Medals & Awards
Awarded For
Awarded for conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea, or in the air.
Eligibility
Open to all ranks of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and lawful civilian defense forces.
Branch
All services
Precedence
3rd in military precedence (following Ashoka Chakra)
History
The Maha Vir Chakra was established on January 26, 1950, by the President of India. It was created to reward acts of conspicuous bravery in combat and took the place of the British Distinguished Service Order. Like the other wartime chakra medals, it took effect starting on Indian Independence Day in August 1947.
Throughout India's major wars, the medal recognized bold leadership and daring counterattacks across rugged mountains, open plains, and high seas. Over time, service members could earn a bar attached to the ribbon for showing repeat acts of high valor in subsequent actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Used In
Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948Operation Vijay (Goa 1961)Sino-Indian War of 1962Indo-Pakistani War of 1965Indo-Pakistani War of 1971Kargil War of 1999
