The Mahavir Chakra is one of the most prestigious awards for military personnel awarded for bravery on the battlefield. It is the second-highest honor after the Param Vir Chakra. This prestigious award is given to military personnel for showing gallantry in the presence of the enemy while combating in the air, on land, or at sea. This award is the symbol of recognition to the person who has sacrificed their life for the good of the nation. The Mahavir Chakra winners list was last declared in the year 2021. Here is a detailed discussion on the awarding criteria, history, and recipients.
Quick Information on the Mahavir Chakra Award
- First Awarded in: 1949 (for the Indo-Pakistan War)
- First Recipient: Brigadier Rajinder Singh Jamwal (1947-1748)
- Awarded for: Combating the enemy with courage on land, in the air, or at sea
- Eligible person: Military personnel from any Indian armed force (Army, Navy, or Air Force)
- Final Award given : In the year 2021
- Number of recipients till 2021 : 213
- Criteria: Give to both living personalities or posthumously.
- No. of times announced: The Mahavir Chakra award is announced twice a year (once on 26th January and 15th August).
Appearance of Maha Vir Chakra
The Mahavir Chakra is made of silver and round in shape, and it hangs from a bar that is divided by a ribbon. Half of the bar is orange, and the rest is white in color. There is a heraldic star in the middle of the chakra; the edges of the star just touch the rim. On the reverse side, “Mahavir Chakra” is written in English and Hindi in both languages. The diameter of Mahavir Chakra is approximately one and three-eighths inches.
Mahavir chakra winners list (From 1999- 2021)
Year |
Recipient |
| 1987 |
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| 1988 |
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| 1989 |
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| 1999 |
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| 2000 |
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| 2001 |
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| 2021 |
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Prizes for Mahavir Chakra winners list
- A monthly allowance of Rs. 10000 is provided to all recipients of the Mahavir Chakra award irrespective of their rank, income, and pension amount. The monthly allowance has been in effect since the year 2017.
- A one-time cash prize awarded to the recipients with an amount of Rs. 15 lakhs.
FAQ
Who is the final recipient of the Mahavir Chakra ?
Santosh Babu was awarded the Mahavir Chakra award posthumously for Operation Snow Leopard in the year 2021.
What is the Mahavir Chakra made up of?
It is made up of silver.
When was it instituted ?
It was instituted on the 26th of January, 1950 (on Republic Day).
The Mahavir Chakra is equivalent to which award?
The Mahavir Chakra is equivalent to the Kirti Chakra award, which is awarded to personnel fighting with courage other than facing the enemy on the battlefield.
