Vir-e-Hind


The Vir-e-Hind was a military decoration awarded by the Azad Hind Government. During World War II, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Provisional Government of Free India bestowed the Vir-e-Hind military honor. It was one of numerous awards given to Indian National Army soldiers in recognition of their valor and service.

History

When the Azad Hind Government was founded in Singapore in 1943 with assistance from Imperial Japan, the Vir-e-Hind award was made. The award was a component of the provisional government's efforts to create a symbolic framework of national identity and sovereignty for a future independent India, along with other military awards like the Sher-e-Hind and Shahid-e-Hind medals.

Rank

The award was a second class star below the award of Sardar-e-Jung. First instituted by Subhas Chandra Bose in Germany, it was later also awarded to troops of the Indian National Army in South East Asia.
The award could be conferred with swords for valour in combat, and without swords for non-combat awards.
At least one award was made, to Capt Shangara Singh Mann. Capt. Mann was also awarded the Sardar-e-Jung medal.

Design

While several variants of INA medals exist, Vir-e-Hind medals typically featured designs associated with the Azad Hind movement, including:
  • Emblems linked to INA insignia
  • Nationalist symbols representing an undivided India
  • Motifs reflecting the ethos of the independence struggle
Some medals and other Azad Hind insignia were manufactured in Germany and Japan during 1943–44.

Collectors and exhibitions

Vir-e-Hind medals are rare and highly valued among collectors of wartime memorabilia. Collector Prithwish Dasgupta, based in Baguiati, West Bengal, acquired a Vir-e-Hind medal from a war medal specialist in the United Kingdom. Dasgupta’s private collection of INA and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose memorabilia has been showcased in exhibitions, including at Mother’s Wax Museum in New Town, Kolkata.
His collection also includes: