Indian Meritorious Service Medal
Obverse and reverse of Victoria version of the medal
Type	Long and meritorious service medal
Awarded for	Long and meritorious service
Presented by	British Raj
Eligibility	Indians in the British Indian Army
Status	No longer awarded
Established	1888
Last awarded	1947
First version of ribbon Later version of the ribbon
Order of Wear
Next (higher)	Royal West African Frontier Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal[1]
Next (lower)	Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal[1]
Related	Indian Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (for Indian Army)

The Indian Meritorious Service Medal (for Indian Army) was a long and meritorious service medal awarded to Indian non-commissioned officers in the British Indian Army.^[2]

History

Established on 27 July 1888, the Indian Meritorious Service Medal could be awarded to one Daffadar or Havildar of each of the regiments of the Presidency armies.^[3] To be awarded the medal men must have served at least 18 years and had performed in a meritorious manner, with no court-martials, and having been entered in the defaulters book fewer than five times. He must also have been recommended by his commanding officer.^[4] Recipients of the Indian Meritorious Service Medal had to surrender any previously awarded Indian Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.^[5]

Appearance

The Indian Meritorious Service Medal is a circular silver medal 1.4 inches in diameter, designed by L.C. Wyon. The obverse depicts the effigy of the reigning sovereign. Around the edge is the inscription of the sovereign's regnal name and the title KAISAR-I-HIND.^[5] The reverse depicts an outer wreath of lotus flowers and leaves surrounding an inner wreath of palm leaves. Between the two wreaths is the inscription FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE. Inside the inner wreath is the word INDIA.^[3]