Original Indian Independence Medal and 1971 Campaign Star
Key Information:
• Country: India
• Period: 1947 & 1971
• Lot of 2 medals
• Independence Medal diameter approx.: 36.24 mm
• Pashchimi Star approx.: 45.01 x 40.05 mm
Medal Design:
Police Independence Medal – 1947
Obverse inscription: “INDIAN INDEPENDENCE 15TH AUGUST 1947”
Design: Lion Capital of Ashoka.
Reverse inscription: “GEORGIUS VI D:G:BRITT:OMN:REX FID:DEF”
Translation: “George VI, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain and the Dominions, Defender of the Faith.”
Design: Crown above Ashoka Chakra.
Pashchimi Star Medal (1971 Indo-Pak War)
Obverse design:
Central device: State Emblem of India (Lion Capital of Ashoka).
Inscription around emblem: Left side (Devanagari): “पश्चिमी तारा”
Right side (English): “PASHCHIMI STAR”
Inscription below the lions (Devanagari): “सत्यमेव जयते”
Translation: “Truth Alone Triumphs.”
Reverse: Plain.
Ribbon: maroon with three vertical white stripes.
Condition:
• Independence Medal shows uneven tone and evidence of old protective coating
• Ribbon worn and stained
• Pashchimi Star shows surface wear and age patina
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
The Police Independence Medal marks India’s independence in 1947 during the transitional constitutional period under George VI.
The Pashchimi Star was instituted after the 1971 Indo-Pak War and awarded for service in the Western theatre of operations. The presence of both Devanagari and English inscriptions reflects the bilingual nature of official Indian state decorations.
Summary:
This original two-medal Indian lot spans two important periods of modern Indian history. The Independence Medal represents the historic 1947 transition from British rule, while the Pashchimi Star commemorates service during the 1971 conflict. A solid collectible pair with visible age and honest wear.