The Wheel of Bravery: India's third-highest wartime gallantry award

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Recognized for exceptional courage on land, at sea, or in the air, the Vir Chakra serves as a vital symbol of Indian military valor. Established shortly after independence, this silver medal honors those who demonstrate gallantry during wartime, following the nation's highest honors for bravery.

The Vir Chakra, which translates to 'Wheel of Bravery,' is a prestigious Indian military decoration awarded for acts of gallantry during wartime. It is the third-highest award in the nation's hierarchy of wartime gallantry, positioned behind the Param Vir Chakra and the Maha Vir Chakra. The award recognizes bravery performed across all combat environments, including land, air, and sea operations.

On 26 January 1950, the President of India officially instituted this honour, retroactively applying it to 15 August 1947. It was designed to replace several British-era decorations, specifically the Military Cross (MC), the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), and the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). To avoid confusion with the British Victoria Cross (V.C.), recipients use the postnominal abbreviation Vr.C.

Physically, the award is a circular silver medal measuring 1+3/8 inches in diameter. Its design features a five-pointed star with a chakra at the center, topped by a gilded state emblem. The ribbon is 32 mm wide, split equally between dark blue and orange-saffron. While the medal carries a cash allowance—set at a monthly stipend of Rs. 850 by the central government starting 1 February 1999—the inclusion of such monetary rewards has been a subject of controversy throughout the award's history.

To date, a total of 1,327 personnel have been honored with the Vir Chakra. Beyond the central stipend, many Indian states have implemented their own individual pension rewards for recipients.

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