Instituted on 26 Jan 1950 to recognise the act of gallantry in the presence of the enemy.Design of the Medal and Ribbon
Medal: Circular in shape and is made of standard silver, and is embossed on the obverse a five pointed heraldic star with the points of the star just touching the rim. Medal shall be one and three eighth inches in diameter. The State emblem (including motto) is embossed in the centre-piece which is dorned. The star is polished and the centre piece is in gold gilt. On the reverse it will have embossed Maha Vir Chakra both in Hindi and English with two lotus flowers between Hindi and English. The fitting is swivel mounting.
Ribbon: The ribbon is of a half-white and half-orange colour.
Bar: If any recipient of the Chakra again performs such an act of bravery, as makes him or her eligible to receive the Chakra, such further act of bravery will be recorded by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the chakra is suspended. For every Bar awarded, a replica of the Chakra in miniature shall be added to the riband when worn alone.