Indian Order of Merit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Indian Order of Merit |
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Indian Order of Merit (2nd Class, Military Division) (top)
Ribbon (bottom) |
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| Awarded by the British monarch | |
| Type | Military decoration |
| Established | 1837 |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens in the armed forces and civilians (civilian division) |
| Awarded for | Gallantry |
| Status | Discontinued in 1947 |
| Post-nominals | IOM |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Victoria Cross |
The Indian Order of Merit (IOM) was a special award given in British India. It was for brave actions by soldiers and sometimes by civilians. This award started in 1837.
After India became independent in 1947, this award was stopped. India then created its own system of awards in 1954. For a long time, the IOM was the highest award an Indian soldier in the British Indian Army could get for bravery.
Contents
What Was the Indian Order of Merit?
The British East India Company first created this medal in 1837. It was called the "Order of Merit" back then. When the British Crown took over India in 1858, they also took over the award.
In 1902, its name was changed to the "Indian Order of Merit." This was to avoid confusion with a similar British award. The IOM was the only bravery medal for Indian soldiers from 1837 until 1907. Later, in 1911, Indian soldiers could also receive the Victoria Cross, which is a very high award.
The main goal of the IOM was to reward "personal bravery." It was not given just for long service or good behavior. It was purely for acts of courage. When India became independent in 1947, both parts of the award were stopped. People who received the IOM could use the letters IOM after their name.
Parts of the Medal
Military Division: For Brave Soldiers
The medal first had three levels: first, second, and third class. Later, when other medals became available for Indian soldiers, it was changed to two classes. The Victoria Cross took the place of the first class. In 1944, it was reduced to just one class.
Usually, a soldier needed to have the lower class before getting a higher one. But if someone showed great bravery more than once, they might get a higher class right away. Soldiers who received this award also got more pay and pension. They were highly respected for their courage.
Civil Division: For Brave Civilians
There was also a civil part of the award for civilians. It had two classes and was given between 1902 and 1939. After 1939, it became one class. However, this civilian medal was given out very rarely.
How the Medal Looked
Third Class Medal
This medal was an eight-pointed dull silver star. In the middle, it had a blue circle with silver laurels around it. Inside the circle were crossed swords and the words Awarded for Valour. In 1944, these words changed to Awarded for Gallantry.
It was given for a clear act of bravery by any Indian officer or soldier. This could be in a battle or when attacking or defending a fort. The soldier's rank did not matter.
Second Class Medal
This was an eight-pointed shiny silver star. It had a blue circle in the middle with gold laurels around it. Inside were crossed swords and the words Awarded for Valour. These words also changed to Awarded for Gallantry in 1944.
To get this, a soldier usually needed to have the third class first. It was given for similar brave actions.
First Class Medal
This was an eight-pointed gold star. It had a blue circle in the middle with gold laurels around it. Inside were crossed swords and the words Awarded for Valour. These words also changed to Awarded for Gallantry in 1944.
To get this, a soldier usually needed to have both the third and second classes first.
The Ribbon
The ribbon for the medal was dark blue. It had two red stripes on each side, which were about one-sixth of its width.
Famous People Who Received the IOM
Many brave individuals received the Indian Order of Merit. Here are a few notable examples:
- Sub Devi Singh of Bengal Sappers was the first person to receive the IOM. He and 12 other soldiers bravely broke down the strong gates of the Ghazni fort in Afghanistan in 1839.
- Subedar Mir Dast also received the Victoria Cross (V.C.) along with the I.O.M.
- Subedar Kishanbir Nagarkoti of the 1/5 GR (FF) was awarded the IOM four times. This was a very rare achievement, and he received a special gold clasp for it.
- Maharajadhiraja Bahadur Sir Bijay Chand Mahtab was a ruler who received the IOM, among other high honors.
- Sowar A.L. Dafadar Udey Singh received the IOM for his brave actions in France during World War I. He played an important role in pushing back enemy forces.
- All 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikhs British Indian Army were awarded the IOM. They fought bravely to the death against many enemies at the Battle of Saragarhi in 1897.
- Havildar Karbir Pun received the I.O.M. for his actions alongside John Duncan Grant. Grant received the Victoria Cross during the attack at Gyantse Dzong, Tibet, in 1904. This was part of the British expedition to Tibet.
- Havildar Nur Khan received the I.O.M. and the I.D.S.M. He was from the 3/2 Punjab Regiment. He was honored for planning and carrying out an escape from a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp in Tobruk, Libya.
- Subadar-Major and Hon. Captain Bisesar Tewari was a senior Indian officer. As a private soldier in 1886, he received the IOM, 2nd Class. This was for his bravery in the 3rd Burma War. He charged an enemy position even after being badly wounded.
- Subedar Major (Hon. Capt.) Sardar Bahadur Muhammad Ismail received the I.O.M. 2nd Class in 1897. He was part of the 32nd Mountain Battery British India Army.
- Sub. Major & Hon. Capt. Rithu Singh Rawat received the I.O.M., I.D.S.M., and M.D. He was from the 3rd Battalion 18th Royal Garhwal Rifles. He was honored for his brave acts in the Middle East during World War II in 1941.
- Sardar Bahadur Arjan Singh Bhullar received the I.O.M. and O.B.I. He was from the 1st Punjab Sikh Regiment.
- Sardar Bahadur Captain hony JAWALA SINGH also received the I.O.M., O.B.I., the Royal Victorian Medal, and the George 6th Coronation Medal in 1937.
