Delhi Durbar Medal (1911) facts for kids
The Delhi Durbar Medals were special awards created by the United Kingdom during the time of the British Raj (when Britain ruled India). These medals celebrated big events called the Delhi Durbars. A Durbar was a grand ceremony where a new Emperor of India was officially announced in Delhi.
There were two main Delhi Durbar Medals: one in 1903 for King Edward VII, and another in 1911 for King George V. Both medals were about 1.5 inches wide and were made of either gold or silver. People wore them on their left chest, hanging from a ribbon. These medals were worn to show someone had participated in or contributed to these important events.
Quick facts for kids Delhi Durbar Medal, 1911 |
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Obverse and reverse of 1911 Durbar Medal
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| Presented by | United Kingdom and British Raj |
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The 1911 Delhi Durbar Medal
The 1911 medal was given out to celebrate the Durbar for King George V. This event was held in Delhi, India.
What the Medal Looked Like
The medal had two sides:
- Front (Obverse): This side showed the crowned faces of King George V and Queen Mary. They were facing left and surrounded by a wreath of roses.
- Back (Reverse): This side had a message written in Persian. It translated to: The Durbar of George V, Emperor of India, Master of the British Land.
The medals did not have the recipient's name engraved on them.
Who Received the Medal
Many people received the 1911 Delhi Durbar Medal:
- About 200 gold medals were made. These were given to important leaders and high-ranking officials.
- Around 30,000 silver medals were made. About 26,800 of these were awarded.
- Recipients included government officials and important citizens.
- About 10,000 medals went to officers and soldiers from both the British and Indian armies.
The medal was given to people who were at the Durbar. It also went to others across India who helped the British rule.
Durbar Medal vs. Coronation Medal
The ribbon for the Delhi Durbar Medal was the same as the ribbon for the King George V Coronation Medal. Both medals also had the same design on the front. However, the Durbar Medal was slightly larger. It was 1.5 inches wide, while the Coronation Medal was 1.25 inches wide.
People could not wear both medals at the same time. If someone was eligible for both, they would wear the Coronation Medal. They would add a special bar to its ribbon. This bar had the word 'Delhi' on it. This showed they had also been part of the Delhi Durbar.
See also
- Delhi Durbar Medal (1903)
- Delhi Durbar
- British colonial India
- Empress of India Medal
