Home > Indian History > Indian Administration > Indian Defence Awards
Indian Defence Awards
Indian Defence Awards are prestigious awards given for acts of courage. These awards are of two types namely, Gallantry Awards and Non Gallantry Awards. Some of the Indian defence awards are Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Raksha Medal and Sangram Medal.

Share this Article:

Indian Defence Awards, Indian Armed ForcesIndian Defence Awards were constituted to recognize and honor the services of the Indian Defence Force. Since remote past, different countries have been honoring excellence, outstanding services and achievements in a wide range of fields. In India, this recognition has taken a number of forms including awarding of medals. Indian Defence Awards are given by the President of India.

Types of Indian Defence Awards
Indian Defence Awards can be divided into two categories namely, the awards given for gallantry shown while fighting the enemy known as the Gallantry Awards and those given for bravery other than fighting the enemy known as the Non Gallantry Awards.

Gallantry Awards
Indian Defence Awards, Indian Armed ForcesThe Gallantry Awards are again categorized into two main categories - those given for gallantry in the face of enemy and those given for gallantry displayed in situations other than in the face of enemy.

Awards for gallantry in the face of enemy comprises of the prestigious awards like Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra and Sena Medals namely, Nao Sena and Vayu Sena Medals. Param Vir Chakra is the highest honor given to military personnel for the display of courage and bravery. Maha Vir Chakra is the second highest honor given to military personnel for a brave deed on land or sea or air. Vir Chakra ranks third in terms of position in the list of Gallantry Awards and is awarded to military personnel, who have defended their country in times of need. Sena Medal is given to army men. It is a circular silver medal with a bayonet pointing upwards. Nao Sena Medal is a circular silver medal, with a naval crest on the obverse, exclusively presented to the navy personnel. Vayu Sena Medal was established by the President of India on 17th of June, 1960 and is awarded to the Indian Air Force in recognition of such individual acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage, as having special significance to the Air Force.Indian Defence Awards, Indian Armed Forces

The second category of gallantry award comprises of the esteemed awards like Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra. Originally, these were named as Ashoka Chakra Class I, Class II and Class III. While Ashoka Chakra is awarded for the "most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent valor or self-sacrifice" in situations other than in the face of the enemy, the Kirti Chakra is awarded for "conspicuous gallantry" in non-combatant situations. Both the Asoka Chakra and the Kirti Chakra can be awarded to recognize gallantry and courage of the military personnel as well as of civilians. The medals may be awarded posthumously. Shaurya Chakra is awarded to commemorate the valor of civilians and the military personnel.

Non-Gallantry Awards
Param Vishisht Seva Medal was founded in 1960 and recognizes peace-time service of the most exceptional order. Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal recognizes highest degree of illustrious services in times of war or conflict or hostilities. Uttam Yudh Seva Medal is awarded for wartime illustrious services. Yudh Seva Medal also recognizes distinguished service during wartime. Other Non-Gallantry Awards are the Samar Seva Medal, Sainya Seva Medal, Raksha Medal, Sangram Medal, Wound Medal and 25th Independence Anniversary Medal.


Share this Article:

Subscribe to Newsletter
Learn unknown facts about India from a curated list of informative articles.

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Administration

Administration of the Indian Gahadvalas
King occupied the highest position and had enormous power in the administrative system of the Gahadvalas.
Administration in Indian Villages
Administration in Indian Villages has seen significant changes from ancient period to contemporary period. The basic administration structure of Indian villages was quite common in the ancient, medieval and modern period.
Administration of Chera Dynasty
Administration of Chera Dynasty bears some mentioning in the epic Shilappadikaram. There were four divisions of the total Chera kingdom.
Nayaka Administration
Nayaka Administration was one of the major consolidating factors of the Vijaynagar kingdom in the 16th century. The Nayakas ruled as feudal landlords and they controlled the production in their territories through a hierarchical network.
Geeta Chopra Award
Brave girls aged less than 16 years usually are awarded the Geeta Chopra Award for their brave acts.
Sanjay Chopra Award
Sanjay Chopra Award is presented to the bravest boys in India.
Village Administration in Ancient India
Village has been the pivot of administration in ancient India. As the states were small it enhanced the importance of the village.
Indian Coins
Coins of India has been modified from time to time with the changes in different dynasties. Coins of the Indian rupee were first minted in 1950.
Rural Local Self Government in India
Rural local self government in India is a three tier system, which looks after the necessities of the villagers and encourages developmental activity in the villages. The three tiers of rural local self government are Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad.
History of Indian Army
History of Indian Army dates back to the ancient India. From the ancient era to the modern age Indian army has evolved through the ages, with the bravery of Indians.
Kannada Language Newspapers
Kannada language newspapers are catering to the needs of the society, since 1930s. There are several renowned Kannada language newspapers that are published in south India. They are Hosa Digantha, Kannada Prabha, Kranti Kannada Daily and Prajavani.
Land System in Ancient India
Private Ownership of land was not uncommon in ancient India. As per the system King was considered as the owner of the land.
Vir Chakra
Vir Chakra which is the third gallantry award which is awarded for war time acts of bravery. It is granted only to the army personals for their exemplary acts of bravery in the battle field.
Samiti in Ancient India
Samiti was an assembly in ancient India that assisted the King. It is equivalent to modern Lower house or Lok Sabha.
Indian Media
Indian media is a medium of communication, which plays a crucial role in the development of the country. It evolved from print media to electronic media. Print media comprises of newspapers and magazines, whereas electronic media consists of radio, television, films and digital journalism.
Maha Vir Chakra
Maha Vir Chakra is the second highest military felicitation in India. It is awarded for the acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy whether on land or water or air.
Telugu Language Newspapers
There are a number of newspapers in Telugu, which cater to the needs of the people of Andhra Pradesh.
Bharat Ratna
Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India and is given for the highest degree of service to the nation. The award was established by India’s first President, Rajendra Prasad. Apart from Indian citizens, Bharat Ratna award has been given to non-Indians and a naturalized Indian citizen.
Kirti Chakra
Kirti Chakra is awarded for conspicuous gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy. It is the second highest military honour awarded during peacetime in India. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.
Panchyat Samiti
Panchayat Samiti is the link between the district administration and the Gram Panchayat.
Padma Bhushan Awardees
Padma Bhushan Awardees are those people who have received Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India.