Medal, given to the Coorgs for their Services in Canara in 1837, 19th century electrotype copy.

Obv., an armed Coorg about to strike with his sword and border of inscription. Rev., laurel branches, arms, and the words.

Given by the late Jas. W. Fleming

Given by the late Jas.W.Fleming, F.R.C.S.E., Surgeon- Major 4th R.I.D Guards.

In 1799 the province of Kodagu had been afforded protection by the British East India Company. However, after the destabilising activities of the Vira Raja, the EIC intervened and the state was formally annexed in 1834. Susequent issues over the introduction of monetary taxation seemed to have been behind a rising by the Gauda people in Kanara, a province of Kodagu. Due to the loyalty of the Kodavas to British rule, the rising met with little success. This loyalty was immediately rewarded by the issuing of this medal to the loyal people of the Kanara area. Approximately 250 were struck but the medals issued were unnamed, so the identity of the recipients are unknown. An original medal is in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

copied from an English original

This is a silvered electrotype copy medal made in the 19th century, in England. The obverse of this medal represents an armed Coorg about to strike with his sword, surrounded by border of inscription. The reverse shows laurel branches, arms, and the words "For distinguished conduct and loyalty to the British Government. Coorg, April, 1837."

1538-1877