It was awarded to native Indian troops who took part in the major campaigns in India between 1778 and 1784.

[2] The first campaign medal to be awarded by the EIC to all ranks, it was authorised in 1784 by the Governor-General of India.

[4] In addition to the medal, native soldiers who served in the relevant campaigns received additional pay of one rupee a month, while other ranks of EIC European units – who did not receive the medal – were granted a further two rupees a month.

All types have a common design:[3] The obverse depicts Britannia seated on a number of military trophies, holding a laurel wreath with her right hand towards a distant fort flying a Union Jack.

There is no inscription.The reverse has two Persian inscriptions that translate as: in the centre: As coins are current around the world, so shall be the bravery and exploits of those heroes by who the name of the victorious English Nation was carried from Bengal to the Deccan; around the edge: Presented AD 1784 (Hijri year 1199) by the East India Company's Calcutta Government.The medal, issued unnamed, has a milled edge like a coin.