Medals of Nepal

International Electronic Phaleristic Encyclopedia

by Edward S. Haynes
(© 1999)

       

What is presented here is almost inexpressively preliminary, but - as Nepali awards are almost totally unknown - "something is better than nothing".  Details and corrections are welcomed.

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

  1. Mahendramala Manapadvi / Order of Mahendra Mala -- Awarded to foreign reigning monarchs and to the King of Nepal only. Established: 15 Phakguna 2017 (26 February 1961), by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: Worn suspended from an ornate chain. The pendant is gold and silver, with a gold center bearing the likeness of the king, surrounded by diamonds. Emeralds and rubies are set into the elaborate design. Ribbon: None.

  2. Sena Saubhagya Bhaskar -- Awarded to military personnel who at grave risk of life perform distinguished acts of gallantry in a combat situation. This is the highest Nepali award for gallantry. Recipients of the award are entitled to use the postnominal abbreviation Se. Sou. Bha. Subsequent awards are recognized by the addition of a kukri to the ribbon, made from the same metal as the medal. Established: By King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev on 11 Pousha 2020 (26 December 1963). Obverse: A twelve-pointed star of bronze (?) with the image of the sun (in stylized Nepali form) in the center, surrounded by the legend ""Mrityormamritam Gamaya / Sena Saubhagya Bhaskar" or "Lead me from death to deathlesness / "???". Above, there is a crown. Suspended from a straight-bar suspension by two kukris, handles to the center and blades upward. Reverse: An upright trident against a background of the Himalayas. On a scroll below, the legend "???" "???" or "???". Surrounding all, the petals of a stylized eight-petaled lotus blossom. Ribbon: Half-and-half red (left, wearer's right) and orange-yellow (right, wearer's left) with a zigzag central stripe of pale yellow.

  3. Nepal Pratap Bhaskar -- Conferred on the Nepali royal family and on foreign kings and queens. Established: 10 Pousja 2023 (25 December 1966) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: A silver oval sunburst star with a six-pointed star with decorative lotus flowers at each point overlaid in gold. The points are enameled red and each bears a distinctive design. The hexagonal center has an enameled image of white mountains and blue sky, with a gold scepter superimposed. Above, a gold inscription "Asatoma Sadgamaya" or "Lead me from untruth to truth" and, below, a red inscription, "Mitrasya Chakshusha Sameekshamahe" or "Let us view with friendly eyes". Reverse: Plain. Ribbon: Pale blue with a red center stripe edged with thin white stripes.

  4. Ojasvirajanyako Manapadvi / The Most Glorious Order of Rajanya -- Conferred on members of the Nepali royal family on foreign rulers and their families. Established: 7 Jyeshtha 1991 (14 May 1934) by King Tribhuan Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: An eight-pointed silver star with flame-like points; between these points, gold faceted designs. In the center, a gold and silver depiction of crossed kukris with a sun and crescent moon above. Surrounding, on circular enameled band, an inscription. Reverse: pin for suspension. Ribbon: Tan-yellow with very narrow white edge stripes at each side.

  5. Tribhavan Prajatantra Shripad -- Awarded to members of the royal family of Nepal and to other Nepali citizens for valuable services to the kingdom. It may not, apparently, be awarded to foreign nationals. Established: 20 Vaishakha 2013 (2 May 1956) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: A star of various designs (see details below), bearing in the center an image of the garlanded king with right hand raised in greeting. Reverse: pin for suspension. Ribbon: Red, with thin edge stripes (reading inward) of white, blue, white, green, white.

  6. Nepal Shripad -- Awarded to members of the Nepali royal family and to Nepali citizens for significant contributions to the cause of national prestige. Established: 1 Pousha 2019 (16 December 1962) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: A star of various designs (see details below) with the crowned image of the king holding a scepter in the center. Reverse: Pin for suspension. Ribbon: Red, with a thin blue central stripe and, on each side of that, two thin white stripes.

  7. Nepal Tara / The Most Refulgent Order of the Star of Nepal -- Awarded to members of the royal family and to members of the Nepali army for outstanding merit, both civil and military. It may also be awarded to foreign nationals (especially military officers) attached to the Nepali army for meritorious service in the maintenance of international peace. Established: Originally established 14 Marga 1975 (29 November 1918) by King Tribhubhan Bir Bikram Shah Dev as a single-classed medal. Reorganized by King Tribhuban in 1947 as a multi-classed order. King Tribhuban established the medal of the order, the Nepal Tara Padak, in 1995 (1936 C.E.). Obverse: A twelve-pointed silver star, enameled in black and white; between each point are red-enameled flames. The center medallion shows a multi-colored enameled depiction of the Himalayas, in natural colors and surrounded by a blue-enameled band, with gold pattern. In the center is another circular white medallion with a silver six-pointed star and silver three-pointed trident, surrounded by a plain red-enameled band. Reverse: Pin for suspension. Ribbon: A rainbow effect, fading (left to right) from dark red into white, into yellow, into orange.

  8. Om Ram Patta -- Awarded to members of the royal family and to other Nepali Hindus who "set bright examples of national service". Established: 15 Kartika 2003 (31 October 1946) by King Tribhiban Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Ribbon: Red with wide blue edges.

  9. Trishakti Patta -- Awarded to members of the royal family and to Nepali nationals who make notable contributions toward the cause of the nation. It may also be awarded to foreign nationals "who cherish love and goodwill towards the Kingdom of Nepal." Established: 12 Marga 1994 (27 November 1937) by King Tribhuban Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Ribbon: Blue with edge stripes (reading inward) of white, green, white.

  10. Gorkha Dakshinabahu / The Most Puissant Order of the Gurkha Right Arm -- Awarded to members of the royal family and to Nepali citizens who render valuable service to Nepal. It may also be awarded to foreign nationals. Established: In 1952 (1895 C.E.) by King Prithvi Bir Bikram Shah Dev; awards were, apparently, suspended in the following year. The award was reinstituted by King Tribhuban Bir Bikram Shah Dev on 23 B??? 1989 (7 September 1932). King Tribhuban established the medal of the order in 1995 (1936 C.E.). Obverse: A silver four-pointed star with a silver kukri on a dark blue enameled circle. Ribbon: Saffron. Some manufacturings of the ribbon have a darker red/brown appearance.

  11. Nepal Mahapratap Vardhak -- Awarded to officers of the rank of lieutenant colonel (battalion commander) or above for deeds of bravery in combat or in the defense of the kingdom. In exceptional cases, the medal may also be awarded to recognize outstanding staff service in the design of operational plans. Award of the medal carries with it the right to use the postnominal abbreviation Ne. Ma. Va. The award, while separate, can best be seen as a senior division of the Nepal Pratap Vardhak. Subsequent awards are recognized by the addition of a kukri to the ribbon, made from the same metal as the medal. In general, the award is roughly comparable to the British Distinguished Service Order. Established: 11 Pousha 2020 (26 December 1963) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: Circular bronze (?) medal, in the center the Himalayas with a trident over all. At the bottom, on a ribbon "Jananee Janmabhoomi Svargadapi Gareeyasi" or "Mother and motherland superior far to Heaven". Surrounded by a circle bearing a stylized eight-petaled lotus. Suspended from a straight bar suspender by the Nepali crown and two kukris. Reverse: The circular legend "???" or "???" and, in the center, the date "2020 [= 1963 C.E.]". Ribbon: Red with a black center stripe.

  12. Nepal Pratap Vardhak -- Awarded to officers below the rank of lieutenant colonel (including junior commissioned officers) for acts of bravery either in the face of the enemy or in the defense of the kingdom. In exceptional cases, the medal may also be awarded to recognize outstanding staff service in the design of operational plans. Award of the medal carries with it the right to use the postnominal abbreviation Ne. Va. The award, while separate, can best be seen as a junior division of the Nepal Mahapratap Vardhak. Subsequent awards are recognized by the addition of a kukri to the ribbon, made from the same metal as the medal. Established: In 1975 (1918 C.E.) by King Tribhiban Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Awards were, apparently, suspended the following year and the award was reinstituted by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev on 22 Pousha 2020 (26 December 1963). Obverse: A thirty-six pointed star in bronze (?) with the Himalayas in the center, surmounted by a trident. On a ribbon below, the legend "Jananee Janmabhoomi Svargadapi Gareeyasi" or "Mother and motherland superior far to Heaven". Suspended by a Nepali crown from a straight-bar suspender. Reverse: The circular legend "???" or "???" with the date "2020 [= 1963 C.E.]" in the center. Ribbon: Half-and-half black (left, wearer's right) and crimson (right, wearer's left).

  13. Suvir Patta -- Awarded to non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel for acts of bravery either in the face of the enemy or in the defense of the kingdom. Award of the medal carries with it the right to use the postnominal abbreviation Su. Pa. The award, while separate, can best be seen as an enlisted equivalent of the Nepal Pratap Vardhak. Subsequent awards are recognized by the addition of a kukri to the ribbon, made from the same metal as the medal. Established: 11 Pousha 2020 (26 December 1963) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: Circular silver (?) medal with the Himalayas, surmounted by two crossed kukris and the Nepali crown. On a ribbon below, the legend "Vijaya Shreeveeranam" or "Victory becomes the brave". Suspended from a straight-bar suspender by two kukris. Reverse: A circular legend, "???" or "???", with the date "2020 [= 1963 C.E.]" in the center. Ribbon: Red with two black center stripes.

  14. Nepal Yashovardhak -- Awarded to junior commissioned officers for bravery on the battlefield. Recipients are entitled to use the postnominal abbreviation Ne. Ya. Va. In many ways, this can best be understood as a senior class of the Vir Pata. Subsequent awards are recognized by the addition of a kukri to the ribbon, made from the same metal as the medal. Established: 11 Pousha 2020 (23 December 1963) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: A circular silver (?) medal with the Nepali crown above two crossed kukris in the center. Surrounding, an eight-petaled stylized lotus with each petal bearing one syllable of the legend "Sa Jee-va-ti Ya-sho Ya-sya" or "He lives who lives with honor" (the legend begins at the uppermost petal). Suspended from a straight-bar suspender by a pair of kukris. Reverse: The circular legend "???" or "???" with the date "2020 [= 1963 C.E.]" in the center. Ribbon: White with orange edges and two orange center stripes.

  15. Vir Patta -- Awarded to non-commissioned officers and enlisted men for bravery on the battlefield. Recipients are entitled to use the postnominal abbreviation Vee. Pa. In many ways, this can best be understood as a junior class of the Nepal Yashovardhak. Subsequent awards are recognized by the addition of a kukri to the ribbon, made from the same metal as the medal. Established: 11 Pousha 2020 (26 December 1963) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: Circular bronze (?) medal with a five-pointed star in the center with two crossed kukris; on a ribbon below, the legend "Vijaya Shreeveeranam" or "Victory becomes the brave". Suspended from a straight-bar suspender by the Nepali crown. Reverse: The circular legend "???" or "???" with the date "2020 [=1963 C.E.]" in the center. Ribbon: Red with white edges.

  16. Mahendra Prahari -- Awarded to police officers and men who display extraordinary valor. Recipients are entitled to use the postnominal abbreviation Ma. Pra. Subsequent awards are recognized by the addition of a kukri to the ribbon, made from the same metal as the medal. Established: 27 Jyeshtha 2020 (10 June 1963) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: A silver (?) six-pointed star with the Nepali crown in the center and, on each point, the individual syllables of the legend "Ma-he-ndr Pra-ha-ri" or "???". Suspended from a straight bar suspender composed of a pair of policeman's truncheons joined in the center at the handles. Reverse: A crossed quill and truncheon within a wreath. Below, the date "2022 [=1965 C.E.]". Ribbon: Three equal stripes: very dark blue, red, yellow.

  17. Mahendra Ratna -- Awarded to any person who performs important national work or who renders important aid during times of a natural disaster. Subsequent awards are recognized by the addition of a kukri to the ribbon, made from the same metal as the medal. Established: 26 Ashadha 2019 (10 July 1962) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: A circular medal with two busts in the center, facing left. On a crescent below, the legend "???" or "???" and, below that, the legend "???" or "???". Surrounded by an ornate circular border. Suspended by a straight-bar suspender. Reverse: Within a central circle, the royal crest: a standing lion facing left and bearing the royal flag. Below, the date "2010 [= ???? C.E.]". Ribbon: Red with five pairs of thin white stripes. A different ribbon MAY be used for the last two classes, as listed below?

  18. Shubha Rajyabishek Padak -- Ribbon: Deep orange with five thin equally spaced yellow stripes.

  19. Bahaduri Padak / Bravery Medal -- Awarded for gallantry in the Assam-Burma Theater during WWII. This medal has not been awarded since. Established: 2002 (1945 C.E.) by King Tribhuban Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Ribbon: Red, with eight thin blue stripes, clustered toward the center.

  20. Suprashamsaniya Patta -- Awarded to all ranks of the Nepali armed forces for acts of bravery performed in Nepal. In effect, the Prashanasainya Patta is a junior class of this award. Subsequent awards are recognized by the addition of a kukri to the ribbon, made from the same metal as the medal. Established: 11 Pousha 2020 (26 December 1963) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: "Purushastava Devasou Yavanmanannaheeyate" or "Shorn of honor, a man ceases to be a man". Ribbon: Equal stripes of white, blue, white.

  21. Prashanasaniya Patta -- Awarded to all ranks of the Nepali armed forces for acts of bravery performed in Nepal. In effect, the Surashanasainya Patta is a junior class of this award. Subsequent awards are recognized by the addition of a kukri to the ribbon, made from the same metal as the medal. Established: 11 Pousha 2020 (26 December 1963) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: "Purushastava Devasou Yavanmanannaheeyate" or "Shorn of honor, a man ceases to be a man". Ribbon: Half-and-half, white (left, wearer's right) and blue (right, wearer's left).

  22. Seva Patta / Service Medal -- Awarded to non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel in the army to recognize meritorious service in times of peace. The number of holders of this is limited to one hundred at any time. Established: 11 Pousha 2020 (26 December 1963) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: "Seva Dharam Parama Gahano Yoginamapyagamya" or "Service rules are so profound that even the sages find them hard to understand". Ribbon: Three equal stripes: white, red, pale blue.

  23. Durgam Sewa Padak -- Awarded to royal army personnel for six months of service at altitudes above 10,000 feet or in any other designated harsh-service area. Under special circumstances, the qualifying period for award may be shortened. Established: 11 Pousha 2020 (26 December 1963) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: "Krichchhrepina Chalatyava Dheeranam Nishchala Mana" or "Hardship sways no steady mind". Ribbon: Five equal stripes, three blue and two white.

  24. Paradesa Sewa Padak -- Awarded to army personnel for service abroad with UN peacekeeping missions or in the assistance of friendly foreign countries. Established: 11 Pousha 2020 (26 December 1963) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: "Dhanani Jeevitamchaiva Pararthe Prajna Utsrijet" or "Let the wise sacrifice his all for others". Ribbon: Half-and-half, white (left, wearer's right) and green (right, wearer's left).

  25. Prahari Ratna -- Awarded to members of the police force who perform acts of gallantry. Established: 27 Jyestha 2022 (9 June 1965) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Ribbon: White, with five equally spaced thin blue stripes.

  26. Prahari Parakrem Padak -- Awarded to police personnel for meritorious service. Established: 27 Jyeshtha 2022 (9 June 1965) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: "Satya Seva Surakshanam" or "He serves best who safeguards most". Ribbon: Equal stripes, six blue, five red.

  27. Dirgha Sewa Patta -- Awarded to various personnel for long service. An argument might be made for listing these medals individually, but their functional similarity leads to their being listed together. These awards represent a senior level of award to those periods of service recognized by the Seva Padak. Established: Differs by division, see below. Ribbon: Differs for each division, see below.

  28. Seva Padak / Service Medal -- Awarded to various personnel for long service. An argument might be made for listing these medals individually, but their functional similarity leads to their being listed together. These awards represent a junior level of award to those periods of service recognized by the Dirgh Seva Padak. Established: Differs by division, see below. Obverse: Differs by division, see below. Reverse: Differs by division, see below. Ribbon: Differs by divisions, see below.

  29. Nepal Bhushan / Decoration of Nepal -- Awarded for commendable service. Established: established 28 Ashvina 2023 (14 October 1966) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: A circular silver (?) medal, showing the Himalayas with two crossed kukris in front and the Nepali royal crown above. Below, the legend "Nepal Bhushan" or "Decoration of Nepal". Suspended by a straight-bar suspender. Reverse: A temple, with the legend "???" or "???" above. Ribbon: Three equal stripes, blue with a red center stripe, and with thin white stripes separating these stripes.

  30. Gajendra Moksha / Life Saving Medal -- Awarded to those who, at risk to or at the loss of their own lives, save or attempt to save the life of another. The medal (uniquely for Nepal) is worn on the right breast. Established: 11 Ashvina 1995 (26 September 1938) by King Tribhiuban Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: A circular bronze (?) medal with an elaborate scene in the center of a river with a city to the left rear with an elephant with raised trunk in the foreground; in the sky, a divine chariot. Above, the legend "Jasle Paropakara Garyo Tyo Bancheko Sara Bhayo" or "Philanthropy is the essence of life". The medal is suspended by a ring. Reverse: Within a sunburst and a circle, the date "1995 [= 1938 C.E.]". Ribbon: Blue with thin orange side stripes. The medal is worn on the right breast.

  31. Akash Seva Patta / Air Service Medal -- Awarded for nine years of long service in aerial operations, though in cases of meritorious service the qualifying period may be shortened. Established: established 26 Jyeshtha 2023 (8 June 1966) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev Obverse: A circular silver medal with a stylized Nepali winged face and the legend "???" or "???" on a ribbon below. Suspended by a straight-bar suspender ornamented by two kukris. The only difference in the awards by division lies in the ribbons? Reverse: The Nepali flag flying to the left with the date "2023 [= 1966 C.E.]" below. Ribbon: Different ribbons for each division, see below.

  32. Varuna Padak -- Awarded to fire service personnel for 15 years of service, though in cases of meritorious service the qualifying period may be shortened. Established: 10 Pousha 2023 (25 December 1966) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: A circular bronze (?) medal with a crossed hose and hose nozzle with the Nepali royal crown above. Suspended from a straight-bar suspender ornamented by two kukris. Reverse: A bell with the legend "???" or "???" above and the date "????" or "2023 [= 1966 C.E.]" below. Ribbon: Red with a green center stripe.

  33. Lakshaya Bheda Padak -- Awarded to army personnel for standing first, second, or third in marksmanship contests. The medal is worn from a ribbon around the neck. Established: 1980 (1924 C.E.) by King Tribhuban Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Awards were, apparently, suspended the following year. The medal was reinstituted on 10 Pousha 2020 (26 December 1963) by King Mahendra. Obverse: A circular medal of various metals, a drawn bow and arrow with the Nepali crown above and the date "2023 [= 1966 C.E.]" below. (Does the date change for each annual competition?) Suspended by a ring ornamented with two kukris. Reverse: A weapon in the center - which differs by class and is detailed below - with the legend "???" or "???" below. Above, the legend "???" or "???". Below, a five-pointed star. Ribbon: Yellow. The ribbon is worn round the neck.

  34. Shubha Rajyabishek Padak / Coronation of King Mahendra  -- Awarded to commemorate the coronation of King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev in 1956. Established: 2013 (1956 C.E.) by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev Obverse: Circular silver, the Nepali crown in the center with the legend "Nepal" beneath it and, below, the legend "???" or "???". Surrounded by an ornamental circle. Suspended by a straight-bar suspender ornamented with two kukris. Reverse: A crossed sword and kurki with the Nepali royal flag behind. Below, the legend "??? / 2013" or "??? / 2013 [= 1956 C.E.]". Ribbon: Deep orange with five narrow yellow stripes.

  35. Rajata Jayanti Padak -- Awarded to commemorate the silver jubilee of King Tribhuban Bir Bikram Shah Dev, 1936. Established: 1993 (1936 C.E.) by King Tribhuban Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Obverse: Circular silver (?) medal, with the crowned bust of King Tribhuban, facing left, surrounded by the legend "???" or "???". Suspended by a straight-bar suspender. Reverse: The legend "Rajat Jayanti / 1958-1993" or "Royal Jubilee / 1958-1993 [= 19??-1936 C.E.]". Ribbon: White with five thin equally spaces white stripes.

  36. Coronation of King Bihendra -- 1972. Ribbon: Yellow with five thin equally spaced red stripes.

  37. Assam Burma Ladain Padak / Assam-Burma Medal  -- Awarded for service in the Assam-Burma Theater during WWII. Established: 2002 (1945 C.E.) by King Tribhuban Bir Bikram Shah Dev.  Ribbon: Red with three equally spaced pale green stripes.

  38. Maha Bhoonampa Piditoddhara Padak / The Great Earthquake Medal, 1935 -- Awarded to those engaged in relief operations in the aftermath of the earthquake of 1935. Established: 1991 (1935 C.E.) by King Tribhuban Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Ribbon: Black with thin white edges.

  39. Medal Commemorating the Silver Jubilee of King George V -- 1935. Ribbon: White with five narrow orange stripes.

  40. Long Service Medal -- Obverse: An eight-pointed gilt star.

  41. UNITED NATIONS: United Nations India/Pakistan Observer Mission (UNIPOM), 1965-66

  42. UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), March 1978-

  43. UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Emergency Force Middle East (UNEFME2), October 1973-July 1979

  44. UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), March 1992-December 1995

  45. UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), March 1992-September 1993

  46. UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Operations in Somalia , UNOSOM I, April 1992-April 1993, and UNOSOM II, May 1993-March 1995

  47. UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Operation in Mozambique (ONUMOZ), December 1992-December 1994

  48. UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL), September 1993--

  49. UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH), September 1993-June 1996

  50. UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Confidence Restoration Operation (UNCRO), March 1995-January 1996

  51. UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Preventative Deployment Force (UNPREDEP), March 1995--

  52. UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH), December 1995--

  53. UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja, and Western Sirmium (UNTAES), January 1996--

  54. UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevalka (UNMOP), January 1996--


http://haynese.winthrop.edu/medals/nepal.html
last revised 27 September 1999
Ed Haynes