Orders, decorations, and medals of British India facts for kids

These are special awards and honours that were given out during the time of British India. This was when India was ruled by the British Empire. These awards included different types of orders, decorations, and medals. They were given to people for their bravery, loyalty, or important service.

Honours and Awards in British India

Orders of Chivalry: Special Groups of Honour

Orders of Chivalry were like exclusive clubs for people who showed great service. Members received special badges and titles.

• Order of the Star of India (1861–1947): This was created to honour Indian princes and British officers who served in India.
• Order of the Indian Empire (1878–1947): This order was for those who did important public service in India.
• Order of the Crown of India (1878–1947): This was a special award given only to women, usually royal princesses or wives of high-ranking officials.

Order of Merit: For Excellent Service

The Order of Merit was given for outstanding service, often in the military.

• Order of British India (1837–1947): This award was for Indian officers in the British Indian Army who showed long and faithful service.

Medals: Recognising Bravery and Service

Medals were given for many reasons, from bravery in battle to long service in different jobs.

Civil Medals: For Public Service

These medals recognised people who did great work for the public.

• Kaisar-i-Hind Medal (1900–1947): This medal was given for public service in India, often to civilians.

Military Medals: For Courage in Battle

These medals were specifically for soldiers who showed bravery or excellent service in the military.

• Indian Order of Merit (1837–1947): This was a very high award for bravery in battle for Indian soldiers.
• Indian Distinguished Service Medal (1907–1947): This medal was given for brave acts in battle, but not quite as high as the Indian Order of Merit.

Service Medals: For Long and Good Conduct

These medals were for people who served for a long time and behaved well in their roles.

• Indian Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1848–1873): Given to European soldiers in the Indian Army for long service.
• Indian Meritorious Service Medal (1848–1873): Also for European soldiers, for special good service.
• Indian Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (for Indian Army) (1848–1873): Similar to the above, but for Indian soldiers.
• Indian Meritorious Service Medal (for Indian Army) (1888–1947): For Indian soldiers showing special good service.
• Volunteer Officers' Decoration for India and the Colonies (1894–1899): For volunteer officers.
• Volunteer Long Service Medal for India and the Colonies (1896–1930): For volunteers who served for a long time.

Police Medals: For Law Enforcement

These medals recognised the hard work of police officers.

• Indian Police Medal (1932–1950): Awarded to police officers for bravery or distinguished service.

Commemoration Medals: Marking Special Events

These medals were created to remember important events or celebrations.

• Empress of India Medal (1877): Given to mark Queen Victoria becoming Empress of India.
• Delhi Durbar Medal (1903) and Delhi Durbar Medal (1911): These were given to people who attended special ceremonies in Delhi.

Campaign Medals: For Military Campaigns

Campaign medals were given to soldiers who took part in specific military campaigns or wars.

Battle Honours: Recognising Military Achievements

Battle Honours were special names given to military units (like regiments) to recognise their bravery and success in important battles. These names were often displayed on their flags.

• Mysore (1789–91): For battles fought in the Mysore Wars.
• Egypt (1801): For taking part in the Egyptian Campaign.
• Assaye (1803): For the Battle of Assaye, a key victory.
• Abyssinia (1868): For the Abyssinian Expedition.

Titles: Special Recognitions

Titles were special names given to individuals to show their high status or achievements.

• Title Badge (India): A badge worn by those who received certain titles.

First Class Titles

These were very high-ranking titles.

• Sardar Bahadur: A title of honour for Indian officers, meaning "Brave Leader".
• Diwan Bahadur: A title for Indian civilians, often given to those in government service.

Second Class Titles

These were also important titles, but a step below the first class.

• Khan Bahadur: A title for Muslim and Parsi individuals, often for public service.
• Rai Bahadur: A title for Hindu individuals, also for public service.

Third Class Titles

These were lower in rank but still recognised good service.

• Khan Sahib: A title for Muslim and Parsi individuals, often for local service.
• Rai Sahib: A title for Hindu individuals, also for local service.

See also

• Orders, decorations, and medals of the United Kingdom