The Vir Chakra Decoration was established on 26 January 1950 and is the third highest wartime gallantry award of India. It is presented for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy on the battlefield.
The decoration was created after the independence of the country, when the British honors and awards system in India informally came to an end. It replaced the British Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), Military Cross (MC) and Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) awards.
Award of the decoration carries with it the right to use Vr.C. as a postnominal abbreviation. It also carries with it a cash allowance and, in some cases, a lump sum cash award.
The Vir Chakra Design
The medal is circular in shape, struck in silver and measures 1-3/8 inches.
The obverse has an embossed five-pointed circular star. In the center is the chakra and the state emblem. The reverse has the inscription “Vir Chakra” embossed in Hindi and English, with two lotus flowers in the middle.
The ribbon or ribband measures about 3.2 cm in width and is half dark blue and half orange-saffron.
