The Gwalior Star Medal was awarded to the soldiers of the British Army, who took part in the 1843 Battle of Gwalior, which was fought at Maharajpur and Panihaar. On 29th Dec, 1843, the British Army defeated HH Maharaja Mahadji Rao Scindia, and took over the control of Gwalior. The first division of the army, under Sir Hugh Gough, completely defeated the Scindia on the 29th December, 1843, at Maharajpoor. On the same day, Major-General Grey, with the second division, utterly routed a strong Scindia force at Punniar. This six pointed Star Medal is made of Bronze, from guns captured at the Battles of Maharajpoor and Punniar, during the Gwalior Campaign. The Bronze Medal has a Silver Centre, which bears the Date 29th Dec, 1843 and the name of one of the Battle Grounds, where the Battle of Gwalior was fought, i.e. MAHARAJPOOR or PUNNIAR. The reverse of the Medal is plain and has the name engraved of the Soldier, to whom the Medal was awarded, alongwith the Regiment of the recipient. It is said that Queen Victoria herself took interest in the designing of this Medal.
This medal was presented by the British India Government (Popularly known as East India Company) to all the ranks who took part in the battle of Gwalior. The original issues were made with hooks on the reverse to wear the star on the breast but rings or suspenders were later fitted by recipients to allow wear in keeping with other medals. They are worn with the Indian ribbon.
Abhay
