakra (1952--)

• Kirti Chakra (1952--)

• Padma Shri (1954-77, 1980--)

• Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak (1961--)

• Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (1980--)

• Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (1960--)

• Vir Chakra (1952--)

• Shaurya Chakra (1952--)

• Yudh Seva Medal (1980--)

• President's Police and Fire Services Medal for Gallantry (1951--)

• President's Police Medal for Gallantry

• President's Fire Services Medal for Gallantry

• President's Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Gallantry (1974--)

• Sena Medal (1961--)

• Nao Sena Medal (1960--)

• Vayu Sena Medal (1960--)

• Vishisht Seva Medal (1960--)

• Indian Police Medal for Gallantry (1948-51)

• Police Medal for Gallantry (1951--)

• Fire Services Medal for Gallantry

• Home Guards and Civil Defense Medal for Gallantry (1974--)

• Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak (1961--)

• Wound Medal (1973--)

• General Service Medal 1947

• Samanya Seva Medal 1965

• Samar Seva Star (1965)

• Poorvi Star (1971)

• Paschimi Star (1971)

• Siachen Glacier Medal (1984--)

• Punjab Ribbon

• Special Service Medal (1986--)

• Raksha Medal 1965

• Sangram Medal (1971)

• Sainya Seva Medal (1960--)

• High Altitude Service Medal  

• Police (Special Duty) Medal 1962

• Videsh Seva Medal (1960--)

• President's Police and Fire Services Medal for Distinguished Service (1951--)

• President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service

• President's Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service

• President's Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Distinguished Service

• Meritorious Service Medal (1957--)

• Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1957--)

• Coast Guard Medal for Meritorious Service

• Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Service

• Police Medal for Meritorious Service (1951--)

• Fire Services Medal for Meritorious Service

• Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service

• Jeevan Raksha Padak (1961--)

• Territorial Army Decoration (1952--)

• Territorial Army Medal (1952--)

• Indian Independence Medal 1947

• Independence Medal 1950

• 50th Independence Anniversary Medal (1997)

• 25th Independence Anniversary Medal (1972)

• 30 Years Long Service Medal (1980--)

• 20 Years Long Service Medal (1971--)

• 9 Years Long Service Medal (1971--)

• Unnat Raksha Suraksha Corps Medal

• Raksha Suraksha Corps Medal

• National Cadet Corps Long Service Medal for 14 Years

• National Cadet Corps Long Service Medal for 7 Years

• Mention in Dispatches

• COAS/CNS/CAS Commendation Card

• [Gandhi, S. S.,] Encyclopedia of Soldiers with Highest Gallantry Awards (New Delhi: The Defence Review, [1980]

• Haynes, Edward S., "The Decorations and Medals of the Republic of India," The Medal Collector 22, 8 (August 1971): 1-50

Related sites:

• Medals of the East India Company (Ed Haynes)

• Orders, Decorations, and Medals of the Indian Army, 1815-1920 (Fred Larimore)

• The Victoria Cross in India (Ed Haynes)

• The Indian Order of Merit (Ed Haynes)

• The Indian Princely States (Ed Haynes)

• Medals of Pakistan (IEPE) (Edward S. Haynes and Lukasz Gaszewski)

• The International Electronic Phaleristic Encyclopedia (Ed Haynes)

This "Orders, Decorations & Medals Webring"  site is owned by Ed Haynes. Want to join the Orders, Decorations & Medals Webring?
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