[1] The War was fought between the British HEIC and the Kingdom of Nepal as a result of border disputes between the two countries.

The war ended in 1816 with the Treaty of Sugauli, in which Nepal ceded territory to the HEIC, agreed to a British representative in Kathmandu and allowed Britain to recruit Gurkhas for military service with the HEIC.

The medal was authorised on 20 March 1816 by the Marquess of Hastings, Governor-General of India,[2] for award to all native Indian officers, and to selected native soldiers of the armies of the Honourable East India Company for distinguished zeal and courage during the War.

It is 2.0 inches (51 mm) in diameter[6] and has the following design:[4] The obverse depicts a fortified mountain-top with, in the foreground, a cannon and troops marching with a flag and fitted bayonets behind a hill.

There is no inscription.The reverse has the Persian inscription This medal was conferred by the Nawab Governor-General Baghatur, in testimony of the energy, good service, skill and intrepidity which was displayed during the campaigns in the hills, in the Hijri years 1229 and 1230.The medal was issued unnamed.The suspension is a flattened loop, pinned at the base, through which passes a suspension cord or narrow ribbon, allowing the medal to be worn around the neck.